You need to learn about life of teacher

I hope Gov. Ducey didn’t pull any muscles patting himself on the back about the alleged benefits of the state budget. Perhaps our self-proclaimed “education governor” should have been at our house for dinner last weekend with two young, vibrant and inspired high school teachers who, like too many others, are considering leaving teaching because they simply can’t afford to live on what they’re paid.

The young high school biology teacher, who holds both bachelor and master’s degrees even though she’s still in her 20s, teaches a full schedule and coaches to earn additional income. Still not enough. And, it was heartbreaking to watch her cry as she explained how much she loves teaching and being with her students, but doesn’t know how much longer she can go on.

My wife has taught English and literature for more than 20 years. She literally spends most of her waking hours, often starting at 3 a.m., grading papers.

When she’s not grading, she’s planning, meeting with students, sponsoring clubs, coaching other teachers and mentoring teachers working toward their national board certification, a true commitment to the profession.

So much for Loyd Eskildon’s ridiculous, insulting comment (Sorry, most of our teachers don’t need raises, May 12) about teachers working as little as seven hours a day.

And, still, I read and hear our elected officials’ empty talk about how much they’re doing for education, our children and their teachers while consistently diverting funds from public schools and offering pathetic excuses for raises for professionals, like my wife, for whom teaching is not just a job but a calling. She’s never been in it for the money.

Good thing, too, since there’s not much of it and because we reinvest so much of what there is back into the classroom so her students have what they need to learn, from books to pencils and paper to snacks.

We didn’t realize that would be our responsibility when she made a mid-life career change to become a teacher at 45. I know what motivates her and so many other teachers. I see it every day, and I’m incredibly proud of their commitment and the difference they are making in thousands of young lives.

I wish I could say the same for our elected officials, but I can’t. The only commitment they’re making is to their hollow talking points.