A day in the life of teachers anywhere

To the editor: It is always interesting to me when professionals without a teaching degree advise others how teachers should do their jobs and be compensated.

Recently, you editorialized teachers should say "Yes" to a great deal in U-46. May I ask you to think about my job for a moment?

Thirty children sit around while you teach them writing. They are all excited to learn until the first interruption -- Johnny needs the bathroom. Billy and Freddy see this as a great opportunity and wiggle their arms in the air.

You wonder, "Do they really need the restroom or is this an excuse to play with Johnny?" Decide quick, because you're losing the other 27 students. You let them go.

It's quiet again and everyone's eyes are on you until … Johnny returns and bumps Susie. Susie, tears streaming, doesn't think it's an accident. You wonder, "Do I stop and tell Johnny to apologize (a teachable moment) or let it go?"

Back to teaching. Billy and Freddy aren't back yet, but the others are interested so you continue teaching with your mind in two places until Kathy raises her hand and tells you her stomach hurts.

You send her to the nurse and go on. But you look around at the remaining faces, hoping you're making a connection. Tommy gets special services for learning difficulties and Mary recently came to this country with little English. Yet, all children need to be on the same level academically.

You care so much for these children. They are all so different, but you feel responsible for each and every one.

The bell rings, the kids leave and you sit down, exhausted at your desk to plan lessons for the next day. Don't forget to check your mailbox, answer parent messages and read the principal's e-mail about the fire drill.

How many students should be in a classroom? How much should a teacher be paid? How great is the contract being offered to U-46 teachers? If you think this letter is a joke, you don't have the background to answer these questions.

Every teacher knows this is a day in the life of our profession. If you want dedicated, hard-working professionals to do one of the most important jobs in the world, I suggest you stop criticizing teachers or they may just leave to find less-stressful, better paying jobs.

Dee Maroney

Schaumburg