Well, here we are in the new year and New York City public school teachers still do not have a new contract in place. What is going on? Certainly there should not be any doubt that us teachers deserve a decent and just salary increase that will help us keep up with everyday increases in prices from shoes to food to rent to health and auto insurance and other expenses.
I am sure our new union president, Michael Mulgrew, will fight to get us a fair and decent contract. Dealing with the mayor and the city schools chancellor is no easy task and he certainly must have his hands full. If there is any dead or excess wood to cut, how about starting with the gang at Tammany Hall who are paid bloated salaries and not doing their jobs?
Educators work hard to give students the best possible education and parents also work hard with teachers to help in that process. It is time teachers all over this city, state and country are recognized for their hard work and dedication to this profession.
Our politicians should fight for fair and just working conditions and fair, livable and competitive salaries for educators everywhere in America. As teachers, we help develop good minds in our students and mold them for this chaotic world in which we live.
John Amato
Fresh Meadows
