This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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 a teacher in one of Utah's public schools, I see great things happen in my school every day. Dedicated teachers and staff members expend incredible effort to enhance the learning of all students at my school.

That's why it was so disappointing to meet my state senator, Mark Madsen, at a recent community event. It was clear to me that he was not there to hear the perspectives of those in attendance. He criticized teachers for not being true professionals. He claimed that schools would not need to be micromanaged and would receive adequate funding if we would just do our job.

When a question came up about class sizes, he stated that the UEA and the local district rerouted any funds to reduce class size into administrative costs. This is not true. A little research would have shown that the district in which Madsen resides has some of the lowest administrative costs in the state.

To Madsen, it's unfortunate that someone that sits on the Senate Education Committee is so disconnected from what goes on in our local schools. To our elected officials who truly seek to understand your constituents, thank you for your service.

Matt Woolley

Lehi