Unfair reporting on education issues

I have been a Daily Herald subscriber for years. I have often commented on the Herald's thorough and fair reporting. As a local teacher, for years I was thrilled to see articles and pictures of the great things happening in the area schools. Recently, though, I have not seen much of that. It seems that the highlighting of schools and education has taken a turn.

I have seen the series of articles on school funding lately. While the facts are there, nothing is done to explain the facts, and therefore the articles become slanted, and seem to be negative toward the education system. They report all of the money spent on support services, but do not explain how necessary most of these are to enhance and support the children's education.

Then, there was the recent article on all of the teachers who abuse children. I have been an educator for over 30 years and have actively fought to protect children from this sort of thing. This should never happen, and those who are responsible, whether they are parents, teachers, or community members, should be punished. The concern I have with the article is the wording and emphasis. It does report facts, but it seems to show that the schools are a horrible and dangerous place for children. As a male teacher in an elementary school, I am worried that articles such as this one will throw barriers in my way to provide the best education possible and build partnerships with families.

I ask that the Daily Herald consider its policies and prejudices and return to the fair reporting of the past. Please help us to educate our children and highlight all of the wonderful things happening in our local schools.

Tim Brinker

Glen Ellyn