Hello Everyone. I am a new resident of Lincoln- as of June 2022. I attended Lexington Public Schools for elementary, junior high and high school. When my husband and I purchased our first home it was in Lexington. Our daughter attended elementary, middle and high school in Lexington. I taught in Lexington for 46 years, retiring in 2021. I would not trade one moment of my career teaching, working with and nurturing students. Every student has a story and not all are equally blessed. Lexington has participated in the Metco Program for decades. As a resident, parent and teacher in Lexington there were endless conversations regarding cost per student, teacher salaries, building repairs, program offerings etc. My various roles as parent, teacher and tax payer placed me in many groups with many wants, needs, and concerns. I am writing to this forum to encourage all participants to appreciate all perspectives and to choose phrasing of concerns with great care. Since my retirement and actually before, the need for and call for teachers to fill essential classroom teaching assignments, at every level, has increased dramatically if not desperately. Exceptional school systems are removing previously standard qualifications allowing candidates to be hired as they complete the mandatory requirements.
Most teachers are worthy of much more recognition and pay for the work they do. Class size is important in order for students to receive the much needed support and individual instruction they need. This has never been truer thanks to Covid and remote learning. I am not indicating that a class needs to be limited to or designated to be 17 or fewer students. That would be luxurious, but do remember that teachers at the secondary levels have a minimum of 4 classes. My classes were typically made up of 23 to 25 students and I taught four math classes five days a week, along with classes we called “What I Need Now.” This class met twice weekly as time built into the school day to afford students who participate in after school programs to receive extra support. This class was fluid. Students could attend this class for math, English etc as needed due to absences or additional support. I’m going on too long, now but my intent is to stay in conversation that allows all voices, concerns, and issues of these times to be understood as best as possible. It is not an easy or simple endeavor, but in an ever more divisive world it is increasingly important that we hear and care. Sincerely, Linda Crowne
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