Archived Letter - 854

I have a HUGE issue the editorial cartoon penned by  Dan Hammond, Vol 68 Issue 19, wherein he lambasts teachers for what he deems to be self-serving interests. He suggests teachers are taking job action(s) to get more money and/or time off work.  Really?  Does he have any idea what the issues are?

Presently, money and time off work haven't been at all discussed.  The issues  are how many students are in a classroom and how teachers spend their prep time.  Does he have children in the school system?  Likely not, or he wouldn't want 35 or more students vying for the teacher's attention along with his child.  He most likely would like the teachers to have time to digest information derived from test scores and formative assessment so that they could contact him with any concerns. When?  Dunno.  The province wants to take away time for parental contact, assessment, and planning.  Want to meet the teacher?  When?

I have no problem with cartoonists having opinions: after all, it's an opinion page.  But to stake so polemical a position without having any of the information beforehand, suggesting in the process to people who don't have time to do the research that he -- because he is positioning the paper with his artwork and by doing so positing a position of authority --  is downright irresponsible.  Dan Hammond should consider all positions before talking a stance.  It's his responsibility as a cartoonist, and it's his responsibility as a representative of The Wellington Advertiser to report/represent without bias.  Shame on Dan Hammond.

Geoff Little
Fourth Line
Fergus. ON.

Geoff Little