MY TURN By CHRIS JENSEN

An open letter to all NJ State Legislators Congratulations on passing bills punishing public employees for your inability to be fiscally responsible in your governing of the state. These bills are not solutions to the problem; they are punitive actions on the part of the governor seeking to punish those who stood against him in the election. Making matters worse is that many citizens have bought into his rhetoric. As a teacher, I have been upset by recent letters complaining about our salary, benefits and pensions. I refrained, however, from replying because I respect people’s right to vent despite being uninformed. But when the misinformation comes from the governor and is supported by the actions of the legislature, my ability to turn the other cheek is exhausted. The truth is that teachers chose their profession knowing that while the pay is less than comparable professions, the benefits and pension make up for what the salary lacked. Now we are told, to quote a recent letter, this is being selfish. Adding insult to injury, the governor suggests that benefits and salary have no affect on how well children learn. Well, it will be difficult for children to learn when these bills cause their teachers to question their career, not to mention chasing away quality new applicants. He goes on criticize the NJEA’s opposition to merit pay when the reality is that merit pay for teachers is as ludicrous as it would be for doctors. Holding teachers solely responsible for students’ grades is like holding doctors responsible for the obesity epidemic. Where does he concede the importance support at home has on a child’s achievement? How fair is merit pay when the scores of an honors class is compared to that of a special education class? How many new teachers will be willing to teach special needs students when they know their merit will be based on standardized tests performance rather than their individual gains in the classroom? The reality is that New Jersey students rank among the top in the nation largely because of dedicated teachers and yet we are vilified by the public and our public officials alike. In the past, New Jersey educators have persevered in the face of such insults because of the quality of the people attracted to the profession. Whether that continues to be the case remains to be seen...but I wouldn’t bet on it. The writer lives in Vernon and describes himself as a proud teacher and NJEA member. He teaches at the Glen Meadow School in Vernon.