THE PUBLIC MIND: PROPOSITION B: PUT POLITICS ASIDE FOR THE SAKE OF KIDS

~To the Editor:

It is not my custom to write letters to the editor. I am a private person, and am very reluctant to get into a public debate in the newspaper, especially because I am a former reporter for the Southeast Missourian and have much respect for the editorial staff at the Missourian.

I quit my job as a reporter four years ago when I had my daughter. I loved the job, but I preferred to raise her in as stable an environment as possible. I decided to enter the teaching profession, partly to reach that goal of more stable working hours, but also because I felt that I had something valuable to offer in the classroom - my writing skills, my communication skills, and my desire to help children learn.

Before I left the Missourian, I helped to train a new reporter to take my place. The reporter's name was E.J. Rotert.

I was surprised to read in the Oct. 25 issue of the Missourian commentary by that very same Mr. Rotert urging voters to vote against Proposition B on the basis of his opinion that there is currently too much financial waste in education, and that teachers "don't give a damn" about their students. As evidence of this uncaring attitude, Rotert ~resented the strike issue. Well, I certainly do not remember any time in recent history that Missouri teachers have been on strike. I certainly do not recall that ever being the instance in southeast Missouri.

I am surprised that an educated man like Mr. ~Rotert would even make such a ridiculous blanket statement. H~is statement is comparable to me saying that all reporters are ambitious, don't-care-who-they-hurt, opportunists. Certainly there are those who hold that view of reporters, but that certainly does not make it true.

I do not claim to know what every teacher is like, but I do know what the teachers I have worked with in Cape G~irardeau are like. Every one of them makes financial and personal sacrifices for their students every day. They spend untold amounts of personal money on making sure that their classroom~s are as adequately equipped as possible, and that the classroom is an environment that encourages learning. They spend untold hours each week in staff meetings, committee meetings, PTA meetings, and in telephone and person-t~~o-person conferences with parents. I know of no other profession that gives so much.

I teach second grade at Fra~nklin Elementary School here in Cape Girardeau, and I would invite Mr. Rotert to visit my classroom to find out what schools are like. As a matter of fact, I would extend that invitation to anyone who would like to learn more about what our schools are like, and what we can do to improve them.

I know Mr. ~Rotert is not an ignorant man, but on this subject I believe he is ignorant. I~ suggest that he approach the issue of Proposition B as he would any news story - research it.

Proposition B is not a perfect piece of legislation, but the truth is that Missouri schools desparately need help now. Let's put aside politics just this one time and do what's best for the kids. In ten years if the voters find they've been taken again by the politicians, vote them out of office. But don't jeopardize all of our futures by allowing education to be the pawn in political games.

~Tammy ~Raddl~eCape Girardeau