Teacher sounds off on disrespect
HINTS FROM HELOISE
HELOISE
Dear Heloise: This is in response to the readers who were upset that teachers no longer show children how to make change or where to locate Kansas on a map. You asked for suggestions on how to improve the education system in America. I've been a teacher for 26 years.
My suggestion is for people who've never spent even one day teaching children in a classroom to please stop trying to tell teachers what they should or shouldn't teach, as well as blaming teachers for all the problems with education. I don't tell my mechanic how to fix my car, my dentist how to fill a cavity or a surgeon how to operate. I wish teachers were given the same respect. Sadly, we aren't.
It's no surprise the number of teachers who leave the profession every year. — Nancy F., A fourth grade teacher in Lancaster, Ohio
Nancy, if I had my way, I'd like to see teachers receive higher pay. In many other countries, teachers are highly respected, and parents work with the teachers rather than making excuses for their children. It's a much harder job than most people realize.
However, I'd also like to see school hours extended to about 4 or 4:30 p.m. with additional subjects taught, including how to budget money in preparation for the real world. Because American students rank so low in a number of subjects such as math and science, I think I can safely say that some work needs to be done in our educational system. — Heloise
Walker hint
Dear Heloise: My hint is to put an aluminum walker, with the bar facing outside, right next to your headboard area of your bed. When getting out of bed, grab this bar to help you stand up until you get your footing. I wouldn't be able to stand up without mine! — Jay M., via email
On a roll
Dear Heloise: This is for people who get frustrated when a roll of foil, plastic wrap or wax paper fails to come off properly. Look on the sides of the box for a finger-fitting perforated hole. If you put your fingers in these holes, your roll will be secured. This allows the foil, wrap or paper to glide off correctly. — Pat T., in Connecticut
Outdoor pets
Dear Heloise: Reading your advice regarding "outdoor" pets, I fully agree with you that there really isn't a viable excuse for this. Pets and people should be supervised, supported, fed, and given health care appropriately. Pets also need to be microchipped and, in most cases, "fixed." In addition, most of us who keep our pets from harm don't appreciate neighbors who feed feral animals. This creates an additional hazard to our pets. — Barbara, in Illinois
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.
