Teachers deserve appropriate pay

I am writing in regard to the article in Monday's Telegram concerning the statewide teacher shortage. I've read several articles that have made the front page of The Telegram and I understand concerns of all school districts experiencing the loss of teachers to higher-paying positions. While states are wooing our teachers away, dangling salaries and perks difficult to pass up, we seem to be taking it on the chin and throwing up our hands and crying, what are we to do?

I can tell you that our state has some of the best teachers and our academic stats are proof of that. So, while our less-than-illuminated governor, and the boys and girls catnapping in the Legislature, do nothing, our children (our future) are losing out. The simple fact is: Those that have the power to change the status quo are standing in the wings wringing their hands as they allow others to steal the show. In the meantime, talented educators are leaving because Kansas is too austere to pay them a salary attractive enough to get them to stay. I have always considered anyone in teaching as a professional and we ought to treat them that way.

While private industry can offer $50,000 a year as an entry-level salary to a newcomer, we should offer our graduates who want to pursue a teaching career a salary attractive enough to reward them for their tenacity in finishing four years of college and allowing them to stay in their home state. Here's a novel idea ... pay enough so we can attract more male teachers. Our society needs male teachers in our classrooms. Young boys/men need a mentor in the school system they can identify with, as well as our young ladies need a mentor in a female teacher. I strongly believe teachers, law enforcement and EMS personnel should draw top dollar. All those aforementioned should be treated as professionals and receive respect for their service.

What kind of a price tag do we put on a good education? There are great teachers out there working for peanuts because they are dedicated.

It's like taking advantage of a blessing and not giving anything back. We need to lean on our elected officials in Topeka and remind them why they were elected ... to do their jobs. It is time they became part of the solution and not the problem.

I chaperoned a group of boys to Topeka in the '80s to work as pages for their assigned legislators. I became annoyed as I looked down from the gallery and caught three of our elected officials napping. Is that what is expected of our leadership once elected? Not in my book ... let's go to work and find a solution in keeping teachers. The bottom line is cash. Let's roll up our sleeves and go to work, that's what we do out on the farm and it should apply to our elected officials. Kansans are known for their strong work ethic and integrity.

It's everybody's responsibility in striking an accord to keep our teachers.

ART GOMEZ,

Scott City

District earns praise for grant

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings recently announced that Garden City USD 457 received a Teaching American History grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This was one of only 121 new grants nationwide to improve the quality of American history education.

A democracy is dependent upon active and informed citizens and an understanding of American history is crucial to being an informed citizen. These grants are intended to improve student achievement of American history by enhancing teachers' knowledge and ability to design and share successful strategies to make American history an exciting and meaningful course.

I applaud the staff of Garden City USD 457 for their time, effort and dedication in putting together the application for this grant. Their creative thinking in designing lessons will make American history an unfolding and living story of this great country for the students in Garden City USD 457.

I extend my best wishes to the Garden City USD 457 staff as you prepare your students to become informed, active and responsible citizens.

MARY COHEN,

Kansas City, Mo.

Cohen is the secretary's regional representative for the U.S. Department of Education.