TEACHING: Just not enough reward

I noticed a short article on page A2 of The Press, dated Oct. 29: “Idaho struggles to hire qualified teachers.” This is quite understandable because of the way we treat our teachers. I know the pay is much too low, and there are other indignities one must put up with to teach in this state. Among them being there is close to zero support from our elected representatives!

I am a retired teacher. I taught 22 years in college as an adjunct professor of mathematics while I was employed full time as an engineer. I retired from my “day job” and began a 12-year career as a secondary mathematics teacher. This is just to point out I’m an experienced teacher.

I like the students, I even like ninth-graders. I tried substitute teaching in the Coeur d’Alene district. I was called often and so worked a lot. I did not make enough to be worthwhile.

PHILIP A. CLEMENTS

Hayden