Viewpoints: Thank a Teacher. Vote.

Thank a Teacher. Vote. 

A perspective from Lisa Kaylie

Social media has been full of memes of frazzled parents, strung out by the demands of sudden homeschooling. The one recurring theme is that teaching is far more challenging than a lot of people thought. We all have a deeper appreciation of public school teachers after a few weeks of quarantine.

Since March, when NC schools were forced to close by the COVID crisis, the vital role public schools play in our community has become very clear. Teaching is a tough profession in the best of times. We also rely on public schools to do more than educate our children; our schools provide critical social services, food support, and the child care we need for our economy to function successfully.

We are fortunate to live in Orange County where education is valued, however, the status of funding for public education in North Carolina continues to be a challenge. NC’s annual per pupil spending is $3,000 below the national average. Even with our county supplement, CHCCS’ annual per pupil funding still remains in the lower half of annual per pupil spending nationwide. North Carolina must do better for our teachers and our students.

Last year, on May 1st, thousands of North Carolina public school educators gathered in Raleigh to demand respect for their profession and their students. Despite their advocacy, consistent gaps remain between the importance of schools and teachers in our community and the state’s financial support of schools. We must insist that our leaders put their money where their rhetoric is and invest in our schools.

This week is teacher appreciation week. Take a moment to show your appreciation for teachers by making sure that you are registered to vote, request a mail in ballot to ensure that you will be able to vote in November, and look for state and local candidates who are champions for public education and support their campaigns.

Vote for public education funding. It’s the best way we can thank our public school heroes for all that they do for our community.

 

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“Viewpoints” is a place on Chapelboro where local people are encouraged to share their unique perspectives on issues affecting our community. If you’d like to contribute a column on an issue you’re concerned about, interesting happenings around town, reflections on local life — or anything else — send a submission to viewpoints@wchl.com

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