RE: Question 1: Attracting and Retaining Teachers

I must agree with Mr.Miller's statements. I have been in the classroom for over 20 years in a small rural district. There is very little opportunity for teachers who want to change grade levels or subject, without moving out of the district. The wide disparity of salary and benefits discourages this career move after a teacher has been in one district for several years, because of the loss of transferable credit. A statewide salary and benefit schedule needs to be investigated. Sometimes there is over $10,000 salary difference at the top between neighboring districts. Equal compensation for equal responsibility and education might help in retaining teachers. Also the public, administrators and board members must recognize that teaching is very hard work and teachers are often asked to perform functions well beyond the ability of most people, assuming the roles of parent, nurse, advisor, psychologist, social worker and conflict manager, often before we can get down to the business of teaching. Even with the "manageable" class size of 20, it is a challenge. How many non-teachers could manage the curriculum and standards and the behavior and effectively individualize instruction, so no child is left behind, meeting each child with the love and patience necessary? Teaching is a monumental task. Teachers need more time to design appropriate, rich curriculum and standards, and to plan, assess, analyze and report, outside of class time and need to be compensated for this work that is now done at night, weekends and holidays. Students also need the arts and movement in their curriculum, instructed by qualified teachers, who could provide a prep period for classroom teachers.  It is true that there is much psychic reward in teaching, but this doesn't pay the bills or reduce the pressure or stress from poor or impossible working conditions. I think people who haven't made the life-long commitment to teach look at the conditions I described and are discouraged from continuing a teaching career. I will continue to teach and continue to advocate for better conditions for teachers and students. I believe this is the first time I've been asked by people who really want to listen, so this is a very long response. Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts about this very important topic. Irene Lipshin