Teachers no longer badly compensated

My comments are a response to a letter titled, "Teachers maligned for no good reason."

If the recent "media coverage" referenced are the series of articles in the Daily Herald, I disagree.

I agree that some discussion about teachers has been less than fair. There are perceptions about the profession that are wrong. Teachers do work hard. I also agree with her last sentence "Teachers are not the problem."

I would appeal to the writer to continue as a teacher. But I ask her to recognize many taxpayers feel teachers have become greedy. Whether it is perception or reality, the view is that teachers receive better pay and benefits, more time off, have better job security and better pensions than the average American worker. The gap that once existed has closed, yet teachers union representatives seem to ignore that.

Recent salary increases for most Americans have been 3 to 6 percent and are based on merit. Teachers receive their guaranteed annual increase plus the contract designated step-increase. Average increases exceed the averages of many workers who have no guarantees. Teachers have tenure. Jobs in corporate America require that you perform or get fired.

Benefits have changed for everyone. Medical premiums have increased dramatically. Higher deductibles apply while coverages narrow. Retiree medical benefits are eliminated at age 65.

Defined pension plans are being replaced with defined contribution plans; dental and eye-care plans have narrow benefit caps (if offered at all).

Time off is earned with service-time and generally start with two weeks vacation and less in paid sick time. With cell phones, computers, Blackberry and other PDAs, many Americans now work 24/7.

Taxpayers who pay for the salaries and benefits have given once too often in their tax bills.

School administrators have lost fiscal responsibility as an objective and some believe teachers are holding the public hostage to their demands.

David W. Koester

Barrington