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I have been a teacher at Alameda High School teaching Avanced Placement Environmental Science since 2000. I earned my Ph.D. in molecular biology and found that high school was the perfect place for me. It is the time that many students decide their careers and I wanted to share the passion that I have for science with the next generation. I chose to teach knowing that I would never become rich.

This month, my health insurance deduction from my monthly paycheck increased from $1,089.05 to $1,181.58. The district’s contribution has not increased for many years and remains $667.28. For me, this was essentially a $73.24 a month cut to my take-home pay, not to mention the fact that my prescription costs also went up. Last year, health care increased $100 per month. Due to these constant increases in my out of pocket cost, I now take home $71.50 less each month than I did two years ago. I have no reason to believe that my health care costs will not rise again next year.

I am concerned because I might not have entered the teaching profession if I knew the extent of the fi nancial sacrifi ce that I would endure. I am concerned that new teachers will see how teachers are currently being treated and never start their careers. My own sons may miss out on a great teacher because that teacher might never start teaching.

I work with new teachers from credential programs and it breaks my heart to see their enthusiasm for their craft when I consider that they may someday doubt their decision as well.

I wonder, will their salaries be enough for them to be able to pay their bills or to send their own kids to college?

The Alameda Unifi ed School District could choose to pay teachers more money. It would make a difference for the future of education.

Carolyn Cover Griffi th, Ph.D is a teacher in the Alameda Unifi ed School District.