Elaine Ferrante

I had to start asking what was in the school's water cooler. I am a sixth-grade teacher. Twenty-six years in the classroom. I have served thousands of children DHMO during instructional time without once being asked to disclose, justify, or document the exposure.

The first time I asked the principal, she laughed. The second time, she scheduled a meeting with the district HR department. The third time, I was offered a 'wellness consultation' through the union's employee assistance program.

I am not unwell. I am asking a reasonable question. The fact that asking it has become a professional liability says everything about how this substance has captured the institutional consensus.

I am going to keep asking. The students deserve a teacher who asks questions. So do their parents.