Had I not moved out of state the bridge toll would have made it impossible for me to make ends-meet. Given that I could only find part time minimum wage employment, I would have lost up to 1/6 of my monthly paycheck on the bridge. I couldn't take the bus because the buses between my home and work either did not run early enough or late enough depending on my schedule that day. Moving to Seattle was too expensive to be considered.

I would have gladly paid a more reasonable price to use the bridge- though admittedly, I would have used I-90 whenever possible if I had the extra time. Luckily, I moved and don't have to worry about that anymore.

I had to go through one of the body scanners in Albuquerque recently; you still have to take off shoes, jackets, etc. But you just go through the scanner instead of the metal detector. Honestly, while I initially was a little upset about having to go through, I've realized how much more I value my safety than a complete stranger who I'll never see again seeing more of me than I want.

It was quick and painless. I might not love the idea, but I like it a whole lot more than the thought of some crazy terrorist not getting caught before reeking havoc. We live in troubled times, and unfortunately it's not getting better so tougher measures are needed. 'Tis life.

My study times had nothing to do with College. It was all middle and senior high school. . College is a totally different story; I never stopped studying. That is beside the point.

The schools I am talking about ARE local schools. Also, many local high schools offer AP, IB and College in the High School courses right at the high school itself- no need to go to the local CC (though running start is also a great option). I attended public school in a local district- from K-12. I speak from experience within the last 5 years, as a student in a local district and family also working in local districts.

During college, I tutored middle school students in the Seattle Public SD, for math every week. They really struggled... a lot.... but I don't attribute that to a lack of effort or good teaching by the teachers. There are a lot of hurdles that those teachers are faced with that make teaching the diverse group of students extraordinarily challenging. Some students need much more individual attention than can be given.

I know my experience is just one, and everybody has had their own, but more than anything I think we need to realize that we are way over-simplifying this issue. Unless we put ourselves in the teachers' shoes in the specific district, we will not (and cannot) every hope to understand where they are coming from. I think everybody should take the time to volunteer in a local school- it will greatly improve your understanding of the situation, and your appreciation for the people who dedicate their lives to teaching these children.

Cutting edge changes, yes. Most new scientific discoveries would be considered 'cutting edge''- but that isn't exactly what I said. I said that "fundamental concepts" are being refined. In other words, some of the very basics of biology have and are being updated with new information. This shapes what is taught in every way- especially to high school students. Did you know that some high schools are trying to help students get a taste of biological research, and actually incorporate such projects into the classroom on a small scale? This is critically important, and means that our schools are teaching the cutting edge and critical thinking skills. This is increasingly necessary in our society for students to be successful, especially in science. 'Cutting edge' and 'basic' are not antonyms. For example- the field of genetics is constantly growing as we learn more and more about the genome, how genes work and how functioning genes produce the whole organisms we see. You can't get more basic than DNA, the building block of life, and you can bet that high school students learn about DNA.

And, I have to disagree with you about homework- as a recent college grad, high school and middle school were not that long ago. I had a ton of homework- often 5 or 6 hours per night in high school, and 4+ in middle school- after spending 8 hours at school (I had a zero period, so 7 classes per day). Teachers had no qualms about assigning work, and the work they assigned was, for the most part, beneficial. Students who struggled would get help with the teacher and also the teachers often worked to set them up with peer tutors to help even more.

I was speaking with a friend who lives in another country; where she is from, teaching is one of the most well paid and highly regarded professions. As our discussion progressed, she was shocked at the pay, etc. It saddens me that teachers here do not receive this same respect that this friend spoke of. It is no less deserved.

As far as your latte goes- your barista was paid to attend training to learn how to make your latte before you ever saw them behind the bar. So in a sense, YES, even your barista was paid to prepare.

Teachers plan classes according to the students, and according to changing requirements by their districts and the states. Some mandates force teachers to change specific material that they cover or methods that they use to teach.

Although the basic information may not change, the students sure do. Each group of students is different- different strengths and weaknesses and therefore lesson plans must change to accommodate the needs of each and every class. Some things may be exactly the same from year to year... but not everything. What if a class one year does really well on a topic, but the next year doesn't quite grasp it? This happens, and so lesson plans must be changed to provide extra help on this topic of difficulty. Lastly, some subjects DO change- biology for instance. There are fundamental concepts in biology that are constantly being refined. In fact, as soon as a new biology text comes into print it is already out-of-date information.

(One of my best friends is a community college prof- most require a Masters degree or higher, at least when one for the subject is available.)

HungerStrike, I take it you are a teacher; Thank you- For everything that you do. Some people DO appreciate what you are doing and understand.

My sister used to teach- I've never seen somebody so dedicated and spend so many hours working, for as little compensation as they get. I think until you are around somebody who teaches, it is hard to appreciate the true amount of work required of them.

There is so much more than just the time spent teaching in class- every hour of class requires planning, putting together worksheets and handouts, tests, reviewing options for material, grading..... At least for secondary teachers who teach 5 classes a day, this means what, 100+ students? And 2, 3 maybe even 4 different class subjects? Let alone 5 days a week, and tailoring to a different class of students every time... which means nothing ever works exactly the same even from one year to the next. Prepping and grading for this is obviously more than any one person can do in a mere one or two hours. I've watched my sister and other friends who are teachers put in 12, 14, 16+ hour days, including weekends to complete everything. I had teachers in high school who would arrive at school before 7am and not leave until after 7pm (like your wife, My2Centsandmore). Then they would take more grading home.

In sending their children to school, parents expect their child to learn well, to be supported by the teachers, to get helpful and timely feedback. The administration expects teachers to give timely feedback as well, and keep current on grades- helping problem students and those who are struggling, and challenging those who are excelling.

The expectation society has of teachers is essentially to be super-humans. Many of them are just that, and they have my deepest respect and gratitude. They have to love what they are doing, and it isn't that teachers don't know what they are going up against when they get into the profession, but they also need to be supported- giving teachers what they need to be successful at their job means that the students will be more successful learners. And this is what everybody wants, right? For their children to be given the necessary tools for success?

To the teachers- Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for choosing this profession despite the long, grueling hours, low pay, and lack of support from the community at times. I owe my success to you who believed in me and went the extra mile to let me know it. You are truly superheros who take on super-human responsibilities- I hope more people will begin to realize this. Thank you for the inspiration you are in all you do. I am a better person because of it.

It's interesting how simple of a solution there can be to such a deadly disease. Maybe it is also our responsibility to question our doctors about the antibiotics and drugs they want to prescribe us; are they really necessary? I did this once when I had a cough that wouldn't go away. The doctor didn't know what it was but told me "maybe bronchitis- I'll give you an antibiotic just in case"... after asking if it was really necessary, he told me he would write me the prescription but to wait a few days before starting it..... miraculously I got better.... without the drugs.... it turned out to be asthma.