Changing Policies

Every day, we receive calls and e-mail messages from teachers who have witnessed cruelty to animals in science classes, teachers who are concerned about other teachers' insect-collecting assignments, and teachers who want to stop school trips to circuses or rodeos but aren't sure how to proceed.

If an animal's life is in danger, contact authorities immediately. If no action is taken right away, call the media, then follow up with school administrators. If you're concerned about a cruel project or program, take the following steps:

Step 1: Document the situation using photographs, witness statements, fliers, advertisements, a class syllabus, etc.

Step 2: Find others-students, teachers, and parents-who share your concerns. There is power in numbers.

Step 3: Meet with the teachers or school administrators involved to discuss your concerns. This is one of the most important steps but is also the most frequently avoided. Don't fear that speaking out will jeopardize your job or affect a student's grades or that your concerns won't be taken seriously. Be concise and sincere, and offer a humane alternative to the project or program. If you do not come to a decision at your meeting, ask to be kept informed. TeachKind's humane educators are glad to help, but teachers and school administrators are more likely to respond to concerns that come directly from their own students, parents, teachers, or community members than to those that come from an organization with no school affiliation.

Step 4: Follow up. If it appears that no one is taking your concerns seriously or that no action is being taken, take your concerns to the superintendent, school board, or directors of curriculum and development.

Step 5: If no action is taken, contact the media. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Call a local news station and ask for your story to be covered as a community issue. Don't hesitate to contact TeachKind for assistance. Send your concerns (in as much detail as possible) to Info@TeachKind.org. We will contact your school to voice concern about the message that the project or program sends and about the suffering of any animals who are involved.

TeachKind
501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510
Info@teachkind.org 757-622-7382