During a recent government meeting, educators from the Fall River School District voiced their concerns regarding proposed changes to teaching responsibilities and compensation, highlighting the ongoing challenges of teacher retention and respect for veteran educators.

John Andrade, a lead teacher at Durfee High School, opened the discussion by expressing his apprehension about a proposal to increase the number of classes high school lead teachers are required to teach. He emphasized that current workloads are already overwhelming, stating that the addition of leadership responsibilities would be unmanageable. Andrade argued that while the proposed stipend increase for lead teachers was a step in the right direction, it still represented a significant pay cut when compared to the demands of mentoring and leading large departments.

Helen Schoonmaker, an ESL teacher, shared her personal financial struggles, detailing how her salary barely covers her living expenses. She highlighted the broader issue of inadequate compensation for teachers, particularly those in high-demand roles like ESL, and called for systemic changes to ensure that educators can thrive rather than merely survive.

Carrie Devine, a veteran teacher, echoed these sentiments, lamenting the loss of talented educators to better-paying districts. She stressed the importance of valuing teachers' contributions to student success and the need for the district to invest in its educators to prevent further attrition.

Nikki Jacobson, another long-serving teacher, raised concerns about the lack of respect for veteran educators, pointing out that despite her extensive experience and qualifications, her compensation did not reflect her dedication. She urged the school committee to recognize the value of long-term teachers and to provide fair compensation that reflects their commitment and expertise.

Dawn Gomes, a paraprofessional, highlighted the critical role of support staff in the classroom and the urgent need for better pay and recognition, particularly in special education, where turnover rates are alarmingly high. She warned that the ongoing neglect of these issues could severely impact the quality of education for students with special needs.

The meeting concluded with Keith Michonne, president of the Fall River Educators Association, emphasizing the need for the school committee to take the educators' proposals seriously. He criticized the committee's lack of responsiveness to the educators' demands for better working conditions and compensation, urging them to show respect and value for the teaching profession.

As the district grapples with staffing shortages and the retention crisis, the voices of educators underscore the urgent need for meaningful dialogue and action to address their concerns and improve the educational environment for both teachers and students.