Tumwater district must invest in its teachers

It is a teacher’s responsibility to develop both the minds and hearts of children. In my kindergarten classroom (where I have been teaching for 25 years), I am surrounded by inspirational quotes that remind me daily of the values I seek to instill in my students. “Be the best you can be.” “You are special.” “Kindness matters.” “You are worthwhile.”

I find it ironic, then, that the school district I have faithfully served my entire career does not seem committed to my value or worth.

In the classroom, we support our students with love; we give them help, encouragement, hugs, or high-fives. As an educator, I don’t need encouragement or praise. I don’t need a hug, a “Wow” certificate or a treasure box reward. What I do need is fair compensation commensurate with my worth.

Otherwise, the message I receive is that I am disposable and expendable: and that is a message I would never convey to my students!

Teachers invest in their students. It’s time the Tumwater School District invest in its teachers!

This story was originally published March 30, 2016 at 4:48 PM with the headline "Tumwater district must invest in its teachers."