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<>For over seven years, I have worked very hard educating the
citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, my new home state.I have
earned degrees from three top universities, including a Ph.D. from one
of the top programs in my field, and I have several years of
private-sector experience, in addition to teaching experience at
several major universities.
<> <>I teach very well, guide my
students, serve my community, publish regularly, and give presentations
locally and internationally. When I attend statewide conferences, I see
former students in positions of service and leadership.My salary is
below $50,000 per year. In South Texas (my previous home), this would
have been fair. In Southeastern Massachusetts, it is a daily insult,
especially since my own hard work contributes to a great quality of
life and, by extension, a high cost of living. The insult is compounded
by the knowledge that I will only be eligible for one more raise in my
entire career, and that will not be more than three or four thousand
dollars.
The Board of Higher Education is led by people who say they are guided by private-sector models, but no private operation would pay its talented workers this way. I invite you to really engage state-college faculty, staff,
students, and administrators in conversation. Please find out what we
are doing, how well we are doing it, and why we deserve to be treated
fairly.
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