By Alyssa Pentis Callahan

Let’s take a moment to highlight our teachers. In many ways, they are the heart of our communities.

On March 19, leaders of the Miller Creek Educators Association negotiating team shared an update that demands immediate attention. The Miller Creek School District presented its teachers with an offer that can only be described as disappointing and disheartening: a mere 0.75% increase on the salary schedule. That’s not just inadequate; it’s an affront to the dedication and hard work of our educators.

This offer is effectively asking our teachers to accept a pay cut. In an era where the cost of living continues to rise steadily, a 0.75% increase falls far short of keeping pace with inflation. It means that our teachers will find themselves with even less purchasing power than before.

It’s crucial to remember that teachers are the backbone of our educational system. They are the ones who greet our children each morning with warm smiles and enthusiasm. They are the ones who work tirelessly to create engaging lessons with considerations and accommodations based on individual student needs. They provide social-emotional support. They are no longer just teachers. They are counselors. They are mentors. They are trusted adults to your children and to my children.

As a former student in the district and as a current parent to a second-grader and student in transitional kindergarten, I feel the power of the teachers’ work every day. I remember being greeted by Ms. Kitty in the main office, just like my sons are by Ms. Denise. I remember the leadership of Ms. Gaskin, just like my sons see in Ms. Foehr. I remember the guidance of Ms. Zink and Mr. Case that ultimately led to me following in their footsteps and becoming a teacher — just like my sons have been guided by Ms. Demartini, Ms. Stein, Ms. Woolard, Ms. Levinson and Ms. Reid.

We have to put faces to these teachers. We have to remember our relationships with these teachers. These teachers are a part of our village in raising our children.

While I understand school districts are facing uncertain times with strained funding and potential financial losses due to federal budget cuts, the burden cannot continue to fall on the backs of teachers.

If we continue to undervalue our teachers, we risk losing them to other districts or professions that offer more competitive compensation. This exodus of talent will ultimately hurt our students and our community. We need to attract and retain the best educators, not drive them away with inadequate offers.

This offer isn’t just about numbers on a paycheck; it’s about respect. It’s about recognizing the immense value that teachers bring to our community. When we present such a low offer, we’re sending a clear message that we don’t truly appreciate the time, effort, and care that teachers invest in their work.

As a fellow teacher, I can only imagine the mix of frustration and disappointment they must feel. Yet, they persist, because that’s what dedicated professionals do. This is time for us to stand with our teachers.

It’s time for district officials to reconsider their offer. Our teachers deserve a salary increase that, at the very least, keeps pace with the cost of living. They deserve to feel valued and respected for the crucial work they do. They deserve to be seen and validated by not only the school district, but supported by parents and the community in their pursuit of a reasonable wage increase.

As community members, parents and fellow educators, we must stand up for our teachers. We must advocate for fair compensation that reflects the true worth of their contributions. We must remind our school board and district administrators that investing in our teachers is investing in our children’s future.

Let’s send a clear message: We value our teachers. We respect their work. We understand their importance to our community. It’s time for an offer that reflects these truths.

Our teachers show up every day, ready to inspire and educate. It’s time we showed up for them.

Tamalpais Union High School District teacher Alyssa Pentis Callahan, of Terra Linda, is a parent of Miller Creek School District students.