Excellent teachers are being lost
I am a 2001 graduate of East Rowan High School and a 2005 graduate of UNCC with a degree in civil engineering. While at East Rowan I had numerous excellent teachers, all of whom contributed to my success in college. One who had a profound impact taught several advanced math classes, including calculus. The skills and knowledge she taught gave me the basis to be successful in the numerous calculus classes needed to obtain my civil engineer degree.
I have learned this teacher has been informed she will no longer have a teaching job after the end of this school year. She is one of the dedicated teachers that after 30 years in the classroom decided to retire but returned to teach and “double dip.” By not allowing the dedicated, hard working experienced teachers to continue in the classroom, Rowan County and North Carolina are doing an injustice to their youth.
Experienced calculus teachers can’t be easy to find. Even if a person has the knowledge of calculus, how many of them would be able to communicate that knowledge to students? Not many. I had a number of these instructionally challenged instructors in college, making my background in high school even more valuable. Why would the schools turn their backs on such a rich resource? Why would the schools deny the students the education such a teacher can provide? This is just one example of a dedicated teacher who will no longer be allowed to teach. I am sure that there are many others.
One last word, to the current students at East Rowan and all other high schools, sign up for calculus and other higher-level subjects in preparation for college. The background that you receive in high school does prepare you for your college courses.
ó Weston G. Boles
Charlotte
Supporting open mindsI feel compelled to weigh in on all the complaints leveled at Leonard Pitts’ May 23 column criticizing former President Bush.
First, contrary to some writers’ beliefs, be assured there are plenty of us out there who sympathize with Mr. Pitts’ views ó evidenced by the fact that this state voted quite solidly for President Obama and Senator Hagan.
Second, canceling a newspaper subscription because it carries views one does not share seems a bit childish and (forgive me) pig-headed. I read plenty I don’t agree with ó by the likes of Cal Thomas and George Will ó but I maintain a subscription because I like to remain open to other views. They even sometimes encourage me to alter my own.
I congratulate a newspaper that tries to publish a range of opinions. This, to me, promotes the sort of democracy America stands for.
ó Mary Miller James
Salisbury