LETTERS: SUB TEACHING PAY TOO LOW

To the editor:

I recently moved to the Cape Girardeau area, and since I am a fully certified and degreed teacher (both elementary and high school), I inquired at the Cape Girardeau School District's central office concerning substitute teaching. I was told that subs were needed very much and that they were hard to find in this area. After learning what substitute teachers are paid after an eight-hour day, I can certainly see why there is a serious shortage.

I was told that the sub salary is $45 per day. This amounts to less (after taxes) than $5 an hour, and I found out from other subs that this has been the salary for over 10 years. This is indeed ridiculous. As hard a job as substitute teach is -- to come into a strange class, try to achieve some discipline with a class of students who want to do anything but study (while the teacher is away), carry out the plans of the teacher who is gone for the day -- then to only receive a check for less than $45 due to taxes being taken out is truly pitiful.

I also found out that substitutes are so hard to find in the Cape area that the Cape schools allow students from the college to come in an preside over a class if they only have 60 hours of college credit. I would not want my child taught by someone who is not fully degreed and certified. The present situation amounts to nothing but babysitting. Parents of Cape Girardeau students: Is this what we want for our students? If something traumatic of disastrous happened int he classroom, how could a student with 60 hours of courses -- not teaching -- take care of the situation property and within legal expectations? Isn't this putting a burden of responsibility on someone who is not versed in classroom expectations and legalities?

Other states surrounding Missouri require a fully certified, degreed teacher to be present in the classroom at all times. This assures accountability and gives students a stable teaching environment no matter what situation might arise.

In light of the passage of the recent bond issue -- I am happy that it passed -- it should be a signal to the Cape Girardeau School Board that it is past time for substitutes' salaries to be raised to $60 per day. Illinois pays at least $55 and more to subs to accept lunch or playground duty. It is also time that our school district require a teacher's degree or certification in order to be a substitute teacher. If you want quality education all of the time, you need to start with a quality staff of full-time, part-time and substitutes.

GALE YOUNG

Cape Girardeau