All jobs important, not just teachers'

Let me preface what I will say by stating that I recently taught for five years in the public school system. I have many teacher friends and have the utmost respect the teachers I have come to know.

As a private sector employee for over 40 years, I worked without a contract. I was not obligated to work for my employers and they were not obligated to retain me. My tenure was based entirely on my ability to meet or exceed my employer's expectations. I knew that every day my work had to be exceptional if I was to compete with my peers and support my family.

When the business I was working at closed in 2000 and I became unemployed, I did not receive any cries of support from the teachers union or any other union nor did I expect any support. I picked myself up, dusted myself off, and secured the best possible job available at a fraction of my former salary.

I hear teachers and their union representatives shout defiantly that not one of their jobs should be eliminated. We are told that taxes must be raised so no teacher should become unemployed. Almost 75 percent of my real estate bill goes to public education and I am told this is not enough. I have felt the pain of a job loss as have millions of other workers. Teachers' jobs are important but no more important than the jobs of the countless professions that make this the greatest nation on earth.

The private sector should not have to bear the burden of stagnant economy alone. Has the slogan, "No Child Left Behind" been replaced with the slogan, "No Teacher Left Behind?"

Ray Cziczo

Antioch