Letter: Resents negative portrayal of Danvers teachers

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June 9, 2009

Anonymous The Salem News Tue Jun 09, 2009, 12:29 AM EDT

To the editor:

I am a longtime resident of Danvers as well as a registered voter and taxpayer. I am also a teacher in the Danvers public schools. I felt compelled to respond to the inflammatory letter to the editor from Alan Vervaeke published on Monday, June 1.

It is irresponsible for Mr. Vervaeke to make statements which imply that any kind of decision has been made regarding a wage freeze. No such vote has taken place. Our negotiating committee is working hard with the administration in the hopes we can all reach a mutually satisfying agreement.

I have had the privilege of teaching in Danvers for 15 years. The administration, teachers and School Committee members have always worked tirelessly together to provide the best education possible to the children of Danvers. We all share the same vision for our students: Excellence in education.

I resent the accusation that I or any of my colleagues would "retaliate against children," that we are "holding the children hostage" and that we are "bullies." Our profession is, by nature, one of caregiving, compassion, guidance and collaboration. In my own classroom I am committed to providing children with a safe, nurturing, engaging and supportive educational environment.

I have watched my own three children go through the Danvers schools being inspired, challenged and encouraged by the many teachers and support staff who work long hours, spend much of their own money on special projects, attend courses and workshops to better themselves in their profession and commit themselves to my children's success.

I am most certainly not "thumbing my nose" at the rest of the taxpayers in Danvers. I am a resident who has paid my fair share of athletic and bus fees, as well as taxes!

Mr. Vervaeke has never met me, nor has he ever been in my classroom. I am not sure that he has ever been in my school.

If he had, he might have thought twice about making assumptions about people and/or their feelings.

I suggest that in the future, Mr. Vervaeke does some research before he makes slanderous accusations or generalizations about a group of people who have dedicated themselves to enriching the lives of the children in the town where he lives!

Katie Pelletier

Danvers

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