The John Lewis Good Trouble Questionnaire
Chelsea Gallihugh, Calvert County Middle School Science Teacher
Like most activists, Chelsea Gallihugh has a big heart and one way she shows it at school is going hard when spirit weeks roll around. “While they’re not an official union action, they are solidarity actions with colleagues and students. I will ALWAYS participate in a spirit day. The silliest one was “Barbie Day,” which was also a field trip day so nobody else dressed up. I am going to show solidarity whenever and wherever I can, even if it has me dressed as Weird Barbie chaperoning 10 eighth graders through the career and technology academy.”
Okay Chelsea…take the Good Trouble Questionnaire!
What do you love the most about public schools? My biggest responsibility as a teacher is to support students becoming productive citizens. I love empowering them to find their voices before they’re too disenfranchised.
What issues agitate you most about public schools? If someone actually cares about measuring success, we should consider looking longitudinally.
What kind of world do you want to leave for the next generation? I want to leave a world where everyone has a voice. Where people listen to understand instead of listening to respond, where mistakes are met with support and empathy, and where change is viewed as necessary instead of scary.
When did you first realize you had power and that your voice truly matters? One night a guy told me I was insufferable. He said I didn’t even consider that people had a different experience than me. It was the gut check I needed. I was ignorant of the power I was throwing around in casual conversation. That taught me that people don’t have to be aware of their power to wield it. I’ve done a lot of examining of how I wielded power in the past and how I will wield it going forward. I’ve done a lot of apologizing since then, but I haven’t done a lot of being quiet.
Favorite activist t-shirt? Check out my photo to your left!
Who is your activist hero? Why? Jasmine Crockett or AOC. They say what they mean, bring receipts, and don’t shy away from confrontation. They are women who refuse to concede the space they deserve.
What do you wish more members knew about getting involved in their local or MSEA? Many hands make light work and more power.
What song gives you strength to fight for education justice? “Changes” by Tupac.
What’s your favorite way to make good trouble? I like rules. Not necessarily following them, but understanding them so I can work inside, outside, and around them to accomplish what I need. The second is empowering students.
What’s the best time you had making good trouble? Writing public comment is when I feel most sure of myself and powerful. I love translating what pops into my brain into something appropriate, professional, and intelligent. Oh, and there was that year post-Covid, when I abandoned curriculum and helped my 8th graders find their voice using social emotional learning.
What current campaign or issue is at the top of your radar? In this timeline, this is a doozy of a question. I’m paying close attention to our local board of education meetings. In the past the racist, homophobic, transphobic, etc conversations have been shut down. I’m worried about where it will go with our new board. I’m chairing our racial, social, and economic justice committee and we are working to create a coalition of local organizations so as issues arise, we will be able to organize effectively.
What one thing do you wish elected leaders and the public understood about your job? Kids are dynamic humans with a variety of lived experiences, skills, interests, and struggles. Just because someone went to school doesn’t mean they have any idea what happens in schools.Content goes here!