The time is now to help teachers
Many teachers, like those who dedicated their lives in service to my education and yours, are fleeing Oklahoma in search of salaries that will allow them to support their families. Sadly, nearly 2,000 emergency certified teachers have taken their place.
My in-laws, Molly and Ivan Reeder, were decades-long educators in Depew. Both dedicated their lives to their community and to the students in their classes. By the time Molly retired, she had taught four generations of the same family and Ivan, having served as superintendent, had replaced every building on campus. The Reeders were staunch advocates of students and teachers alike and those who knew them will recall they frequently handed out pencils with the inscription, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.”
I’m thankful every day for my teachers and their profound impact on my life. My sisters and I grew up in Kellyville, and every weekday from August to May were met by a yellow bus that carried us to school where numerous dedicated women and men awaited us. Our teachers taught us to read, do mathematics, think critically, appreciate art, work together with others who might see the world differently than us, play sports, and play a musical instrument.
More importantly, they opened our eyes to possibilities and provided a place for us to grow, express ourselves, and be challenged and affirmed. School is a place where the possibilities for children’s lives are nourished and supported; it is also a place of refuge for some when things at home are not stable, safe or supportive.
In addition to my great teachers, the taxpayers of Creek County are to be thanked for my education. It was their taxes that provided funds for the school bus each day, for the cafeteria lunches that nourished me for the better part of 12 years, for the basketball court, for the band room, for the art supplies, and yes, for my teachers’ salaries. Taxes are still collected, but they are no longer appropriated effectively to support schools or our teachers.
Teacher salaries in Oklahoma are abysmal. Oklahoma, a place I am proud to call home, has allowed teacher pay to drop to 50th in the nation. Oklahoma now ranks first in the nation for our percentage decrease of support for public and higher education.
Many teachers, like those who dedicated their lives in service to my education and yours, are fleeing our state in search of salaries that will allow them to support their families. Sadly, nearly 2,000 emergency certified teachers have taken their place (compared with 32 only a few years ago). Oklahoma’s children deserve better.
Now is the time to act! We must do something to support Oklahoma education and keep qualified teachers in our state. If you can read this, thank a teacher by contacting your representatives and asking them to fully fund education and raise teacher pay.
Reeder is chairwoman of the Department of Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum at the University of Oklahoma.