I believe that a child's education is far more important than job protection for a teacher, regardless of the teacher's ability or performance. Children's education is also more important than teacher pay. Want me to repeat that? Should teachers be adequately paid? Affirmative! But when those two things become more important to the teachers (not all of them) than concern for what a child learns, then it is time for an alternative.

I am of the opinion that job protection, teacher pay and union power has become foremost in the minds of many teachers. This is not to denigrate those dedicated teachers in Washington who honestly have the children at heart. Perhaps some of you teachers should be honest and admit to yourself that what I have written is true and either change or cease teaching.

I expect replies because the truth hurts.

-- John Faulkner, Richland