Quit blaming educators

As a retired teacher married to a retired principal, I take exception to Bryan Davis’ view (June 22) of public schools. I challenge anyone who complains about schools to spend time volunteering in a classroom. It will help them understand what teaching is really all about.

For every child who fails, we need to take a look at whether she or he came to school rested, fed and encouraged by the parent to learn. We need to ask if someone sat down and went over lessons with them. We need to ask if there is contact with the teacher to better understand what is trying to be accomplished. Schools can only succeed if we’re all doing our part.

As to “excessive time off,” teachers use their summer time to take classes, study new programs to be implemented in the fall, attend district in-service for training and make displays and enrichment for lessons to come.

Most are at school early and late, use their own money to buy extras for their rooms and work extra days without pay. Hour-for-hour, it equals any other job.

Isn’t it time to quit blaming and work together for a solution? Together we can accomplish amazing things.

Mikel Reuter

Spokane