A nightmare for children

October 31, 2002

Dear Sir,

What does the day Halloween and the fact that children aren't getting educated have in common? The fact that a nightmare is about to become a reality and it's both the PLP and the teachers who are on strike's fault.

Now that the children know that they won't have to go school tomorrow trouble on the streets tonight, will increase. Instead of children stuffing their faces with candy they ought to be reading and understanding the Bible as well as being educated to face the business world. These are the last days! If Halloween didn't exist in Bermuda, this country,would actually start making more sense.

What's it gonna take before people realise following this day is wrong? More police cars in flames from people throwing cocktail bombs? Reality check,if the Government can ban Guy Fawkes Day, they can ban Halloween.

STUDYING TO BECOME A TRUE CHRISTIAN

Pembroke

A multitude of problems

October 29, 2002

Dear Sir,

With what I have seen in the papers so far the level of both stupidity and insanity is increasing.

First, with all middle schools and mega schools closed because teachers are only worried about getting paid more. Later for the students who end up uneducated because they're never taught how to survive in the real world. I say any teacher who goes on strike should lose their job - meaning no pay. Hey, if they won't teach, what good are they?

Another problem to look at is CableVision.First they stole channels. Now they're charging people to look at those stations.Talk about ripping off the community for their own benefit. Does the Telecommunications Minister even care about this problem? Hopefully this other cable company which allows 90 channels at only $60 can come to Bermuda soon so that CableVision would have to go to great lengths to keep themselves open (even if it means charging $30 to look at 74 channels).

A third problem is based with this stabbing incident involving what happened to that American visitor. If someone is convicted of stabbing him, will he be locked up for life? He ought to be and Government needs to get stronger when it comes to incidents like that otherwise, bye-bye tourism.

A fourth problem is about cellphone drivers (cars should have a holder for the cellphone so that the driver still has both hands on the steering wheels and has full attention on the road - I hope).

BERMUDA NEEDS CHANGING

Pembroke

Teachers leading the way

October 29, 2002

Dear Sir,

I am writing to you in support of fellow teachers and to defend our profession. Too often teachers are taken for granted, and not given the respect they deserve. Teachers are 'jacks of all trades'. Teachers wear many different hats in a day including that of educator, caregiver and counsellor. Teachers have a tremendous responsibility - to meet the social and academic needs of all of the children in their care. But who is meeting our needs? Do you honestly think we do not want to be in our classrooms working with our students? We have taken action because we have to, not because we want to.

Contracts might state that teachers only work 35 hours a week, but what about all of the time spent planning, marking papers, decorating bulletin boards, attending workshops and meetings? What about all of the supplies teachers have to buy out of their own pockets? Many parents send their children to school assuming that all of the supplies are readily available, which they are not. We spend much of our money purchasing pencils, paper, and other materials to meet the needs of our students. This is the money that we work hard for and are giving back to the government.

There are many lessons we cannot teach because the materials are not available. For example we cannot have computer literate students if they do not have access to computers, or the computers are so out of date they do not correspond with the curriculum. Could you imagine if you started an office job and they offered you a set salary, but then stated that you had to pay for all of the supplies you use? I am sure many people would find this ridiculous.

Teachers are leaving the profession because they can use the same credentials and make more money in a less stressful environment. What incentives are teachers offered? Many teachers worked hard for their degrees and continue to work hard for Bermuda's future, but do not get any credit. You can reach the end of the pay scale long before retirement, and you are at a stand still. Teachers were offered a 2.8 percent raise and the standard of living has increased by 3.3 percent. That is not a raise, it is a way to get by, not get ahead.

As teachers we are being leaders because of instead of following the government and being silent we are standing up and fighting for what we believe in. Without teachers where would we be? Teachers have played a vital role since the beginning of time and will continue to do so well into the future.

A SUPPORTER OF THE CAUSE

We deserve some respect

October 30, 2002

Dear Sir,

If a teacher has influenced you in any way, please read on. I am a teacher of seven years and absolutely love my career. To some, I chose to become an educator; it is my belief, God chose my profession for me. I want to teach, inspire, free minds of ignorance, create legacies and enjoy my passion in life, as most teachers do. We as teachers understand just like anything in life, we have to take the good with the bad, because even the most beautiful roses have thorns. However, views (not just recent) on teachers compelled me to journal our plight.

