Gordon Chan: Why do politicians so dislike teachers?

Re “Want to go into teaching?” (Page D1, Aug. 16): New York Times columnist Frank Bruni asks a good question: How do we make this profession attractive to more college graduates? Perhaps the questions he should have asked is why do politicians, school board members and administrators dislike teachers so much that we have become adversaries instead of partners in educating students?

We teachers have done nothing but our best to teach all students to succeed.

Maybe you do not trust teachers. For example, we are directed to teach the curriculum, to use a one-size-fits-all method, and to use only district supplied materials. To enforce this policy, you use the power of evaluation and a walk-through protocol.

All teachers unions are asking for is a fair wage with decent medical benefits and a non-adversarial relationship with our elected politicians and school board members. We are partners in educating our students: There is no “us vs. them.”

It hurts me to hear that many of my fellow teachers have become demoralized and count the days, months, years to retirement.

We are partners. We support our partners. We negotiate with our enemies.

This story was originally published August 18, 2015 at 2:19 PM with the headline "Gordon Chan: Why do politicians so dislike teachers?."