Most teachers put hearts into jobs

The article, "Chapter 6: Administrator's pay vs. teacher's pay," was inaccurate. The information about teachers working 36.5 hours a week is incorrect.

Many districts have contract hours that hold teachers accountable for a 40-hour work week. The article didn't take into account sports and activities that teachers are involved in; some activities don't offer any extra pay.

Also, teachers often spend their own money on their students or classroom supplies. Nor did the article mention the endless hours teachers put in on weeknights and weekends grading papers and brainstorming how to help their students succeed in not only class but in life.

A teacher's education should have been considered when looking at teacher salary. Teachers need a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and most school districts require teachers to receive further education.

Another area that was portrayed inaccurately was "rest periods." Teachers do not get "rest periods." High school teachers get one to two plan periods, used to plan for class or meet with students. Some elementary teachers do not get a plan period everyday. Teachers only get one period for lunch which is often used to meet with students or get work done.

I also read your Chapter 4 article, and I wanted to clarify that a typical suburban classroom is not 25 students. At many schools, there are 27-34 students in each regular education classroom. Twenty-five students per class was found by taking certified staff including administrators, principals, social workers, counselors and other certified staff who don't have a class and dividing that number by the amount of students in the school.

I am not writing to prove anything but instead because most teachers put their hearts into their job. It is disturbing when teaching is portrayed in a negative way because most teachers put in extra hours not for money or acknowledgment but to have a positive impact on their students.

Stephanie Partman

Elk Grove Village