Our Priorities

Reading that the largest Los Angeles legal firms pay summer law clerks up to $1,000 per week disgusted and angered me (Part I, Sept. 27). I am a speech pathologist with a master’s degree, teaching credential, state license and national certification who has chosen to work with speech and language disordered students in the public schools. My three years of experience and advanced education should certainly translate into higher pay, yet I earn one-third less per week than a student law clerk.

Furthermore, the beginning salary for a public school teacher with a bachelor’s degree, a one-year credential program and unpaid student teaching is less than half of that. Even some public school administrators and most experienced teachers will never reach that salary level. To add insult to injury, the “no-growth” state schools budget will probably mean a 2.5% to 3% cost of living increase. Of course, the consumer price index is rising at a more rapid pace.

Is it any wonder teachers are angry and frustrated? Can California ever hope to recruit the vast number of teachers required to assure educational competency in the 21st Century? I think not.

The future of America’s economic and democratic system requires the education of all members of society. This can only be done in the public schools by well-paid professionals. It is time to get our priorities straight and support public education at a level that guarantees a chance for everyone. I have yet to be convinced that society benefits more from law clerks than educators.

CHRISTOPHER UNGAR

Santa Monica