The John Lewis Good Trouble Questionnaire
Casey Day, Frederick County Computer Science Teacher
Brunswick High School computer science teacher Casey Day is a veteran Frederick County and statewide education activist on many campaigns supporting school funding, LGBTQIA+ students and educators, and quality teaching and learning conditions. Check out her John Lewis Good Trouble Questionnaire!
What do you love the most about public schools? I love the opportunities that are available for all students within public schools. No matter your interest, there is a way for you to grow and thrive in public schools.
What issues agitate you most about public schools? People on the outside who invent rhetoric and issues without ever having stepped foot in a classroom since they were children.
Who are your activist heroes? Why? Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko. The struggles against apartheid were happening while I was in school.I saw the impact of governmental and societal policies on large groups of people and also saw the power of organizing and protest.
When did you first realize you had power and that your voice truly matters? When I helped organize the Time to Teach/Time to Learn campaign in Frederick County and then statewide. We got the Time to Learn bill passed and made great changes for students and educators.
What’s the most exciting march or protest you attended? Planned Parenthood v. Casey at the Supreme Court. I knew the case was so important and so many people were there protesting.
What do you wish more members knew about getting involved in their local or MSEA? I wish more people realized the power in their union membership and used it as intended.
What was the silliest action you ever participated in? Once I drafted 10 three-minute speeches and had 10 member sign up for slots to speak at our board of ed meeting. As each speech led to the next, we basically delivered a full 30-minute speech!
What is your favorite activist t-shirt? “Girls just want to have FUNdamental Rights.”
What’s your favorite way to make good trouble? An administrator once told me to do what’s right and what’s good for kids. Rocking the boat is my favorite way to make good trouble.
What song gives you strength to fight for education justice? “Sunday,Bloody Sunday” can always get me pumped up.
What current campaign or issue is at the top of your radar? We have a vocal minority in our county seeking to take away protections from our county-wide policy protecting LGBTQIA+students. In public comment, some folks,including a member of our board of ed,said horrific things. I’m working with local organizations to ensure students know they are loved, seen, welcomed,and affirmed.
What one thing do you wish elected leaders and the public understood about your job? That teachers and students are not either-or. Educators are on the same side as most parents and community members in wanting the best for all their students and the narrative of us versus them hurts students the most.