PROPS: Teacher urges 'no' votes

Lately the people of Idaho have been bombarded with political ads about Propositions 1, 2 and 3. Many of those adds lambast the teachers union as heavy handed thugs who are manipulating both our teachers and their students. As a 35-year Idaho teacher, I felt compelled to respond.

The IEA has never forced their agenda on me or other teachers. Instead it has helped me to better educate the children of Idaho. The first six years I taught in Idaho, I had at least 36 children in my classroom. I had no prep time at all, and I was the one teaching your children music, P.E., library skills and art. I also had no time during my working hours to meet with my grade level team, and when I did meet with them on my own time I was both exhausted and frustrated.

It is because of the IEA that I now have only 22 students in my room. Thanks to the IEA, I now have time to meet regularly with my grade level team to plan the best education for my pupils. I also thank the IEA for allowing me to have prep time (music, P.E., library). These classes are now taught by experts in the field. While they teach your children, I can plan and prepare quality lessons. Both teachers and the IEA want what is best for the children of Idaho.

If you really want to put children first, vote NO on Props 1, 2 and 3.

DANA STIEGEMEIER

Rathdrum