Teacher Shortage

Re “Getting More and Better Teachers,” editorial, April 17: This editorial about the push for subject-matter tests has almost everything right. However, there are two important things that you missed: 1. California demands subject matter competency right now, either by test or college records, prior to achieving a professional credential. 2. This year, while trying to increase standards, 30,000 emergency permits were issued putting people without subject-matter competency or real teaching skills in the classroom.

I believe the solution to bringing new teachers into the profession, having them be subject-matter competent and having them stay for longer than a few years is simple. Increase what we pay teachers and improve the working conditions on the campuses throughout the state. Perhaps you should advocate increased funding for pupils from 41st in the nation to the national average.

DAVID LEBOW

Montebello

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Why do you think the best students don’t go into teaching? Why do you think teachers leave the profession after a few years? Do you think they are not attracted to teaching or leave because they are overpaid or because working conditions are so great? Do you think more authoritarian principals and rigid curricula will attract imaginative, creative teachers?

We want good education but are not willing to pay for it. We will never get and keep the best teachers until we are willing to pay salaries comparable to those paid to quality employees in business and the professions.

GEORGE M. SICULAR

Palm Desert