At City Teaching Alliance we know that we are not alone in our grief, anger, and frustration over the murder of children and educators in Texas. Schools should be safe places, and we, like you, are anguished that, once again, we see they are not.

We are grieving the loss of precious life to gun violence in Buffalo, Uvalde and so many other cities and are holding space for our teachers, faculty, and staff. But we know not this, nor anything we could do or say, is not nearly enough.

To all teachers and future teachers, and our community, you will carry this trauma into your classrooms for years to come. Maybe forever. That feeling is terrible and it should be preventable. For that, we are so sorry.

Fannie Lou Hamer stated that she was “sick and tired of being sick and tired” and that expresses where we have been, especially today. What does it take for a society to care about children — in a real and tangible way? What do our teachers need to do their jobs with the joy and passion that young minds need? Today, that answer feels elusive.

In the coming weeks and months, our team will be processing alongside you. We don’t have the answers, but we are committed to continuing to support our communities, finding resources, and being an open ear for you. You are not alone in your feelings, whatever they may be.