Teachers need recognition, assistance
LETTERS LETTERS@USATODAY.COM
Thank you, USA TODAY, for giving teachers front-page exposure.
I am a volunteer at the Tarzana Elementary School in Tarzana, California. I tutor math, reading, spelling and writing. I do not envy any teacher today. What they have to put up with is beyond reasonable. They do have an extraordinary school principal. She does the best (and beyond) she can with what she has to work with. Any time she sees a volunteer, she says “thank you.”
It is truly sad that parents no longer (or seldom) take responsibility for their children’s education. The behavior of some of today’s students is unbelievable. Parents should realize that schools are not babysitters. It is a place to learn. If you have children, take care of them.
We should appreciate the fact that teachers go way beyond their duties any given day. They shop for school supplies (mostly out of pocket), since many of the students do not have the money to buy what they need. They console students if they are sad over issues that might exist at home or with other stu- dents. Teachers are a special force.
I encourage retired people to volunteer at any school. Sometimes, a child just needs somebody to talk to, a little encouragement and a smile. It can go a long way toward creating a more attentive student. Rita De Long Tarzana, Calif.
USA TODAY OPINION
I’m not going to apologize to any teacher. They chose the job, and most of them have summer jobs after teaching nine months with holidays. Joan Dallman
I didn’t graduate college with a fouryear degree to be in “poverty.” Unequal distribution of wealth and income is real. Liz Davenport
I’m not a teacher but my wife is. Not only is the pay not enough, she also brings home a ton of work. I think they deserve better pay and better benefits. Lazaro Sosa
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