Tele-Talk Responses: What can be done to attract and retain quality teachers?

Last week’s Tele-Talk question — “What can be done to attract and retain quality teachers?” — received 44 responses. Most said higher pay would attract quality teachers while others also said affordable housing, less bureaucracy and more respect would help. The responses below have been edited for space; the full selection can be viewed at conwaydailysun.com.

We can talk all day about teacher pay, but it is just a symptom of an underlying issue. New Hampshire does not have an adequate method of funding education. As far as teacher pay, in Wakefield, I feel they receive adequate pay and Cadillac benefits. Average pay including benefits is over $74,000 (for 187 days' work). I have done an extensive review of the teacher’s contract in my blog. There's a lot that the public doesn't know. Every year the mantra is: "If we only had more money." My town has always given it by voting to support the school system. The problem is that our children's test scores have spiraled downwards despite the increased funding every year. Teachers shouldn't bear the blame for all of it, but why these professionals can't seem to figure this out is a mystery. As far as staffing numbers, you should look at the history of student versus staff numbers. You will find that the staff has grown at a much higher percentage rate than students. Part of this is due to special ed needs and cannot be helped, but often it's because there are constantly new "programs" being introduced. Jim Miller.