Sir, - I am weary hearing the teaching profession justifying their current pay claim by going on and on about how hard they work, how stressful their jobs are and how so many of them end up having to take early retirement. This, in an environment where there is no real accountability for performance. Imagine the levels of stress and early retirement if there were!
Having read the list of responsibilities enumerated by Robert Dowds (November 7th), I yawned and wondered how many teachers would like to try the list provided by, for example, a ward sister, a factory production manager, a self-employed entrepreneur, a travelling salesperson, a bar manager, a creche manager, a supermarket manager. . .While I accept there are many challenges in teaching, can anyone tell me of a profession that is well paid, easy-going and stress-free? Yet Mr Dowds presents his list as evidence of the "plight" of the teacher-principal. Rubbish; that is their job!
There may well be a case to justify the current claim, but teachers, please stop presenting one based on the fact that you feel you work hard and experience stress. - Yours, etc.,
Loman Brophy, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath.