Who will listen to teachers?

I just came home after working five hours overtime without pay. I'll likely do the same tomorrow, and the next day, which is often my routine. Why? Because with 240 students in my English classes, overtime is unavoidable to grade all the papers and tests.

Of my six classes, five exceed 40 students. I've no doubt someone else out there in Utah's public schools can top me.

I'm not sure why we Utahns are putting up with these grievous circumstances. We say we want smaller classes. We say we're willing to pay more taxes to get them. We recognize that too many students means kids don't get the attention and help they need. And yet, each year, it's the same situation. I already know who is not listening to us. What I want to know is, who will?

Julie Parkin

Salt Lake City