I would like to respectfully respond to the 80-year-old’s  letter to the editor “Teachers in it for selves” (Tribune, Jan 8).
It is unfortunate that her experience was negative when volunteering and working in the classroom. I believe things have changed a lot since her experience.
Educational assistants are now employed only to support “special needs” students. They work as a team with the teacher implementing all kind of supports. It is a trained position that requires knowledge and skill in many areas.
Lack of appreciation or respect can occur in many work situations. Painting all teachers as “thinking they are above the rest of us” does a great disservice to the majority of school staff who have students’ best interests at heart in so many ways.
It perpetuates the negative image given currently in much of the media of teachers and school staff.
The challenges, diversity and needs of students are very different now to even 20 years ago. Yes, I work in the school system, so I may be considered biased. However before that, when I was a parent, I volunteered.
I only ever experienced busy teachers who were grateful for any extra pair of hands. These days they are expected to not only teach (with many students having different “individual education plans”), but also to deal with countless stressful situations where students are concerned.
Working with students is not a job that is left at the end of the day.
But most do it for the right reasons. That is why so many students are supporting their teachers in their opposition to Bill 115.
Alison Miles   Guelph