I'd like to know the last time that Ed Jacovino ("Teachers not chipping in," May 25) or Susan Kniep, president of the Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations (quoted in the article), spent any time in a local classroom.

I am thankful each and every day when my two boys are at school that they are in such capable and caring hands. It takes a special kind of person to be a teacher, and I haven't met a single one who chose the profession for the money.

Each year, their classroom enrollment grows and they have more students and fewer resources. Time and time again, I have seen teachers pay for supplies and extras for the classroom out of their own pockets.

Most teachers mentor before- or after-school programs so their students can explore and develop their passions. These teachers do not get extra pay. They do it for their students because they believe in their talents. Teachers and educators spend countless hours nurturing, encouraging, and growing students into active citizens.

Newspapers and anti-tax groups like Kniep's have recently focused all their anti-public service rhetoric on, and with no good reason. The teachers I know work hard, pride themselves on the accomplishments of their students, and work hand in hand with parents and the community to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our children.

Our town budget had a shortfall this year. But educators in our town - administrators, paraprofessionals, and teachers - are working together to help close the gap. School employees know they will need to give back to our community to overcome this challenge and still provide our children the great education they deserve. I am confident these dedicated educators will rise to the challenge of these unprecedented times in a spirit of cooperation and generosity for our community.

This parent thinks that our teachers, our paraprofessionals, administrators, and all the school workers are worth every penny - and then some.

Dawn M. McKay
Suffield