Teachers deserve respect -- and pay

In response to Jeannie Schwietz on Nov. 19: Ms. Schwietz brought up questions that I would like to address.

But first of all, I want to challenge any parent to teach in a classroom for one week. Most parents have a difficult time juggling the needs and schedules of their own children. Imagine trying to teach, counsel, and deal with 25 diverse children -- some with behavior problems -- in one classroom for a 45 minute period.

Most parents would find the managing of a classroom very difficult. I taught junior high students in District 59 for 34 years and retired at the end of last year.

I receive 75 percent of the average of my salary for my last four years teaching. I don't get any benefits, and I don't get paid health care for the rest of my life. Superintendents get a medical benefit package and cars, teachers don't. I have to pay for health insurance and I substitute teach in order to pay for it.

Teachers are not done working at the end of the school day. People don't take into account the hours of grading papers, preparing lessons, and doing research for those lessons, much of which must be done at home.

One 45 minute "free" period cannot put a dent in what needs to be done. Teaching isn't just a six- or seven-hour job.

Ms. Schwietz states that teachers' benefits are causing property taxes to go out of control. But excellent teaching and the reputation of your school district causes the value of your property to rise. No one wants to move into a neighborhood with a bad school system.

Those who haven't taught don't know what actually goes into the job. We teach, we protect, we advise. We counsel those who are troubled or need extra help. Teachers teach because they love the job and they love children, and parents should be grateful for that. It should not be too much to ask that teachers get respect and credit for what they do, and get paid accordingly.

Sally Danzinger

Arlington Heights