That was then, this is now in education

Phyllis Hansen’s letter titled, “Teachers aren’t what they used to be,” should rightly be titled “Teaching isn’t what it used to be.”

Then: Full retirement after 30 years.

Now: Full retirement only after age 65.

Then: Periodic raises and cost-of-living adjustments.

Now: No raise at all, or if you are lucky, 2 percent over three years, no cost-of-living adjustments and less pay for out-of-class work.

Then: Paid insurance for the employee and spouse and family

Now: $400-$500 out-of-pocket just to add your spouse on your insurance, not to mention adding any children.

Teachers are public servants, but they are not volunteer staff. They deserve compensation for their time; they deserve to be able to plan for the future.

Both my children and my son-in-law are teachers in Snohomish County. They are bright, hard-working, dedicated professionals who give 100 percent daily to enrich their students’ lives. They are entitled to the same benefits former teachers and their colleagues have had for years.

Arlington