Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Hey, Virginia Delegates and Senators: How do you assure our future, improve the welfare of our society or even “Make American Great Again” when you do not fully fund the education of our children? Our kids and their development are our future, right? 

So, at a time when fewer people nationally are entering the teaching profession and more are leaving it than before, both which contribute to a crisis teacher shortage, how do you justify not helping to make the job more attractive? Unless you take dramatic steps now, the experience of having our students taught by the best and brightest will wither away. As a result, we run the risk of thrusting ill-prepared kids into a society starved for the knowledgeable and skilled.

Have you realized that the mid 50 thousands average Virginia teacher’s salary is at least 16 percent less than the national average teacher salary? Due to higher salaries in urban areas, the percentage is likely a lot lar...