In response to the “Teachers aren’t what they used to be” letter from Phyllis Hansen, I would point out that today’s teachers work in a different environment than Mrs. Hansen’s husband did. Did Mr. Hansen deal with four or more special needs children in a class of 23 without the benefit of a full-time teacher’s aide? How many weeknights did Mr. Hansen spend at school, in meetings with parents, directing school plays or helping with concerts, supporting awards programs, etc? How fortunate Mr. Hansen was to have Saturday and Sunday nights off!
After my retirement, I volunteered at an elementary school in Marysville one day a week. I watched teachers trying to keep order and give enough attention to the children without special needs. I witnessed the dedication given to their profession and am amazed that Ms. Hansen thinks they are more interested in time off. I watched an administrator placating a parent making untrue allegations against a teacher instead of supporting that teacher.
Today’s teachers must be brave enough to deal with threats to their person, dedicated enough to stay on the job even though they could make more money and better benefits at other occupations. They must be prepared to confiscate weapons from elementary school students, protect students from non-custodial parents and predators, keep track of when students need to go to the nurse’s office for their medications and many other duties not required in Mr. Hansen’s time.
In the past, teachers had their medical insurance paid. I know teachers today who pay more than $400 a month toward their coverage. In the past, Marysville School District was the highest paid in the state. That is no longer the case. The changes the school board wants to make in the contract for teachers will mean large paycuts for most.
Even though most teachers no longer wear suits and ties, they still deserve more respect and benefits than they receive.
Camano Island
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