My friend and fellow band coach, Todd Richmond is retiring after this school year. Todd, besides being a great guy (and a die-hard Cubs fan!) is one hell of a great teacher. He has taught music, both instrumental and vocal in Darlington WI for the past 28 years and has had one of the most consistently fine programs in this part of the state.
The thing is, he didn't really want to retire yet. He probably would have liked to teach for a few more years, but his job was cut to 81% ! So we can can put another "face" on the carnage of the Budget Repair Bill. This program which is thriving and has served the young people and community of Darlington so well for so long is deemed to not be important enough to be "full time". It's just another example of an attitude that relegates teachers, and especially teachers of "non-core" or "extra curricular" to second-class status in the general scheme of things. But after all these years, the ignorance that defines music education as "non-core" or "extra curricular" is still prevalent!
In his email to his colleagues and parents of his students, Todd, in expressing concern about finding a replacement willing to take an 81% job, said "I know there are better teachers out there.." to which I can only reply "I don't think so!!"
Good luck TR!! Darlington is losing a great teacher!
No comments:
Post a Comment