Locksmiths and Teachers

I am afraid that Barney’s letter is indicative of the general public’s perception of what a public high school teachers’ job entails. As a teacher of English at Hamilton High School, I am insulted by the public’s inaccurate perception.

As Barney suggested, I brushed up on my mathematics. The results may shock a few people. For instance, we are told that beginning teachers are paid about $19 an hour. Does anyone actually believe teachers only work six hours a day? A conservative estimate would be that teachers average about three extra hours a day in preparation and in grading students’ work. That would make the hourly wage about $12 an hour.

I stress that is the average, because most teachers have to work more hours. For example, if a teacher of English spent only 10 minutes a week on each student’s papers, it would add 25 hours to the workweek. That would lower the hourly wage of a beginning English teacher to about $10. The aforementioned figures do not even include the following time-consuming activities: lunch and recess supervision, after-school sports supervision, student counseling and after-school meetings. These activities further lower the hourly wage.

However, while Barney has an inaccurate perception of a teacher’s day, he does make two valid points. One is that locksmiths are also unfairly treated by the school board in that they must provide for and insure their own cars and tools that are used on the job. The other is that the district has “split the ranks” between the teachers and the maintenance branch. Teachers should not speak of locksmiths in condescending terms, nor should we downgrade the locksmith profession; they are a necessary part of the school system.

Finally, the public’s demand for quality education must also include a demand for fair teacher salaries. We must remember that teachers do not produce widgets, we teach human beings; we should be paid accordingly.

GARY GARCIA

Venice