Judging education

I disagree with Debra Saunders' rationale that teachers unions are the reason that student absenteeism is so high after COVID. At the onset, no one really knew what to do. Medical and government leadership of 2020 had never dealt with such a crisis before.

A teacher's first priority is always the safety and education of students. Without question, the first year following the onset was extremely difficult for students, their families and educators. Everyone did the best they could.

The key to Ms. Saunders' proposal, I believe, lies in the word structure. Yes, the structure of school as we know it changed. But current student attendance trends cannot be placed singularly on teachers unions. Children need structure in all parts of their lives, at home and in society; bedtimes and curfews, well balanced diets, physical activity, time for reading. They need to be taught how to be good members of society - formal instruction, developing relationships and nurturing our spiritual lives. They need to learn priorities.

Educators need families to keep their children in school; we can't teach them if they're not in school. Create structure in their lives. Show them that school time is sacred; schedule vacations, haircuts and parties around the school calendar. Extracurricular activities are important, but not at the cost of homework and sleep.

Teachers unions have tried to remind society that teachers ARE essential workers for decades. Educators often have multiple college degrees, yet are not acknowledged for the vast amount of information they bring to the children. Teachers educate all children, from every background, so they can become productive workers and voters. So why would we expect to be treated any differently during a pandemic?

As a wise woman once said, "It takes a village."

Kathy Heikkinen

Batavia