In response to Mr. John Serio's letter "Bad Time to Want a Raise" dated Nov. 28, 2008, I would like to say that Mr. Serio "has nerve" in suggesting that the paraprofessionals have no understanding about the "shaky and uncertain economy" and that they should "consider going back to school to earn a degree."

The economic situation has been very hard on many of the citizens in our community; we have all been cutting back on expenses, food, clothing, etc. I would say that in this economic climate, you would be a fool not to be thankful for having a job. To suggest that the pay that is being received is "fair enough for someone who is basically a teacher's aide and unlicensed to teach" is pure ignorance, not to mention condescending. How do you place value on the work that someone does?

In Mr. Serio's world, if you are "basically a teacher's aide," there isn't much value placed at all. I suppose in his world, you don't have much value unless you have a degree. Mr. Serio obviously has no idea what he is speaking of. Let me enlighten you the requirements for obtaining a position as a paraprofessional in the Fairfield public school district is to have, at minimum, an associate's degree, 60 college credits or to pass the parapro exam, a standard that has been mandated by "No Child Left Behind." To set the record straight, Mr. Serio, all paraprofessionals in the Fairfield school district meet that requirement. Many others that are currently employed in our school district have earned bachelor's degrees, and some have even earned master's degrees (yes, Mr. Serio, master's degrees).

I am also very offended by his patronizing tone about how hard he is sure they work (I would like to invite Mr. Serio to work one day in the shoes of a paraprofessional, and to begin with I would recommend that he work with my son, a special-needs student at Fairfield Ludlowe High School as a matter of fact, I give him my blessing). You have no idea, sir, how hard these dedicated individuals work each day with the bright, inquisitive young minds in our community. It occurs to me that Mr. Serio has a serious misconception that the only job a para has is to color, paint, cut out and paste artwork, wipe noses, or read stories to kindergartners. They are not volunteers or mothers who have nothing better to do with their time. They are professionals in education who take their jobs extremely seriously, working closely with the dedicated teachers in our district to ensure that all of our learners are afforded the environment in which all will learn.

As to doing the "right thing," I would put forth to Mr. Serio that he ought to take his own advice. To do the "right thing" in this case is to not be judgmental but to get your facts straight before you voice your opinion. The paraprofessionals that work in our schools should be recognized for their hard work and dedication, not be insulted and disrespected by people like him.

Tara VargaFairfield