Stop blaming the teachers

By Christine MacArthur

I have worked for the School District of Philadelphia for 15 years. During that time there have been four different superintendents, and each new leader started various initiatives and programs. Teachers were rarely consulted about these changes.

Therefore, I am in awe of the logic of politicians who believe it is up to teachers to provide the additional money needed to keep the schools afloat. Why? What have we done to contribute to this mess? We had no say in the policies, the people hired, or the results. The state has been in control of the School District since 2001, and, under this regime, we are not even allowed to strike - unlike every other district in the commonwealth.

Teachers have not been respected as professionals, and the district's proposal is so draconian that no self-respecting teacher could accept it. Here are some of the highlights: a decrease in salaries by as much as 13 percent; an addition of an hour to the workday; a removal of dental and vision benefits; and a much larger co-pay for medical benefits. There are also ridiculous suggestions about not providing books, water fountains, and privacy for counselors (of course, right now we don't have counselors). We have not had a raise since January of 2012, and now would be expected to go three more years with a salary decrease. We are already paid less than our colleagues in neighboring school districts, while working in a much more stressful environment with a lack of supporting materials. Why don't politicians cut their own salaries to cover the deficit?

Teaching is one of the few professions available to the middle class. Like lawyers and doctors, we are required to continually take courses and train to keep our skills up to date and maintain our certification. Most of the teachers I have worked with are serious educators. We do whatever we can to provide a superior education to our students - even if it means paying for supplies out of our own pockets.

The trunk of my car is now filled with a carton of paper, pens, lined paper, and copybooks I have bought for my students this September. I have purchased my own projector and speakers for the classroom, and use an old screen that hangs precariously from a ledge.

I am not unique. Most of us see our role as in loco parentis, and we are truly concerned about the welfare of the students in our care. Most of us are also citizens of Pennsylvania, and we pay school and sales taxes just like everyone else. We are also members of the middle class, which continues to see its salaries and opportunities erode. Now we are also to pay for the mistakes of our employers?

Once, the children of Philadelphia were valued. They were considered worthy of the best, or at least the equal, of other children in this state. Increasing the quality of education was always the district administration's goal and, despite the challenges of a large urban district, no one ever gave up trying. However, in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, it now seems that money is more important than the education of our children. Elected officials are ready to allow the schools to function without the teachers and support staff necessary to provide a safe, equitable education. They are not interested in attracting talented teachers to work here, and are content with keeping Philadelphia schools "separate and unequal." This is just plain wrong. The state has given tax breaks to corporations, and natural gas companies drill here with very little payback. There must be some revenue to spare for our children.

Despite the budget crisis, I am still looking forward to meeting my new students this fall. I love my subject, and am filled with the excitement of new ideas and plans that all teachers experience as the school year begins. However, I am also demoralized by the lack of respect for what teachers do: educate future generations. Why isn't that considered the most important job in our culture?