Don’t blame teachers I am a resident of and an elementary school teacher in Pahoa. I have also taught on Oahu for three years. I received my master’s in special education. I own a home here. I hope to someday
Don’t blame teachers
I am a resident of and an elementary school teacher in Pahoa. I have also taught on Oahu for three years. I received my master’s in special education. I own a home here. I hope to someday raise a family here with my fiancé (also a teacher).
I am writing in frustration at my union, at my school leaders and my publicly appointed officials. Over the past few years, many of us teachers have been demonized during our contract negotiations. We are greedy, we don’t care for the children, and we are not flexible. The public is given false and twisted information, and I find myself having to defend my profession.
Yet, each day we are expected to get up, have lesson plans ready, make sure we are aligned with state and federal standards, etc. We are expected to come with differentiated lessons to reach all students from various economic, social and cultural backgrounds.
I love my job, though. I love working with children. I want to help shape their future and lives in a positive way. I welcome chances for people to tell me where I am effective and where I need to improve, because I want to be the best teacher I can be.
The problem I have is placing the entire burden of Hawaii’s failing schools on the backs of teachers. Most every teacher I know works longer hours than they are paid, often at the expense of time in their own lives with their own families. We spend money out of our own pockets to provide extra things for the students so they can enjoy special events.
Our government, politicians, union and members of the public demonize us, demoralize us, show no respect for us and expect us to show up on Monday with a smile on our face, ready to teach another day.
I’ll be honest. I am tired. I am jaded. I sometimes think of looking for another job. All it would take is a little respect, and to feel that someone is listening and that my time, energy, love, passion is honored. I am not asking for much. I am a professional who wants fair pay for work they do and schooling they have achieved.
I want to be honored for years of loyal service. I want to provide for my family without worry. I want to be heard when it’s time to negotiate. I guarantee that if you begin to do these things for teachers, your children — our students — will reap immeasurable benefits. By treating the teachers fairly, you will give Hawaii’s children a fairer chance and truly show how much you care for them.
Elizabeth Dues
Pahoa
Economics 101
The three main reasons for our economic stalemate:
1. Waging wars (necessary?);
2. Outsourcing (necessary?);
3. Extravagance (unnecessary!).
T. Ono
Hilo
