Teachers

Teachers have a tremendous effect on our childrens lives as they have had in yours and mine. I can remember the teachers who encouraged me and help me develop a love of learning. They are as follows:

• Mrs. Chisholm – 3rd and 4th grades
• Mrs. Pegram – Algebra and Trig
• Mr. Joyner – Geometry
• Dr. Burrell – College Calculus and computer programming
• Professor Martin – College Physics, other math and computer programming

I have teachers who have not been very good, but I learned in spite of them. I do remember their names, but I won’t share them here. There are many other teachers who I learned from and do not remember their names. They still did their job, but were not those that I remember as affecting my life.

I believe teachers should be applauded for their efforts and hard work. I do not have a problem with teachers. I have a problem with the Teachers’ Union and the School System itself. This goes all the way to State and Federal Legislatures. From looking in from the outside, I see a system that has become rigid and inflexible. I see a system that handicaps it teachers abilities to explore new ideas of teaching. I see a system that handicaps teachers from proper discipline of their students. I see a system that is more interested in its own power than how to teach our kids effectively.

I don’t believe teachers should have the right to strike. The ability to strike is again the union flexing its power. Striking does nothing to help educate our kids.

Yes, I believe teachers should be paid fairly. I have not looked at the teachers contract in our district yet. I have filled out the FOIA request and am waiting for the copies. When I get that I can explore this further. I do believe there are alternatives to the current structure, but I will not comment on that until I am fully informed. I also will not comment on other districts’ contracts. That is for officials and journalist in those districts because I have not researched them and do not plan to at this time.