Work, volunteer before you criticize

Published 9:00 pm Monday, March 27, 2006

I would like to reply to the many letters that have been sent in regarding the educators, numbers of days off, etc. I work for a local school district. The kids attend school 180 days a year, regardless of the number of days they have off. Employees of the school districts put in much more time than people think they do. They have to attend workshops after hours, they have to attend school events after hours, they have conferences after hours and they plan after hours. Many teachers even work through the summer planning for their next year.

In one letter it was asked what the average teachers salary was. You can go on the Internet and look that up, but I did that for you. The beginning salary is approximately $30,159 and the average salary is about $45,742. Out of that we have to pay our own benefits and union dues. The benefits vary to what plan you want and the union dues average about $750 a year.

You are now required to have an AA degree or pass a test in order to be a para-educator, which includes a noon duty position and cafeteria supervisor. I don’t think I would be outside in the cold rain/snow/sleet/hail and wind to watch your children for $10-$12/hour with a college education.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but until you come in and work/volunteer in the schools and see what the teachers, para-educators and office staff go through every day with your children, who we care for very much, I think you should think twice about your opinion and be grateful for the wonderful teachers and school staff that we have, as well as the extra time and attention they give to your children.

Mae Millo

Everett