Letter: It's about time

Editor, Daily News:

The high school teachers have collectively and effectively voiced their concerns about scheduling and planning time. Having been both an elementary and middle school teacher for nearly 20 years, I can assure you that few teachers, regardless of what level they teach, have enough time in the day to do what is required.

I invite anyone to follow me for a day and watch how I spend my time as a middle-school teacher. My "non-student" time is consumed by parent conferences, staff/committee meetings, required duty, having to enter grades, do lesson plans, classroom/materials set up, etc.

While my own children as well as my students know I love what I do, I'm quick to advise them to look for a career that doesn't necessitate working without compensation, as mine does.

I am ashamed of how many hours I work at home, for free.

The middle school schedule this year (which includes an extra class) does not allow teachers the necessary time to do their job competently, within the work hours. I urge the School Board to re-examine the issue, and I also encourage middle school teachers to voice their concerns.

I want what is best for my kids, and under the present system, I'm not always able to do it.

Carol J. Williams , Naples