In response to a letter from Mike Hinckley, "Was UEA 'party' justified?" (Feb. 27): Mr. Hinckley, shame on you for being so naive about the teaching profession -- especially with a mother and friends who teach. You should know better.
Teachers do not have paid vacation and holidays. You are very fortunate to have 10 paid holidays per year. Spending an unpaid holiday at the capital "begging" for funding for the education of the children of this state is not much of a party. I've had physical exams that were more fun and less demoralizing.Mr. Hinckley, teachers do not have the summers "off," as you say. Teachers work 184 days and get paid for 194 days. The rest of the time we are unemployed. Many teachers use that time to work second and third jobs or go to school to further their education and keep their teaching certificates current.
Teachers do not need to "create" holidays such as parent-teacher conferences in order to have a day off. Teachers work extra hours during those conferences for the benefit of students, all without monetary compensation or paid days off.
So, Mr. Hinckley, if you are unhappy with the paid time off at your present job, perhaps you should consider being a teacher; it's a party.
J. Wuckert
Murray
P.S. Apologize to your mother