As parents of two teachers, one with a traditional education degree and the other who joined Teach For America after college graduation, we are disappointed with the governor's veto of a $1.5 million investment in this program ("The union case against Teach for America," June 6).
Teach For America is not easy to get into; the process is rigorous, and the training is intense. Through the program, our son discovered a passion for teaching and a desire to make a difference in students' lives. He works hard daily developing lesson plans, coaching sports and volunteering for other after-school activities in urban Oklahoma.
Our son and daughter took different paths to the teaching profession, but both are skilled, passionate and dedicated. As parents, isn't that what we want from our teachers? Too often there is a lack of respect for teachers. We believe both types of teachers should be respected for the important choice they have made to educate our next generation.
BOB and DENISE PULFORD, Richfield
