I wish to take issue with some of the assumptions made by the four teachers who were interviewed concerning the Gates Foundation grant ("Teachers in transition," Views, Feb. 28).
It was said several times that good parenting is essential for children's success in school. Not true! My two brothers and I grew up in a totally dysfunctional home, filled with constant criticism, hatred, anger, punishment, a mostly absent father, and one in which our mother constantly set us one against the other. There were no books, no magazines, no art on the walls and certainly no love or encouragement. Never once did we hear, "I'm proud of you!" or "Good job!"
We should have been poster children for not succeeding in school, but we weren't. Today, my older brother is a medical doctor. My younger brother has two master's degrees and is a life-long learner with a huge book collection. I started and completed my BA in English at age 25, with two toddlers to care for and no help from anyone, graduated in three years and had a successful career. We all still read voraciously.
Granted, it would have been easier and much more pleasant for the three of us had we had loving, caring parents, but in spite of our situation, we found it within ourselves to succeed. Who were the motivators? Our teachers. They recognized our abilities and encouraged us to do our best and more, so we did.
I wish the Tampa teachers all the best and hope they realize what a wonderful opportunity they have to grow in their chosen profession. Embrace the opportunity and become the very best you can be for your students' sakes - and your own.
HARRIET BROWN
Largo
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