I was disturbed by the recent editorial under the ExPressions heading in the new Harvard Press. The teacher contract negotiations have been divisive and confusing, and misinformation has been flying. I understand that our town faces serious fiscal problems and that much of the tension around the negotiations is related to that insecurity and concern. However, it is disturbing to me that the paper would state that “…and it’s often what happens at home that determines whether or not children will learn, regardless of how much money is spent on buildings or administrators or books or supplies—or teachers.” I suggest that we all think long and hard about that statement. It is filled with some very ungrateful rhetoric. How we, as a town, choose to spend our tax dollars is one thing, but to suggest, for even a moment, that our children would do as well as they do without the leadership and partnership of excellent teachers is both irresponsible and lacking in humility. Whatever decisions our town ultimately makes regarding the current teacher contract negotiations, let’s never lose sight of how hard our teachers work and how much we need them. I want to go on record expressing my gratitude to the teachers of Harvard for all they have done for my three children. I plan to pass down the importance of valuing good teachers to my children as it was passed down to me. A lesson well worth learning.
Hellie Swartwood
Fairbank Street
