Time for teachers to police themselves

I would like to respond to the March 15 Associated Press article, “Principal held for voyeurism.” Since January, there have been several articles about school levies and how it is important for them to pass.

We read letters regarding new schools, maintenance levies, need for smaller class size etc. What we do not read is an uproar regarding teachers assaulting students. It seems to me that the problem is getting worse every year. No one seems to step up to the plate and say “this is wrong, what can we do to stop it,” orat the very least, bring the numbers down.

One would think that the teachers would contact their legislators either one-on-one or as a coalition. They could make new rules regarding, at the very least, the hiring of teachers. Not only background checks (only works if one is caught in the past), but they should insist on lie-detector tests and psychological examinations. This will not get them all, but is sure to stop some from teaching. The vast majority of our teachers are good, upstanding people.

In The Herald’s front page on March 11, “Teacher had sex with girl,” the article states: “the state Office of Professional Practices, an arm of the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, last year investigated 26 sexual misconduct allegations against teachers.” The 26 figure does not represent non-teachers.

It just seems to me that the teachers should lead and not only be concerned about new schools, class size or pay. It is time for the teachers to step up to the plate and “police” themselves.

I might add the 26 figure does not include the other 49 states.

BOB MONIZE

Camano Island

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