Recently I learned that Alpena school board member Ned Heath commented, “There’s not a lot of teaching going on” while discussing current learning plans within Alpena Public Schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alpena has some of the most dedicated educators I have ever seen who were thrown a curve ball with COVID-19. Instead of quitting or complaining, they spent countless hours of their own time developing multiple strategies and plans to ensure Alpena students continued receiving quality education. They got the job done under a tremendous amount of stress, deadlines, and uncertainty.

I challenge those who share Mr. Heath’s opinion to educate yourself regarding state mandates placed upon teachers, especially special education teachers. Learn how much continuing education a teacher is required to obtain throughout their career which comes from out of pocket costs. Learn how much personal time teachers spend grading papers, answering emails and completing future lesson plans. Learn how much of their own money teachers spend every year on classroom supplies. Learn how much time teachers volunteer at afterschool activities instead of going home to their own families. Then ask yourself how much effort you put into your child’s education and completion/submission of their assignments, and what you are doing to enhance your child’s educational experience instead of relying totally on teachers.

There’s a poem called “The Man In The Arena.” Being a critic is easy from afar when you’re not in their shoes. Maybe some should step into the arena before criticizing our teachers. They are the ones in the academic arena daily. Our teachers are extremely dedicated and they deserve an apology from Mr. Heath. They work hard for our kids and deserve our respect. Please start giving it to them.

SCOTT WOOD,

Alpena