Bob Johnsen’s letter about supporting teachers is right on (“Let teachers take a stand May 16,” in the May 7 Post). Public education has been hurt badly by the lack of adequate funding, and that hurts students greatly.

Salaries for teachers have always been too low, because it has primarily been a profession for females. Teachers are highly educated and should be paid in line with other professions who have similar education requirements, and higher.

Their teaching responsibilities are key to educating the leaders of the future.

And students are continually held back by the failure to provide school supplies and updated textbooks. Yes, students do better when they have a textbook, not just electronic aids.

Class sizes are too large and teachers are overburdened with paperwork and requirements. Maintaining school buildings and all of the supportive programs is also important for students. Many ancillary programs have been cut because of the lack of funding, and this hurts students.

The GOP led General Assembly has redirected funding to private and charter schools and taken it away from public schools. All of this must stop, and it cannot happen until teachers and all of us take a strong stand.

Yes, I stand for the teachers and students, and I voted early.

— Pat Bullard

China Grove