Education concerns

I am writing you this evening in regards to the very pressing needs of your children, my children, and everyone’s children.

Is the public aware that Washington state is ranked 46th in class size and that our teachers make a nearly $12,000 below that of our West Coast state neighbors?

In order to attract and keep the best and most passionate teachers, it is imperative to pay them fairly, at a wage reflecting our state’s desire to lead in the education of its children. Smaller class sizes will enable Washington’s children the individual attention, more focused learning and atmosphere of consistent learning time.

As a 14-year veteran educator myself, I know Washington state is a great place to live and teach. I’d love to also say it is an effective and great place to work. I care about kids; why else teach? A classroom of fewer children would help me touch the eager minds of my students with one to one teaching. A salary that keeps up with the economic atmosphere would keep the best of my colleagues who simply have decided to move on.

As a proud Washingtonian and committed teacher, I urge the voters of this amazing state to voice their concern for the future of education. Voters should contact legislators stressing the educational needs of their children and the need for the restoration of the voter-mandated COLA lost during Dino Rossi’s 2003-05 budget.

Lori Karpan, Federal Way