Tumwater Teachers deserve more

I once had a teacher who said, “If I won the lottery tonight, I would be in the classroom tomorrow.” She epitomized the teacher I strive to be.

As an alumni of Michael T. Simmons, Tumwater Middle School, and Black Hills High School, I had an amazing experience as a student and athlete. I was lucky enough to have teachers who would come in as early as 6 a.m. and open their classroom doors for students who needed extra help on homework or test preparation. I had teachers who pushed me in my senior year of high school to take that extra math class instead of having an “easy” schedule as many of my peers did.

As a student, I had no idea how hard my teachers and coaches worked, beyond their contracted hours. I had no idea how much money they spent out of their own pockets and stipends. I had no idea because I never once heard any of my teachers complain. Tumwater teachers love their job. They love changing the lives of our future leaders. It would be a shame to see this district lose some of their best and brightest over contract negotiations.

I had opportunities to be successful because of teachers and coaches who truly cared about their students. It is time for the Tumwater School District and their school board members to care about their employees and compensate them accordingly. It is time to invest in our future.

This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 8:28 AM with the headline "Tumwater Teachers deserve more."