I am in complete agreement with the union representing teachers in Washington, D.C. [“D.C. Teachers Protest, Demand More Money,” March 9, 2017]. They need to be paid more money for the jobs they do. You see I said “jobs,” not “job,” because our teachers do not just teach anymore like they were trained to do — they are babysitters, nurses, parents, counselors and many other things to their students. Let’s stop kidding ourselves about our public schools and why they don’t work. If we want our students to learn, we need to provide them with the tools to do just that, and putting a highly paid professional in the classroom is the most important element. Everybody says they want better schools for our young people, but nobody wants to step up and make the necessary changes to make that happen. Our teachers are the most underpaid professionals in this country, and everybody knows it. So yes, give our teachers the raise they deserve.
Helen Osborn
Washington, D.C.
WI’s Heritage Tour Should Expand
Congratulations on your Washington Informer Charities Heritage Tour to the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. From reading your article, “Village’ Unites for Memorable WI Heritage Tour,” in the March 2, 2017, edition, it seems like everyone really enjoyed the tour. I really like to see young people participate in historical events and it seems you always have a good contingent of young people on your trips. I am a native of West Virginia, and was wondering, have you ever thought of taking a trip to my home state for a history tour? If it is not too far to travel, I think Harper’s Ferry would be a wonderful place for a history tour. West Virginia has a lot to offer when it comes to history, especially African-American history.
John Miller
Washington, D.C.
