Yesterday, I had a call from a recently retired teacher. She wanted to point out a concern she had with some language in our negotiated agreement and how it had impacted her. I listened carefully to be sure I understood what she needed from me, but she didn't want me to do anything. At least, she didn't have a personal concern she wanted my help with. She was calling to point out something we should look into for the future. She was looking out for the teacher who took her place and all of the other teachers still in the classrooms of Davis School District and for those yet to come.
As I listened and finally understood why she was calling, I began to realize the reason why there is a disconnect between how current public employees have reacted to the proposed changes to the Utah Retirement System and how many legislators expected us to react. When legislators point out to us that changes for current employees are minimal, they expect us to say "Thank you," and disappear. While we are grateful that the obligations to current employees will be honored, we are still very concerned about how the proposed changes would impact the classrooms we leave behind when we retire.
It has become increasingly difficult to attract and retain teachers to Utah classrooms. Although the current unemployment rate has temporarily decreased that problem, as soon as the jobless rate declines the shortage will return. With a lessened commitment to an adequate retirement which has always kept some teachers in the classroom and attracted others, that anticipated shortage is likely to worsen. That is why we have not disappeared. As hard as it is for some to believe, we care about the future teachers and want them to be the best and the brightest for the students waiting to enter the schools we care about so much.
A commitment to education is a commitment to the past, the present and the future of Utah's schools and students.
Friday, February 19, 2010
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