Re. Dale Stuart’s Sept. 25 letter criticizing teachers:
I understand that it might be tough for Stuart to grasp the fact that our teachers are entitled to their negotiated pay increment because he is obviously ignorant of what it means to be a teacher today, but I encourage him to educate himself further before firing off about something he obviously knows nothing about.
Knowing several teachers, I see every day what it means to be a teacher and how much hard work and dedication is needed.
It has been my personal experience that most teachers put in overtime on a regular basis, not only in the evenings but also on weekends, none of which is paid.
Can Stuart say that he works an average of 12 hours a day while only being paid for 7.5? I think not.
While no one can dispute the fact that we are in a recession, the fact of the matter remains that the increment that teachers are asking for was negotiated some time ago.
Stuart’s criticism is misguided and would be better directed at some of our politicians who put the teachers’ six per cent pay raise to shame.
Stuart might be better served directing his anger at Stephen Duckett or Premier Ed Stelmach, who despite our recession maintain not only their own ridiculous wages but maintain the wages of their staff and ex-employees’ severance packages.
Leave the teachers alone. Their raise is more than well deserved!
Jen Crippen
Red Deer