Finish contract with NSSEO teachers

As a product of school districts 15, 25 and 214, I write on behalf of the staff and students, present and future, as well as a stepparent of a former Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization graduate.

It has come to my attention that the governing board of NSSEO has failed to approve a contract for their teachers. I believe these negotiations have stalled due to the board's failure to see the importance of special education and also as an area in which they can "cut the budget." It appears that their intention is to mainstream all students with disabilities.

I ask the board members: When was the last time you visited a NSSEO school? Have you talked to any students to get their input? Are any of you teachers? Have any of you had any training in special education, and have any of you ever tried to teach a student with special needs? It might be wise, NSSEO board, if you were a bit more informed as to what a special-education teacher does.

The failure to ratify a contract could eventually result in all special needs students being mainstreamed. How will the regular teacher be able to teach a blind student with 20 other children needing attention as well? If you are a parent or guardian of a regular education child, I encourage you as well to contact the NSSEO board and tell them that special education is just that - special - and that you do not want your child being under served.

I also encourage the citizens of these and other districts serviced by NSSEO to contact the governing board and tell them what you want - special education schools staffed by the most competent, compassionate and dedicated teachers, like the ones of NSSEO. Contact the board via e-mail at NSSEO.org or write to 799 W. Kensington Road, Mount Prospect, 60056.

Thea Bender

Mount Prospect