Just when I thought America and the City of Baltimore had an unemployment problem, I see I've been misled. If Baltimore schools have more than 500 Filipinos teaching in our classrooms ( "Teacher hiring scrutinized," April 5), that indicates no Americans have applied. What's wrong with this picture?

Ever since the economic downturn began, we've been swamped with sad stories of folks out of work, kids returning to live with their parents, and workers languishing for months on unemployment. I fail to understand why no one wants to take a teaching job.

Although the pay may not be as terrific as some people would like, there's tremendous job security along with excellent benefits — not to mention being able to take the entire summer off. Granted, one must get a teaching certificate and meet certain qualifications, but these are not draconian requirements.

Furthermore, I was unaware Baltimore has a Filipino teachers' organization, and in the case of Prince George's Country this group has been able to sue for $4.2 million to recoup visa fees. This ruling by the U.S. Department of Labor should encourage schools everywhere to seek recruits at home rather than go abroad.

After reading about the influx of foreigners coming to this country to take teaching jobs, I have no sympathy for college graduates who whine they can't find a decent job. Obviously there's opportunity everywhere!

Rosalind Ellis, Baltimore