Letter: Good teachers leaving at an alarming rate

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2001 | 10:23 a.m.

Historically, our families have enjoyed long careers by these visionaries who have allowed siblings, first older and then younger, the benefit of their teachings, and sometimes, if we were lucky enough, parent and then child.

As a parent of two currently attending Clark County schools, and a teacher with 22 years experience, I find it very alarming, the unprecedented rate at which these teachers are leaving this honorable calling.

For a variety of reasons, teachers of all ages and experience levels are electing to call it quits long before their time. As a result, tragic consequences, which may compromise our children's education, occur.

Ask your children if they've experienced this concerning phenomenon and, chances are, they will produce a grocery list of teachers, new and experienced, who have left over the last year or two. Perhaps the time has come for our school district to address the serious issues that have contributed to this disturbing trend.

One idea might be to set up an open forum, moderated by our local media, where our superintendent and School Board of Trustees meet with those teachers exiting the school district and exchange ideas, therefore laying the groundwork towards resolving this issue.

An idea such as this may not be the entire answer to this troubling concern, but in our children's best interest, it's a big step in the right direction.

BART BOULTON