Published: October 1, 2000

Letters

Day Off

It is laudable for a teacher to never be absent, but it is important that a teacher be a person. I would guess that Alphonse Dattalo ( "The Streak," August/September) either doesn't have kids or has put the responsibility of child raising entirely on his wife's shoulders. Who among us has not had to stay home with a sick child?

Being a good role model is important, but demonstrating that you are human is also important. Teachers are often parents, too, and should not be criticized, even indirectly, for taking care of family. I love my job; I have an excellent attendance rate, I don't take personal days to do shopping, and I work when not feeling 100 percent. But sometimes, other parts of...