Letter: Support Rockwood Prop S to keep our teachers in the classrooms

As a former educator, I know firsthand the rewards of teaching — and the costs of underpaying those who dedicate their lives to it. For 12 years, I taught sixth grade math and later served as an instructional coach, earning awards, presenting at national conferences, and holding two master’s degrees in education. Yet in 2022, I left the classroom. The reason was simple: my family could no longer afford for me to stay.

I tried to make it work — picking up side jobs at restaurants — but it was disheartening to earn in one Sunday shift what I did in a day supporting 800 students as an instructional coach. Like many educators I know, I eventually found a job outside education where my skills were valued and my paycheck sustainable.

I understand concerns about raising taxes. But here’s the re