Simple answer to teacher shortage

I feel a need to respond to today's article "Science and math deficit - suburban schools need more teachers" (Jan. 28). It was stated that there is a shortage of math and science teachers who have majored in their subject.

Five years ago, I graduated from college with a double major in mathematics and education. My college has one of the most well-respected teacher education programs in Illinois. I applied for several jobs at suburban high schools. I was told specifically by two of them that I was not hired because I was unable to coach a sport (despite volunteering to be an advisor for student organizations). I have been told by friends who are teachers at suburban schools that this practice is not uncommon. I eventually went on to teach at the community college level.

Perhaps suburban schools should stop complaining about a shortage of qualified, well-educated teachers when they are in the practice of turning away qualified, well-educated applicants because they do not know how to play tennis.

Heidi Haegerich

Mundelein