Photos: Teachers Across the Country Turn to #ADayWithoutAWoman as a Teachable Moment

American citizens awoke to morning news reports stating that schools across the nation were closed due to female teachers taking the day off to commemorate International Women’s Day. However, many other educators did make it to their classrooms today, using the occasion as an opportunity to teach important lessons to their students.

In the classrooms, discussions revolved around the celebration of International Women’s Day, as well as conversations about A Day Without a Woman. Both of these movements aim to raise awareness about the significant contributions that women make to society.

Today’s outpouring of support comes more than six weeks after the women’s marches that took place worldwide, attracting over 2 million people who advocated for women’s rights and protested against Donald Trump’s election in the United States.

From inspiring writing assignments to imparting knowledge about the significance of the holiday, students and teachers took to Twitter to share stories about the teachable moments that can be learned from these experiences.

For example, one teacher responded to a student who questioned why there wasn’t a special day for men by explaining that every day is an opportunity to celebrate men. Another teacher made a male student wear a sign that referenced gender stereotypes after he made an inappropriate comment about International Women’s Day. These instances demonstrate the efforts made by educators to address issues of equality and promote a respectful and inclusive society.

Teachers also shared anecdotes about their own experiences on International Women’s Day. Some teachers allowed female students to leave class early while male students remained, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating women’s achievements. Others incorporated lessons about influential women into their curriculum, such as teaching about Susan B. Anthony.

Despite some teachers being unable to participate in the strike due to their commitments to their students, they expressed their support for A Day Without a Woman and stood in solidarity with the movement. These educators recognized that their priority was to be there for their students, but they wanted to show their support in their hearts.

One teacher mentioned the overwhelming amount of red clothing worn by individuals in their building, symbolizing support for International Women’s Day. They also shared the powerful quote, "One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world," emphasizing the importance of education and empowering women.

In conclusion, the actions of educators and students on International Women’s Day underscored the significance of the holiday and the need to continue advocating for gender equality. These teachable moments provided valuable lessons about the contributions of women and the importance of equality in our society.