The John Lewis Good Trouble Questionnaire
Caitlin McCrimmon, Montgomery County 4th Grade Teacher
Caitlin McCrimmon makes good trouble for the Montgomery County Education Association. She’s a 4th grade teacher at Oakview Elementary School and is dedicated to public service. Check out her John Lewis Good Trouble Questionnaire!
What do you love the most about public schools? I love the diversity and the built-in community outreach. Public schools have strong ties to their communities and that creates opportunities for all. I love this about public schools due to my love of service.
What issues agitate you most about public schools? It’s very challenging for a young adult who just graduated to have a full grasp of the school system. This transition leads to being overwhelmed, which trickles down to teacher burnout.
What kind of world do you want to leave for the next generation? I want to leave a world that understands the importance of service and how to be a civil citizen in society.
What is your vision for public education? I envision a public school that would have supported teachers, supportive and trustworthy administrators, proper funding, therapists/ nurses, well-rounded paraeducators, appropriate observations, and zen rooms for staff.
When did you first realize you had power and that your voice truly matters? When I became a restorative approaches coach about a year ago. Shout out to Anica Perez, my mentor coach, and Robin McNair, the restorative practices coordinator in Prince George’s County!
What is your favorite activist t-shirt? A Harriet Tubman t-shirt from the People’s Forum in New York.
Who is your activist hero? Why? Maya Angelou is one of my favorite people in the world. She said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
What inspires you to acts of service? I have a sense of urgency to help others. My first community service was at my elementary school where I beautified their garden. The fact that I can help someone in need fully warms my heart.
What is the most exciting part about community service? The most exciting part about community service is the impact my non-profit has on the community. The service project I love most is the Turkey Drive—many people volunteer and many receive turkeys.
What do you think is your most successful service project? A book drive where we gave about 500 books to Ketchum Elementary School. This event had an impact for a school with real need.
How do you think more service-focused citizens can make change in their communities? Building a rapport in your community by volunteering creates trust and that’s the bridge you need to figure out what the community needs. Volunteering looks like picking up trash in your neighborhood, reading books at your local library, and helping your former teachers.
What is your favorite union chant? “The people united, will never be defeated! Teachers united, will never be defeated! Parents united, will never be defeated! Students united, will never be defeated!”
What one thing do you wish elected leaders and the public understood about your job? It is not easy to call out sick. I am not a babysitter. The work doesn’t end once I go home at night.