Teacher Training

Re “Finding Time for Training Can Be Tough for Teachers,” Feb. 22.

I am fed up with teachers crying about not having enough time to support continuing education. With a work year of 180 days it is incredible that a teacher cannot find the hours necessary for further training [the rest of the year].

Classroom hours are precious and having substitute teachers upsets the flow of learning. I am 53 years old and have worked in the medical field since I was 16. I have spent many Saturdays, weekends and evenings taking classes and workshops to perform my job better. Most often I paid out of my own shallow pocket.

I have a hard time understanding why people are so unwilling to prepare themselves for their jobs unless someone else pays for it. Large corporations might pay for employee training, but that is out of profits. The school system does not have profits and money spent comes from all of us.

DONNA BELLAMY

Simi Valley

*

Excuse me! This article totally omits mention that teachers have the longest holidays of any profession--up to three months a year--and they can’t find time to upgrade their skills?

HOWIE KEEFE

Camarillo