Teacher Pay

I read that California’s teachers have the eighth-highest average teacher salary level of all the states in the nation (June 30). Wouldn’t it be fantastic if the parents of our schoolchildren had someone representing their interests as effectively as the teachers’ union is doing for the teachers? If that were to happen, perhaps what our kids are learning wouldn’t place their test scores in the lowest 10th percentile of the nation.

FRED STERN

Los Angeles

*

Kenneth L. Zimmerman has a strange concept of what it takes to be a teacher (letter, June 30). He believes that by simply drafting individuals who have schooling, one can force them to be teachers. He does not understand what it takes to be a good teacher. There has to be the desire to see young minds unfold with your help and guidance.

Many a young university graduate would wish to go into teaching if he were not discouraged by the low salaries and lack of prestige that come with the job. Raise the standard of teachers in all respects and see how many young people would be happy to enter the profession.

ILSE E. KORNFELD

Los Angeles