Public school teachers demand respect!  But what does that mean?

Stuart Egan, an English teacher at West Forsyth High School, gives us the answer – more money and less accountability.  Mr. Egan writes (emphases added),

  • A reward sounds like something that can be used as a political ploy. Respect needs no political prompt.

  • A reward could be a one-time gift. Respect is continuous and grows.

  • A reward is a reaction to something. Respect guides your actions.

  • A reward is giving teachers a small bonus that gets taxed by the state and has no effect on retirement. Respect would be to bring salaries for teachers at least to the national average.

  • A reward would be to give a school some sort of distinction because it met a measurement achievement. Respect would be honoring teachers because of actual student growth in the face of factors out of the schools’ control.

  • A reward would be providing more textbooks. Respect would be to keep growing per-pupil expenditures to ensure that all students got the resources they need.

  • A reward would be giving a one-time pay hike to teachers. Respect would be to make sure they kept getting raises throughout their careers on a fair salary schedule and restoring longevity pay.

  • A reward may be speaking highly of principals. Respect would be not ever allowing our average principal salary to rank next to last in the nation.

  • A reward may be to alter the teacher evaluation system. Respect would be to restore due-process rights for all teachers.

  • A reward may be to give more professional development for teachers. Respect would be restoring pay bumps for graduate degrees.

Egan concludes, “For those lawmakers who view public education as a priority and view teachers with respect, I will not only reward them with my vote, I would show my respect by supporting them throughout their terms.”  In other words, “if you give me more money, I will vote for you.”