As a teacher with nearly 30 years of experience, I am compelled to respond to several comments made during the public comment portion of the December 1 School Committee meeting. Each time I watch local government at work – whether in person or online – I’m reminded of the rare opportunities we still have to practice direct democracy. As a Social Studies teacher, I often point to town meetings as one of the few places where that form of democracy remains alive and practical.
Healthy debate is essential when a committee sets policy. Questions about transparency, curriculum, and age-appropriate materials are crucial and deserve to be heard from all sides.
But some of the comments made that night veered into unconstructive debate. Claims that educators or districts are “taking money from the state” for hidden purposes, or worse, “grooming” students, cross a dangerous line. These accusations are not only false – they are deeply offensive to lifelong educators who have dedicated their careers to improving the lives of young people. While I do not believe these views represent most of our community, such rhetoric is designed to undermine public education, a foundation of a healthy democracy.
Teaching is full of rewards: the moment a student grasps a complex concept, former students returning to say thank you, even the mythical “summer off” (unpaid, of course). But it is also a demanding and often undervalued profession. Teachers routinely work unpaid hours, eat 20-minute lunches squeezed between tasks, and can only travel when costs are highest. The job requires a master’s degree, ongoing coursework, and legal responsibility for the safety and well-being of every student in the classroom, as well as for educating them.
At the same time, we face a severe teacher shortage. Fewer young people are entering teacher preparation programs, and many new teachers leave within the first few years. Low pay compared to other professions requiring similar education, increasing job stress, and declining respect all contribute to the problem. Calling educators “groomers” or implying corruption does nothing to make the profession more appealing.
During the early months of the pandemic, when families suddenly had to facilitate remote learning, teachers were briefly hailed as heroes. If we truly value education – and the democracy it supports – we must return to treating our teachers with respect, not suspicion.
– Erin Palladino