This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
As the Legislature moves into the new session, I would like to issue a challenge.
I feel legislators are missing what is happening every day in our classrooms. The legislators need to understand who the teachers are and share in the successes, challenges, love, hard work and dedication exhibited by our teachers. They are extraordinary. The job they do, at best, is extremely difficult.
At times, the relationship between legislators and teachers appears to be adversarial. I would put forth that it should be a team effort to provide the best education possible for our students.
The educational system should be utilized as a sounding board. Teachers are on the front line and should be consulted in order for the legislature to provide for the current needs of our students.
Teachers are the professionals and know what is needed for our students to improve and attain mastery.
This inclusion of our trained professionals would go a long way toward healing the sores of the past and improving the overall educational system.
As a school administrator, I would love just once to go to my faculty and say, "The Legislature has seen fit to take this off your plate. They realize that you are overworked and at times buried by the minutiae created by the huge amount of new educational laws that come out of each session."
Please take advantage of their expertise, and let them know they are valued and appreciated. Teaching is a noble profession. It directly affects the quality of life in our communities.
James O. Birch
West Jordan