“Teachers value us.” My daughter made this comment as we were discussing Spirit Week at Edward Little High School a few weeks ago. I had asked her why her teachers were continuing to work extra hours without a contract.

A few Saturdays ago, a teacher, accompanied by two students, took a weekend day to shop for decorations for Spirit Week, and then on Monday, students and teachers alike spent hours after the end of the school day decorating their hallways, until 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. Fun times such as those are the mold that create friendships and memories. Even when teachers have an expired contract, they continue to give more than they need to. Has it become expected?

Working without a contract creates a hardship for teachers. I am particularly concerned that teachers are being asked to give up spousal health care coverage in order to have their contract resolved, creating hardship for Auburn teachers with families.

I wish that Tom Morrill and the Auburn School Committee would value teachers to the same degree that teachers value students.

Carmen Dufresne, Auburn