We are all teachers THE EDITOR, Sir: I AM happy to see everyone is taking the time out to voice their opinions about teachers; some negative and some positive. As a young teacher, I came into the profession to give back some positive things I learnt and revoke my negative experiences. I love my job and even sometimes go to all extremes to ensure that my slowest pupils master the skills he/she needs in order to learn. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I work for the Lord my God and not the Government or my parents. Many times I ask God why some people are given the gift of a child. My day starts by marking the register of my class of 50, wondering if my sickle cell child will be in class today, or if others have had breakfast. I am ready to run too, so don't blame the teachers who are leaving. It is not just our salaries. In downtown Kingston we have the major centre for newborns, The Victoria Jubilee Hospital, with many babies being born everyday. But there has not been, not one new school built in the past 10 years. Where will we put our future leaders? Are our present leaders setting a good example? I try to give 110 per cent at all times. How much is the public giving? They have strong influence on my pupils too. (Examine your conscience). How have you treated someone else's child on the road, on the bus or in your community? Are your actions of the day something you would like to teach a child (God's apostles)? Many teachers make sacrifices. I know I do. Don't blame the teachers. Examine yourselves and your priorities. We are all teachers one time or another. I am etc., NICOLETTE McDONNOUGH FOSTER St. Catherine
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