A Thankless Job

I am a daughter, sister and friend to those who have selected teaching as their profession of choice. I admire them. I respect them. I value them. I acquired those affections long ago; as a student in the Neshaminy School District. For fourteen years, I was immersed in education. Surrounded by educators of all different personalities, teaching styles and ages. But one thing that never changed was my appreciation and respect for them.



There was a time, not too long ago, when the education profession was viewed as valuable. The educators as hard working, dedicated individuals deserving of praise. Now, I can’t read the newspaper without someone in the community lambasting a teacher. It’s not an issue of behavior, morals, ethics or the job performance. Instead, the complaints have to do with economic strain. The strain that the school district, community, taxpayers and staff are under.


I will not deny that I am an avid supporter of teachers. And the public school system. I truly believe they are worth all they’ve been given and more. I work a 9-5 job. I don’t bring my work home with me. I don’t cut lamin on the weekends, grade papers until 9 o’clock at night or go to sports activities in support of my students. Clearly, I am very passionate about my support of the Neshaminy School District’s teachers. But one lesson that I took away from my time as a Neshaminy student was the value in communication.


In the conversations, or lack thereof, regarding teacher contract “negotiations” I’ve noticed a rather interesting omission; the student’s perspective. The issue of how working to contract or a strike will affect students is discussed fervently by those in opposition of the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers’ (NFT) position. They claim the students will suffer more than anyone. I agree, but not as you may think. What’s been neglected in the conversations, editorials and venting comments is the realization that children are aware of much more then we sometimes give them credit for. Consider the following comparison…teachers and their district’s school board are the in the midst of an ugly divorce. There’s badmouthing, blame gaming, and hurt feelings being tossed around in the presence of the children. They’re being bombarded with negativity at every turn.


When teachers are demoralized, criticized or publicly humiliated do we not realize how this affects their students? What kind of lessons are we teaching when we attempt to strip away the rights of the very people entrusted with their education? In an ever changing world, students have been put in an incredibly difficult position. What’s the message we are telling them when disrespect takes center stage?


Sometime during the aging process our society, in general, has forgotten what it was like to be a student. We’re so busy being concerned about taxes, the economy, politics, parental responsibilities and on, and on. That’s understandable. Of course, your primary concern would be the well being of your family, friends and your own interests. You need to be able to provide for your family, pay for health insurance and deal with the unforeseen issues that arise as a homeowner. There’s no doubt in my mind that you may be struggling. But while you are working through your stressors, issues and conflicts please don’t forget that so are your neighbors. The next time you are inclined to lash out at the “greedy, blood-sucking teachers” why not recall your favorite teachers instead?


And what about the other point of view? How does the school board fit into this piece? My initial reaction is a negative one but that stems from my perceived opinion on their “actions” in the midst of this contract disagreement. As a student my only concern with the school board happened when their decisions impacted my educational well-being. I attended my first meeting when they threatened to cut the music program, which meant losing our music teacher, and that was a major no-no for me and many of my classmates! Other than that, I didn’t have much opinion either way on them. They were sort of like an unforeseen puppet master who pulled the strings only now and again. 


I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt. To believe that they are doing their utmost in a given situation and truly working hard to resolve complex issues. In that vein, I must give the school board credit for the work they’ve already done. The recent political race showed me that very few have stepped forward to willingly be part of the school board. In that respect, it’s a thankless job. Sound familiar?


Instead of negotiating a contract through the media, hurdling insults and crossing arms like stubborn children why not show that you mean what you say? Meeting once a month, with no progression, isn’t doing any of us any good. This situation will only continue to escalate in vitriol until the NFT and the Neshaminy School Board realize that communication and respect are keys to resolving this issue. When they start meeting every week, stop the mud-slinging and lead by example then hopefully the negativity infecting our community will lessen.