Do a story about the life of a teacher

Enough teacher bashing! What an appalling morning. I woke up to read the Daily Herald, only to find out that in my profession, I sit on my butt and do nothing, I'm not worth much, I'm overrated, overpaid, and nothing special. Yes, according to Jim Miller, I am "an everyday, run-of-the-mill grade-school teacher."

In my classroom, we would classify Mr. Miller as an emotional bully. Just by the mere fact that he can write a coherent editorial and have it printed in a newspaper is a tribute to his grade school teachers. Yes, every tool needed to survive in a literate world begins with grade schools and grade school teachers.

My first reaction upon reading Mr. Miller's editorial, was to become defensive and list all of the reasons why teaching is the most important profession and has the most profound, long-term effects on the world and its people. But, better yet, would be a suggestion to Mr. Miller and all those teacher bashers out there, to walk in a teacher's shoes for a month, a week, or even a day.

Then let's see how easy you think teachers have it.

In fact, why doesn't the Daily Herald write a series of articles on the real life of a grade-school teacher? Shadow a grade-school teacher through the course of a school year and witness firsthand the variety and level of difficulties we face every day of the year. What a refreshing thought. Reading an article based on fact and giving credit where credit is due (to the grade-school teachers of the world.)

Sharon Klay

Arlington Heights

Fourth-Grade Teacher

Central Road School

Palatine Township District 15