Ways Forward

This chapter moves from the premise that carework must be framed in a collective rather than individual context. The chapter begins with the importance of framing teacher professionalism in the context of capitalism. It argues for changing norms based on the experience of those who misfit the design of schools. There must be concrete support for all carework tasks teachers perform. For teachers who give birth, paid parental leave, affordable healthcare, and social programs like daycares in schools are good options. The chapter moves to action steps regarding lactation: Explicit policies and practices communicated by school administration and districts that are clear, transparent, and regularly shared; a comfortable place free from intrusion and extra time to pump; and emotional and practical support from colleagues. Other steps individuals can take to prompt change are using specific language to talk about bodily needs and complaint about how workplaces don’t fit their needs.. The chapter ends with how the temporary experience of expressing milk at work can serve as a moment of awakening to the many realms in which carework needs to be accounted for.