To the editor:

Recently I had the opportunity to attend the Lee County Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Banquet (April 10, 2015). This was a wonderful salute honoring the Golden Apple winners, finalists, Teachers of Distinction and the Academy of Teachers. What a marvelous event.

Unfortunately, the pride felt for those being honored left me wanting. For there is another group who are as vital to our children’s education who rarely, if ever, receive recognition for the countless hours that they teach… namely, the Substitute Teacher (Guest) Teachers. Research finds that the average PRE-K-12th grade student spends an entire year of their education under the tutelage of substitute teachers.

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools does a FANTASTIC job in support of the full-time teachers, but does nothing to support substitute teachers.

The Foundation’s mission is to “enhance and enrich the quality of public education in support of The Lee County students and educators.” I would remind the Foundation that Substitute/Guest teachers are “educators.”

Twenty first century substitute teachers are adjunct educators that are prepared and trained to understand common core studies, Race to the Top, Stem, the use of Smart Boards, tablets, smartphones, and all current technologies. They have a working knowledge of pre-K through 12th grade curricula, in all subjects, including reading programs, new math, new science, class diversity bullying issues. Now that is a TEACHER!

Bottom line…. lets support remember to support the Substitute/Guest Teachers!

Marvin Goetz

Substitute teacher

President

Lee County Association of Professional Substitute Teachers