Teacher depreciation week?

May 1-7 is Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers across our country and state certainly cannot feel appreciated as many receive termination notices, others learn their schools are being closed and the fortunate ones who keep their jobs will have increased classroom responsibilities.

Stimulating education in our state is equally important to stimulating the economy. Two ideas may accomplish a growing education rather than a declining one in our state.

First, corporations based in Washington (e.g., Microsoft, Starbucks, Costco, Boeing) could direct their charitable contributions back into state education rather than provide for Third World countries, and direct a greater portion of their investment capital into our educational system to grow it.

Second, when politicians are running for national or state offices, voters should ask about their views on growing education, not cutting it. These politicians should have a high view of education and the importance of using their influence for growing a solid educational system before voted into office.

More teachers should be hired not fired, more schools should be constructed not closed and more students should be able to receive an affordable education. As one teacher once said, “If you think education is expensive, think about the cost of ignorance.”

Wes Teterud

Spokane Valley