Our National Priorities Vis-a-Vis Education

I am writing to point out how President Reagan inadvertently illustrated our national priorities vis-a-vis education this past month.

Situation 1--Wednesday morning, Oct. 23: One hundred and four Presidential Awardees for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching, in Washington to receive their awards, are gathered on the lawn of the White House. The President walks out of the White House, goes directly to his helicopter and, after giving the group a few waves, leaves; he says nothing to them and shakes no one’s hand. Shock and disappointment are mollified with statements like, “He has a very busy schedule and perhaps just didn’t have time to say anything to us.”

Situation 2--Sunday evening, Oct. 27. The President takes time from his very busy schedule to carry on the tradition of telephoning the winning World Series baseball team and has an nice, nationally televised chat with the players, manager, front office personnel, and owners.

Situation 3--Thursday, Oct. 31. The President takes time from his very busy schedule to meet with the winning World Series baseball team at the White House.

Ignoring the gross differences in pay, is it any wonder why so many young people dream of becoming professional athletes and so few even consider teaching as a profession?. How sad to realize that the President missed another opportunity to use his prestige and leadership to emphasize the importance of education to the continued growth and prosperity of America.

JOHN McGEHEE

Rolling Hills Estates

McGehee is a physics teacher at Rolling Hills High School and a recipient of the 1985 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching from California.