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A Teacher Talks Back
By Susan Goodenough
I am writing in response to Michael Domack's letter to the editor in the October 12 issue of The Voice, "Dissatisfied Teachers Should Get Real Jobs."
I am all for different opinions and freedom of speech. I actually enjoy reading the various comments of individuals in the editorial sections of newspapers. However, when the profession I chose is constantly beaten upon, I feel it is time to speak up and defend my chosen career! I am a teacher in Winsted, and have taught there for seventeen years. I am extremely proud of what I do, and hold teaching as one of the highest callings. I was reading Michael's editorial, and had almost made it through the article without too much trouble—and then I got to the last line: "If they have a problem with that, they can take their degree, accumulated sick days and summers off, and go and get a real job." Then I felt I had to respond!
First of all, Mr. Domack, what is your occupation? What makes your job a real one and mine not? Do you realize that you wouldn't have a real job if not for quite a few teachers in your past? Are you willing to give them some credit for what you do today? Are you one of those misinformed people who think teachers work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 180 days a year? Do you have a clue as to what real teachers really do?
I would love to tell you what I do in a typical day but, alas, there are no typical days. My job is actually many jobs—nurse, psychologist, mother and judge, to name just a few. Are you willing to say those jobs are not real jobs? Teaching, to me, is not just an occupation—it's a way of life. Can you say that about your chosen occupation? I am at work right after 7 a.m. and don't leave until close to 4 p.m.—sometimes later. You see, in the teaching profession, we have to schedule meetings, etc. after the children are gone, since we cannot do such things during regular work hours. When I do go home, I am often carrying an armload of work to be done in the evenings on my own time. Do you do that?
I have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and am currently working on a sixth-year certificate—all to be funded by myself and done on my own time. Do you have those degrees—paid for by yourself and done on your own time? Recently, by my own choice, I went through the rigorous process of national board certification. This was a year-long process that I spent many hours on—I would estimate more than 400! I am very proud of this accomplishment. Would you have chosen to spend that much time on something that you don't get any extra compensation for and that many people don't even know about?
How much of your own money do you spend on your job, Mr. Domack? Do you buy supplies for children who can't afford them, do you buy decorations to spruce up your office, and do you buy special treats for your coworkers to brighten up their days? Do you spend weekends and time off thinking of ways to improve your job, to make you a better worker, and for increasing your product's worth in the world? You see, Mr. Domack, as teachers, most of us do! We are constantly thinking of ways to improve our teaching and make our students better learners and more responsible American citizens!
I could go on and on, Mr. Domack, but I won't. I hope the next time you speak or write, you will think first before you accuse an entire profession of not having a real job. That is extremely offensive to those of us who are very proud of being teachers and wouldn't think of doing anything else!
Susan Goodenough is a first grade teacher at Batcheller School in Winsted.
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