Middle school staff responds to inaccuracies in letter

A response to Robert F. Hesse’s letter "Teachers Must Learn Gist of Professional Behavior" (Independent, Jan. 9):

The only possible explanation to that completely inexcusable, unacceptable, and untrue letter is to attribute it to ignorance. Blaming teachers for the faults in our society is by far easier than all of us taking responsibility. Calling teachers selfish, lacking altruism, irresponsible, and money-hungry is completely illogical and untrue. We invite you to come walk the hallways of our middle school, witness our devotion, our clear love of our students, our dedication, our sense of responsibility, and our professionalism. Only then can you make an informed decision and feel confident to express it.

We were referred to as uncaring, unprofessional and undedicated. Watch as we welcome each student each day, giving them love and attention. We manage to maintain discipline through mutual respect. Our students’ well-being is our number one concern. We recognize that as teachers we are not merely responsible for educating, but often we must be there to support our students as life deals them some tough blows.

Perhaps if you had witnessed Sept. 11 in our school, you would feel differently. Many of us had loved ones who worked in the World Trade Center. In fact, many of us suffered personal losses, yet we put aside our personal concerns and worries to be there, strong and supportive for our students. Is that not professionalism? Spending our evenings calling parents and preparing lessons. Is that not dedication? Giving ourselves every day for our students. Is that not devotion?

Teachers come in early and stay late to tutor students, prepare their classrooms, meet with concerned parents, and perform a multitude of other tasks for no monetary compensation. Note most of these professionals are tenured teachers. Although the end of the teachers’ day is 2:45 p.m., many regularly remain until after 5 p.m., whether grading papers, photocopying, or working with students, and then often return in the evening to watch their students either in chorus, band or sports. Thus, the "short" workday you describe is closer to eight, nine or more hours.

You complain about our high salaries, when in reality we earn less than almost all our equally educated peers in the private sector. In fact, our beginning salaries are so low, one could qualify for health, food and rent subsidies. Almost every teacher is compelled to hold a second job to afford the basic middle-class lifestyle. Your comment that we are here for the money is nothing short of ludicrous.

Finally, you complain about our standardized scores. You suggest we should get paid according to our students’ achievement. Does that mean one who teaches honors students would receive more pay than one who teaches the basic skills students? Our standardized scores have improved considerably, despite many obstacles we face daily. Have you noticed a population change in our district as Matawan turns more urban? Have you seen the overcrowded conditions in which students must learn? Are you aware the educational system is not the only factor that influences students’ scores on standardized tests? It is certainly easier to blame teachers, but ask yourself, is that true?

Our invitation remains open. After spending some time in our school, you will discover we are in fact doing a superb job.

The professional staff of

Matawan Avenue Middle School