Play Your Fiddle Elsewhere

In response to Mr. Valenti's assertion that "It’s a known fact that most people who criticize public education were poor or failing students" [Teachers Need More Money and Respect, September 28], school transcripts will show that I was around a B student. Not bad at all.

Mr. Valenti has asked for my area of expertise. I am an expert, though I hate that word, in human motivation, motivational enhancement therapy, educational psychology, and psychological abuse. Being a simple music teacher like Mr. Valenti is one thing; a teacher learned in matters that really matter is another.

He asks for an alternative to raising salaries to retain teachers. First, the teacher shortage in Torrington has been exaggerated as it concerns inadequate salaries. In a report in the September 28 Republican-American, the Torrington school system’s human resource director stated that about one in four teachers have left the system for more money. The others had other reasons for leaving. Second, Connecticut's Department of Education, in its recent 16-page "Welcome Back to School" flyer, not once recommends raising salaries. It instead suggests other incentives, such as mortgage assistance programs for teachers in a shortage area, scholarships, and loan forgiveness programs.

The "king" of the ring questions how I can speak of his teaching skills without facts to back up my opinions. What is he talking about? The facts are, as I have been presenting all along, that Mr. Valenti resorts to insults—indeed his "dark side"—and displays poor reasoning skills in his Voice responses. His letters are the proof of the pudding.

By the way, has anyone noticed that there's no town or city address in the byline of Mr. Valenti's letters? Could it be that he's afraid to note that he lives in New Hartford? Yes, an out-of-towner is representing Torrington teachers. This situation may not be in accord with union rules. If it is, it shouldn't be. For how can Mr. Valenti truly care about Torrington—its students' achievements, high tax rate, and future—when New Hartford is his first love (or second, after his family)? Mr. Valenti, play your fiddle in New Hartford.