San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Reality for teachers
Regarding “Napa Valley: Frustrated with government resources, vinters and residents unite to protect property” (Front Page, Aug. 8): Although global warming is playing a role in the multitude of wildfires in our state, much in the short-term can be done to diminish them. Six-thousand firefighters are insufficient in controlling these conflagrations as they continue burning valuable trees. Esther Mobley reported that some private vintners are attempting to create their own firefighting companies because government help is so insufficient. Using the state’s National Guard, the Army and other aspects of our armed forces would help contain these fires, and relieve the undo burden placed upon the overwhelmed existing firefighters.
The politicians, from both sides of the aisle, knew these disasters were coming this year, and had time to prepare. Troops coming home from Afghanistan are among those who could be used. The large amount of airplanes and helicopters the Air Force has should have been retrofitted with forest-fire capabilities. Clearing some trees and replacing them with other foliage such as vegetables would help. In Mobley’s story, it is reported that Napa vineyards slowed down fires. Solutions are not that complicated. The question is, does the social order have the will to implement them?
Regarding “Why I’m quitting SFUSD” (Aug. 8): Teaching isn’t for
Members of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron outside their WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield.
everyone, and I support and understand why some leave the profession disillusioned and unfulfilled. Some enter the profession with high expectations, only to see that weak administrations, goofy school boards, large classes, unrealistic academic standards and a lack of personal satisfaction are too much to endure. If you are in a chaotic system, the teacher turnover is high. But if this same person had taken a job in one of the fantastic urban, suburban or rural districts around the state, she may have found a rewarding career. But even in excellent school districts, it is not uncommon to see teachers leave, not because of the numerous flaws in
the profession, but because after a few years they realize teaching is not for them and they move on. Starting over can be scary and I have a lot of respect for teachers who leave. The problem is the few who are unhappy, unfulfilled and bitter, but hang on for years and years.