For more than 20 years, I have been teaching chemistry and promoting science education to a generation of young minds. I did not come into the world of public education expecting to get rich. In fact, I left a lucrative scientific research job in the private sector industry to enter the teaching profession.
I wanted the opportunity to teach students who could be the next Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein or Louis Pasteur. I wanted to make a difference and contribute to my community. I wanted to be a teacher.
During the last several years, Pickerington, like many Ohio communities—has struggled to secure funding in our own growing area. We have retained our optimism and dedication, despite the unwillingness of some to support the same kind of quality public education and services they received when they were younger.
Now some elected officials are carrying out a systematic attack against teachers—like me—who only want what’s best for their students.
It’s sad and it’s a tragedy, but it is not a coincidence that Issue 2 silences the voices of teachers and other educators. Politicians don’t want to hear us advocating for our students or for good schools that include smaller class sizes, up-to-date textbooks, well-equipped libraries and modern technology. These politicians want to be free to make up their own rules, while ignoring the advice of the people who work in schools and classrooms everyday. As teachers, we know what students need to succeed in school and in life.
Ohioans have the chance to come together on Election Day. Voting NO on Issue 2, we’ll send a clear message to self-serving politicians who don’t have the best interest of our students in mind.
—Carla Fultz, science teacher, Pickerington