‘We Love Our Teachers’ sign campaign

Published 10:49 am Friday, September 2, 2022

To The Editor:

I was dismayed when, a few weeks ago, Larry Arnn, the President of Hillsdale College and political supporter of Governor Bill Lee, showed his disdain for public school teachers and for Tennessee’s colleges (apparently both public and private) by saying that our teachers come from the “dumbest parts” of the “dumbest colleges.” Astonishingly, the Governor did not take the opportunity to object to this unfair and self-serving insult to our state, its citizens, and its institutions.

Don’t get me wrong, I think all Tennesseans have a right to complain about public schools, especially those who have children in school. I do not, however, believe that outsiders who have a huge financial interest in weakening our public institutions should have the last word. Remember, Tennessee’s Governor and the Republican supermajority have underfunded the public schools for years while they set up inefficient and under-performing charter schools. Meanwhile, teachers take money out of their paychecks to buy school supplies for their students, have had to continue to adjust to teaching during a pandemic, and have always been there to support our children during difficult times. Now, their funding is being threatened even further by introducing the charter school funding in 2023. I think it’s time for us to show how much we appreciate them. We need our public schools, and our specially trained and highly educated teachers, to prepare our young people for the future.

The Carter County Democratic Party is taking this opportunity to show our support for our public school teachers with signs saying “We Love Our Teachers”. Party members are planting these red, white and blue signs in the vicinity of the public schools. The signs at the schools have been donated by the Party, but individuals who would like to share this sentiment are helping defray expenses by making a $10.00 donation.

If you would like to purchase one or more signs, please contact CCDP at tnccdp@gmail.com, or through our website contact: www.tnccdp.com.  We will work out delivery or pickup at your convenience.  Help us support our teachers and public schools and let them know that the public cares.

Diane Wilde

Chairperson

CC Democratic Party