Staff, parents and students rallied for higher wages for educators amidst a contract dispute between the Pike Classroom Teachers Association and the district.Educating our children is one of the most important duties we have as Hoosiers.
The teaching profession has changed drastically over the last two decades. The public perception that we can pay teachers less because “teachers have the summer off” is misguided and misplaced. With extended school years, additional in-service training and safety requirements, teachers have very little time from when one school year ends to when the next one begins.
At the outset of every legislative session, the General Assembly and the governor always talk about how important education is to their respective agendas. This year is no exception. While things have improved in recent years, education is not an area where we can rest on what little laurels we have, and frankly, aspiring to be better than Kentucky, Mississippi or Arkansas is not enough. We must look at every opportunity to continue improving.
Joby D. Jerrells is an attorney and former charter school board founding member of the Springville Community Academy, in Lawrence County, Indiana.