Future educators respond to removal of ‘Everyone is Welcome Here’ signs

The U.S. Department of Education states within its mission statement that it aims “to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access for students of all ages.” 

Similarly, Lewis and Clark Middle School, a public school less than 20 minutes away from Boise State University, echoes a similar vision — to foster a community where “facilities are safe, welcoming and maximize opportunities to learn and grow.”

This is why students, community members and educators were outraged when Marcus Myers, West Ada School District’s chief academic officer, instructed Sarah Inama, a sixth-grade world civilization teacher, to remove inclusionary welcome signs from her classroom in early March.

One of these signs, which drew national attention, featured colorful text reading: “Everyone is Welcome Here” alongside illustrated hands of various skin tones. Another sign read: “In this room, everyone is welcome, important, accepted, respected, encouraged and valued.”

As reported by the Idaho Statesman, the school district said the signs were removed over concerns they might “inadvertently create division or controversy”.

“It’s just upsetting,” Jillian Deines, a Secondary English Education major said. “There’s a lot going on right now in this political climate with teachers and the Department of Education,. No matter what political side you’re on, I think everybody can agree — and should agree — that education is a right and that every student should feel welcome inside the classroom.”

Deines said her interest in teaching came as something of an “epiphany”. 

“I never thought I would be a teacher,” she said. “I grew up working at summer camps. The summer before I came to Boise State I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, maybe I do want to be a teacher’. I like hanging around teenagers — they’re so fun and weird when you let them do their thing. I switched my major and ended up falling in love with education.” 

Deines is currently coaching volleyball at East Junior High and completing observation hours at Capital High School. After graduation, she dreams of teaching middle school English in Idaho for a few years before eventually moving back to rural Washington, where her family resides. 

In the wake of the “Everyone is Welcome” controversy, educators and families have begun to question the Idaho Department of Education, asking how a controversy of this degree could occur within Idaho’s largest school district. 

Deines expressed concern about difficulties she may face transferring her teaching certification across state lines — an issue many future educators in Idaho may be considering.

“It’s tough because I’m only going to be certified [to teach] in Idaho when I graduate,” Deines said. “Each state has its own test and curriculum, so if I want to move back to Washington, I would have to take a different test [or] maybe even redo a few classes. It’s a much harder process. I know the Idaho curriculum, the Idaho standards and I took the Idaho test. I don’t exactly have that choice.” 

The Idaho Department of Education requires aspiring educators to pass sections of the Praxis exam based on their certification area. At Boise State, students typically take the Praxis prior to student teaching or internships.

In Washington, out-of-state teachers must provide verification of their degree and preparation program, as well as pass basic skills tests and meet content-area assessment requirements. 

“It’s harder to teach in other states than people might think,” Deines said. “I love Boise, but I hope things change. I want to stay here and be a teacher who is there for all her kids, but some serious change would need to happen.”

Ruby McNeal, an Art Education major, said she and her peers have been discussing the sign’s removal within lectures and observation classrooms.

“My professor in my elementary art methods class showed us a news video about [the “Everyone is Welcome” controversy] and we had an in depth conversation. I’m doing observation hours at lots of different schools right now and I’ve been talking to teachers about this when students aren’t around,” McNeal said. “It’s not a topic that should have children involved — it’s a topic for adults to discuss. I think most people who I’ve talked to agree that the sign was within regulations.”

While McNeal supports the community response towards Sarah Inama, she voiced concern that the reaction could potentially bleed into curriculum and classroom discussions.

“Unfortunately, this movement shouldn’t even have to be a movement. A sign like this should not be drawing attention — it should just be up in a classroom,” McNeal said. “I believe the line starts to get a little wobbly when students are getting involved [in a movement]. That is where I believe educators need to watch out, because whether their opinion is right or wrong, it’s not your job as an educator to insert your will into an impressionable child’s mind.”

Under the guise that teachers are approaching these issues with care, McNeal believes it is ultimately up to students and families to choose how involved they want to be in discussions regarding the issue.

Though the controversy has not deterred McNeal from potentially seeking work within the West Ada School District, McNeal is curious to see how the district handles the situation moving forward.

“I really hope that this teacher is able to keep her job and resolve this in a civil way with the school. I hope she can move on feeling peaceful and hopeful towards her next steps,” McNeal said. “I hope [this issue] is something that will die down so that we can get to the root of why we are teachers — which is to help students.” 

Hayley McGregor, a special education teacher in the West Ada School District, attended a recent rally at the Idaho State Capitol in support of Idaho educators amidst the “Everyone is Welcome” controversy. 

At the rally, she proudly held a sign that read: “Every kid. Every day. My classroom does not discriminate!”

When asked about how watching the “Everyone is Welcome” situation unfold within her district impacted her perspective towards her work as an educator, she described it as “gut wrenching”.

“It’s gut wrenching, because obviously the work doesn’t stop. We showed up after spring break ready to love, serve and teach and be with our kids to laugh and have fun,” McGregor said. “But [this situation has] emphasized the amount of work that we have left to do as a state to ensure that the legislature aligns with our values and voting for the people we think best serve our families.“

McGregor encourages future educators to stay committed and grounded in their purpose — even when times feel uncertain. 

“We will always need the people who are willing to put up a good fight. Don’t let it dull your sparkle. If anything, let it empower you,” McGregor said. “If anyone wants to pursue education, there is probably a root inside of them that is wanting to flourish and serve others; there’s so much opportunity for that. Yes, it’s tiring. Yes, it’s draining, but we need people who actually want to be there to be there for kids.”

As the removal of an “Everyone is Welcome” sign from a local classroom continues to spark nationwide conversations, it brings to the forefront broader questions about the pivotal role aspiring teachers will play in shaping their approach to educating in Idaho.

For many future educators, like those at Boise State, this controversy has served as a reminder of the challenges they may face in the classroom while navigating the seemingly polarized Idaho education system.