I cannot sit by and let the public believe the letter by Jon Burton ("Reject school stimulus," Readers' Forum, Aug. 18). I retired from teaching after 32 years. My consultation periods, preparations periods, were not always productive, but most of the time I was updating material, deciding how to better present ideas and consulting with other teachers, administrators and sometimes parents. Sometimes I just needed to unwind from a particularly stressful class and get my mind in gear for the next group of students who expected my undivided attention.
I always felt sorry for elementary teachers who have no such time but must do their preparation either before or after school. Parking lots at elementary schools begin filling long before the required time to be at school. And long after the children have gone home, teachers are still in the classrooms preparing for tomorrow. You will not find them sitting in the faculty room drinking a soda.
Newel Standley
Murray