Peggy Allan
Language arts/social studies/gifted writing
Greenville Junior High
Greenville, Ill.
I think that somehow we teachers have to get the message out to the public that even though we are dedicated and have so much personal pride and commitment and are so conscientious, there [comes] a point. I resent very much when board members present the choice to teachers: “OK, we only have so much money. What do you want next year, a raise or smaller class size?” With the implication being that if you are a true professional, you’ll take smaller class size.
I would answer, “I want both.” To which I had a board member say to me once, “You want it all.” And I thought, what do you mean I want it all? I resent having to make that decision. I want what is good for the children. What is good for my students is a well-qualified professional and smaller class size. You have to pay for that.”
