I have a few suggestions on how to fix the national teacher shortage, since the teachers union and the government won’t do it.

Immediately raise the salaries of new teachers just out of college, $40,000 to $50,000 at least. I can hear the howls of school boards and taxpayers now. Also, put a salary cap on older teachers’ salaries; after so many years, they should get no increase in pay.

Reduce the size of teachers’ pensions. I never met a poor retired schoolteacher. They have a very strong sense of self-preservation. The taxpayers suffer. No cost of living increases, either.

Adjust the term of teachers’ tenure. Too many teachers don’t care about their students and are waiting until they can retire. We don’t need that kind of teacher.

If these reforms did happen, there would be a stampede of older teachers retiring. However, two young, inspired teachers to replace an older teacher would save the taxpayers money and possibly help the students.

I realize that our educational system has many problems. This won’t solve all of them, but it is a start. Students, taxpayers and school boards shouldn’t be held hostage by the teachers union.

Kathleen Bollinger

Fawn

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