Commentary; Posted: 11/5/02

Writer says editorial was belittling

Jeffrey Ayer
Guest Columnist

To Don Heinzmanís commentary piece on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2002, entitled ìTime to take a second look at teachersí right to strike,î I must disagree with his view of a large national problem.

As an English instructor in western Wisconsin, I have personally experienced the hardships of contract negotiations when there is no available money with which districts can negotiate. In my response, I will focus upon three erroneous aspects to his argument.

First, Mr. Heinzman states that, ìOnce again teachers are striking for higher wages.î One strike in one district in isolated northern Minnesota hardly constitutes ìdriving upî salaries and district debts!

While in Wisconsin, striking is not a current option due to legalities, teachers across the state are working to maintain benefits and salaries to avoid drastic cuts to both.

Because I am currently working two additional jobs to maintain a comfortable living with my family of three, I find it insulting to be accused of greediness.

Second, Mr. Heinzman points out that the ì. . . right to strike drives up costs . . . results in teachers losing . . . jobs.î Although the discussion at hand does not involve Forest Lake schools, I think it noteworthy to also point out that a ridiculous number of positions were cut in that district as a result of funding issues, not a strike.

Teachers have lost and are losing jobs due to one issue ó lack of money in school districts, which in turn is due to various state-mandated caps and restrictions. And while this may easily be conveniently on teachers, I think communities are ignorant to shun the same individual with whom they leave their children five days per week for something as vital as a qualitative public education.

Third, I find it belittling that teachers are continually ridiculed nationwide. Does one teacher-related incident in International Falls constitute such a strong local response concerning teachersí wages and benefits across the board?

When will our citizens stop looking at tax money allocated to schools as a waste and start seeing this as a long-term investment?

As an educator, I promise to continue to serve this nation as an advocate for our future citizens. Despite the fact that when I receive my masterís degree I will be the lowest paid of any professional with a masterís, I will pride myself in being the best teacher possible ó more bang for your buck, I might add.

However, I will not accept the slash and burn mentality our society has embodied in recent years in an apparent war on education. I will defend myself, my profession, and the quality of education my students receive.

Likewise, I will fully support my Minnesota colleagues in International Falls and Red Wing. In the spirit of the late Sen. Paul Wellstone, we must continue the struggle for our children's futures together.

Writer Jeffrey Ayer lives in Forest Lake and is an English instructor at New Richmond High School, New Richmond, WI.

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