Criticism of teacher unworthy of publication

This comes in response to the Wednesday letter from a parent entitled: "Special needs class more focused on the teacher than on student needs."

Since when does the Bradenton Herald publish letters with personal attacks on teachers? This teacher's identity is obvious as there are very few teachers with this level of visual impairment teaching at all, much less teaching students with disabilities in Manatee County district schools.

This teacher worked under my supervision when I was a principal. I know her to be an exemplary teacher who always put her students first, who advocates fiercely for their needs, and who works very hard to instill independence, confidence, and academic success in her students with disabilities.

Because of this teacher's own special needs, she works twice as hard as other teachers to prepare for her instruction. She should be applauded for her dedication to her students and to her profession rather than embarrassed by this letter from a disgruntled parent.

The last time I looked, a ream of colored paper was in the $4 to $6 range, not $30 as indicated by this parent. What a wonderful world this would be if parents would wholeheartedly support teachers in the best interests of their children.

Shame on the Bradenton Herald for publishing this letter! Believe me, I know many many parents who are forever beholden to this teacher for making such a positive difference in the lives of their children.

Nancy Beal

Ellenton

This story was originally published March 17, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Criticism of teacher unworthy of publication ."