Substitute teachers should be paid more

This is in response to the recent article about how difficult it is to get substitute teachers in the Watertown school system. Are you leaders of school districts living in the same world as I am? You pay a certified teacher who has a master's degree or equivalent $85 for a full day? Hello? Have you checked the prices of things lately? Have you gone to the doctor or dentist lately? I pay $82 just to have my teeth cleaned and that doesn't count X-rays.

Most repairmen wouldn't even walk into your house for $75 or more. Can you go to the grocery store and spend less than $100? What about a quick trip to the drugstore for a few items?

If it weren't for the glut of new teachers trying to get jobs, you'd really be in trouble. They are working for your slave wages for the experience and the possibility of landing a job.

Now let's mention the job itself. Everybody knows that the kids will be rowdy with a sub, making the job even harder than usual. I speak from experience. I have been a substitute teacher for 12 years. Since I'm a retired teacher, I just do it for fun.

Okay, let's review. You expect this person who holds a master's degree or equivalent to be like a fireman and be ready at a moment's notice. He or she must take that 6 a.m. call, jump out of bed, get ready to go to some school somewhere, read and study the plans for the day, and try to teach the stuff to kids who are smiling and giggling at each other saying, "Substitute, substitute, we got a sub today." (That translates to a goof-off day.)

All of this for $85 a day, not even a free lunch. Shame on you Mr., Ms., or Mrs. school district honcho.

James C. Jarosz

Watertown