Don’t put teachers last

Here is a letter that did get published in the West Hawaii Today on 12/13/12. I recently received an email from a teacher questioning why HSTA doesn't do (fill in the blank). One of the things she wishes HSTA would do is write letters to the editor. I replied that it would be more powerful coming from teachers, telling their own stories. I challenge her and you and anyone else to do the same. Speak up! Stand up!

My Letter:

One of the popular slogans seen on the signs and T-shirts of teachers protesting on the streets near their schools all over the state is: You can’t put students first if you put teachers last.

Today, along with more than 80 schools, Kealakehe Elementary School teachers and supporters were out sign-waving in force. One of the teachers at my school told me a parent didn’t like that slogan because it sounds like we don’t put students first.

I was shocked and dismayed by that perspective, but I am always grateful for an opportunity to shed light on a topic. There are other slogans similar to this one with the same sentiment: “A teacher’s working environment is a child’s learning environment.” And “ain’t nobody happy if mama ain’t happy.” Or how about taking care of your own oxygen supply before helping others?

Though we give and give of our time, energy, attention, care and money, there comes a point when you do not get enough back to replenish your reserves. When this happens, people quit. Hawaii, like the rest of the nation, has a problem with teachers leaving the profession. It is a shame when these are good teachers leaving for better opportunities.

We want to fix this. And we don’t ask for much: respect, a fair contract, fair evaluations and fair evaluators, and a wage commensurate with our educational level and the workload required. I hope the community will see that by supporting teachers, they are supporting students. Give us the oxygen, so we can give oxygen to the students in our care.