Teachers should stop complaining about their pay

The piece regarding the new teacher contract in the July 28 issue was long on Howard County Education Association sound bites and short on stats.

I have great respect and appreciation for teachers, but I'm tired of hearing them poor-mouth about their compensation. According to the Teacher World website, the average teacher in Maryland makes $63,333 for nine months of work, plus Cadillac benefits that most of us would love to have. Do the math: If they were to work a full year that's almost $85,000 a year, plus benefits.

It's time for them to embrace what they are — well paid and appreciated professionals — and it's time for you to provide more facts with your story.

Ruth Taylor

Ellicott City