Pat Conroy editorial

I just checked my twitter and found an article Jim Burke posted written by Pat Conroy on the role of English teachers and the ever-present battle against censorship. Rarely have I read such an eloquent opinion on English teachers. Conroy captures the beauty and importance of English teachers, who have the privilege of opening doors when others aim to shut them. English teachers are faced with a strong desire and necessity to engage students in literature coupled with a challenge from parents who object to the very content that attracts teenager readers and that exists in the real world. Conroy agrees that parents often do not respect the integrity of English teachers. Sometimes, parents read too much into articles posted on the internet, instead of taking the time to read the book and make their own educated judgments, which is simply what teachers want their students to do. I was inspired by this article and know that other teachers (some on my very hall) will benefit from reading Conroy's opinion....
Letter to the Charleston Gazette