Baltimore County

"Teachers are important. But we also forget about other school personnel: bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and secretaries who are the backbone of the schools. We need to make sure that these workers get the same benefits teachers are asking for. These employees work hard, putting in long hours, backing up teachers in the classroom, and giving their time to coach or advise extra-curricular activities. Maryland needs to make sure it takes care of all its school staffers, to make sure students have access to the best staff top to bottom."

Ann Roberts
Pot Springs ES Baltimore County
Teacher

"I’ve worked for 28 years in this system. I love my job and I’m good at what I do, but if I retired in two years under the current system, I’d have to live on $24,000 per year. That just doesn’t seem fair! Someone who’s spent 30 years enriching the lives of children should be compensated. And students would benefit from improved pensions because good teachers would stay in the state instead of only using it as a training ground."

La’Shore Redmond
Randallstown HS
Baltimore County
Teacher

"I’m here tonight to make sure that when it’s time to retire, we teachers have sufficient funds to do so. I want the legislators to see my face and understand how important this issue is – as well as funding in general for schools. With a better pension program, teachers will have a better attitude – they’ll feel justly compensated for their hard work. Of course, better pensions will help retain teachers, but it’s not just important to have teachers – students need to have committed, qualified, smiling teachers."