Low pay isn’t a new issue for educators

I am writing in response to the Aug. 21 letter written by Richard Crull regarding the strikes (“Striking Workers: They should be glad to have jobs”). I was appalled that Mr. Crull would compare the baseball players’ strike to the teachers’ strike. I have completed two years of teaching and make nowhere near $36,000 a year just teaching. I would like to know which district around here is offering such a salary. In my first year of teaching, I did make that much – but I worked three jobs.

I, too, have been thinking about the baseball players’ strike and see some similarities about our jobs. Our “seasons” are just about the same number of days. Both teachers and baseball players are dedicated to their profession. The only thing I do not understand is why I am making just over 10 percent of the salary of the lowest-paid Seattle Mariner!

A teacher’s not getting paid enough for what they do is not something that has crept up on us this past year. It has been an ongoing issue. Sure, teachers could find another line of work; but if I were a parent, I would not want just anyone off the street educating my child. The state has already lost some excellent teachers because they couldn’t afford to live on the salary paid.

Another misconception in Mr.Crull’s letter is his belief that teachers have the summers off. I have yet to have a summer off since graduating. Many teachers take classes in the summer to get their continuing teaching certificate, work a second job, or teach classes to help pay the bills.

In my two years of teaching, one thing I have learned is that teaching is a thankless job, and most do not even recognize all the hours spent outside the classroom. They say there is a teacher shortage now in the state, but I don’t think they have seen anything yet.

Everett

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