Ads in Books

As a teacher, I would eagerly welcome a world in which David Tokofsky’s dream of small classes and adequately paid teachers was a reality (Op-Ed Page, Sept. 23). So here is a suggestion, which may at first seem heretical, but might lead to new and productive approaches to solve this highly important problem.

Allow advertising in textbooks, with the money going to teachers (not administrators).

To the advertisers, this has the advantage of giving them a captive audience. It is unlikely to harm the students, who are deluged with advertising anyway. Finally, if advertising revenue can make millionaires of professional athletes, perhaps it can help bring teacher salaries up to professional levels. In addition, advertising revenue has helped make America highly competitive, at least in the areas of professional football, baseball and basketball. Perhaps it might do the same for education.

JAMES D. STEIN JR.

Los Angeles