It is no secret the challenges we face. Some ask why 'formal' discipline was removed from the schools. In my opinion, it is extremely difficult to execute something in the school system that is not reiterated in the home. On many occasions, I have asked friends or associates how their children are doing and some responses have been "Oh, they are rude or, oh, they are 3 going on 23!" The truth ends up hurting us because in time, those same children end up becoming part of the public school system reeking havoc on teachers and our community. Teachers are obligated to teach and parents are responsible for parenting. Is it that simple? Of course not! I have no children of my own but I parent, hug, love, discipline, taxi, provide money for, reach out to, guide, counsel, support and am responsible for my students. So when did my degree in education qualify me to do all of this? It didn't, but I do it out of necessity to my students who are in need of it.

Let's take a moment to analyze realistic circumstances of teachers. It has been the experience of many teachers, during their lunch period (of 40 minutes) to go into Hamilton to take care of personal affairs, only to be greeted by people looking at their watches asking "What, no school today?" How many other professionals on their own lunch 'hour' are greeted with that same sarcasm? For many people in a non-school setting, if you come to work not feeling well, in a bad mood, feeling unsociable or what-have-you, it is quite feasible to take extended time in the bathroom "catching yourself", an extension on your lunch break or contain yourself at your desk with your head down in isolation to get through your bad day. Isolation is not an option for teachers as 23 eager or not so eager students are awaiting you. The show must always go on, with a smile. Furthermore, the day I leave work and state that I didn't do a thing all day, is the day you can take away my summer vacation (50 percent of which is used preparing for the next school year).

When was the last time you supplied yourself with the tools needed to execute your job, without being reimbursed for it? Teachers, on average spend hundreds of their dollars annually on supplies for the classroom and amenities for students. Contrary to popular belief, we do not get overtime, time and a half, double time, time in lieu nor are we paid for summer vacation. We get paid 35 hours a week, period amen, regardless of PTSA meetings, school functions, mandatory parent-teacher-conferences (for which approximately a quarter of parents turn up for), not to mention pro-rated deductions when absent. Additionally, teachers can put in at least three hours each day beyond the regular teaching day, in addition to that, five hours on average are worked over the weekend. That works out to be 20 hours each week, multiplied by four or five weeks in a month, multiplied by ten months a year of unpaid work. I challenge you to work contently under the same conditions. Furthermore, if you are guilty of leaving your job at 5 p.m. sharp, or insist on extra pay for hours rendered beyond the normal working day, then teaching is definitely not for you!

In conclusion, payment increases would be wonderful, but will it ever balance our expenditure? Probably not. Pay scales are indications of respect. Teachers are role models and leaders and we deserve respect in many forms. We do not teach in vain - we are educating and nurturing a community selflessly.

RACHAEL SMITH

Pembroke

Remember your history

October 30, 2002

Dear Sir,

I refer to a quote by Mr. Terry Lister in today's paper, "We are finding it very difficult to appreciate, when you consider that teachers are role models and value setters, for them to continue their action, flying in the face of all things they teach in the classroom."

Hmmmm, let me think about this. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm sure they teach about the following people in our schools; Martin Luther King Jr.;Rosa Parks; Hosea Williams; Cesar Chavez; Nelson Madela; Mahatma Ghandi.

I seem to remember reading that these people all broke the laws of the land on principle, which eventually led to a positive and long-lasting change (which has been of great benefit to Mr. Lister, being an elected official of colour). Mr. Lister, I think you should confer with your Minister of Education for clarification before you speak. I mean, you are setting an example for our children, right? I have also seen this quote in many a school book. "If you do not stand for something you will fall for anything." As far as I'm concerned, these teachers are not being hypocritical or irresponsible. The one finger you point creates three pointing back at you. Remember your history Mr. Lister. While you are at it, you need to get a hold of the movie, 'When Voices Rise' and watch it.

Bermuda teachers, you have my support.

Malinda Simmons,

WARWICK