Teachers deserve more praise
To the editor;
A state representative from Iowa was a speaker at an education conference that I attended last summer in Spokane, Wash.
He gave a “right on” speech about 20 ways educators should interact with their legislators in order to influence education policy. Four of those points were to: remember legislators are people, recognize their problems, be non-confrontational and remember what your mother taught you and say “thank you.”
With new leadership and philosophy on Maine’s political scene, these are uncertain times for education in Maine. Teachers have always been asked to “sacrifice” for the good of students and education. So, they have. However, once again teachers, retirees and state employees are expected to balance the state budget out of their paychecks, their retirement fund and their health insurance. We are told this “sacrifice” will support schools, highway costs, reduce taxes on Maine’s wealthiest individuals and support other ongoing programs.
Even before the recession, Maine teacher pay was on the decline. Maine teacher salaries rank 43rd in the nation. For retired educators, there have been no cost of living adjustments for over two years, even though the price for living essentials has increased.
To become a teacher, at least a four-year college degree is required. This preparation comes with debts to be paid while earning less than workers with no higher education. Then every few years during their careers, they must spend time, money and travel expenses to go back to college to earn extra credits for recertification.
I know of no other profession, such as teaching, where so many have an opinion on what, when, and how teachers should teach and what goes on in their lives after school. During a lesson on community and jobs in a social studies class, I asked students to write their thoughts on some of these jobs. One boy wrote that teachers should spend their evenings correcting papers and planning lessons. Another boy wrote that teachers should wear a little make up and smile. I did those things as other teachers have.
Teaching was my chosen field. I liked being a teacher. I want those going into the profession to feel the excitement and satisfaction that I did. While deciding on “sacrifices” to be made, I would remind the governor and legislators to keep in mind that teachers are people. Recognize the “sacrifices” they have already made and remember what your mother taught you and say “thank you.”
Mabel J. Desmond
Mapleton
