First of all , we have no union here in Virginia, what salary increase i recieve is up to the local government. I don't think a salary raise of 3.5% is killing tax payers. YOu don't realize that I teach children that for them, school is their only refuge...I have to be a parent, a police, a counselor, a friend.....I also have a pacing guide that I have to meet and get the information to the kids. With my experience teaching...I can say that the environment that these kids from, home life, is a large reason why SOL's aren't met. Sports are not part of regular curriculum...its a privlege to play sports...NCLB had no funding..oh federal government forces us to meet certain standards...but funds required to do that are not supplied..go figure..I'm sure there are grammatical and spelling errors..i'm sorry