For the last few weeks much has been said about the teachers of California. I've read people comment that teachers are paid too much and that they should quit whining about budget cuts and layoffs.

I'm one of those teachers, and I want to shed some light into the life of a teacher.

I attended college and earned a bachelor's degree in liberal studies, a teaching credential and a master's degree in education.

I taught in Northern California for two years and have been teaching in Conejo Valley Unified School District for five years.

I recently read one opinion that teachers "make more than the average salary for someone in Ventura County."

Does the "average worker in Ventura County" possess college and graduate degrees? Did that person consider not only the amount of education teachers possess but the loan debt we deal with to secure degrees to teach the children of California?

Over the years I've had chairs thrown at me and students threaten to punch me. It's not all 8:30 to 2:30 with summers off. Many teachers spend weeks setting up our classrooms in July and August preparing for the new school year.

During the year, teachers spend countless hours before and after school attending meetings for special education services, budget committees, student council activities, etc.

Many of us volunteer our personal time to help various committees and often open the classroom before and after school to help a child in need.

Teachers take home hours of grading and will often come in on weekends to catch up.

These are just a few reasons to support your local teacher, and trust me, there are many other reasons. Last week, along with many other teachers, I received a pink slip stating I may not have a teaching position next year.

On Friday I wore pink; I held a sign in front of my school; I went to the rally, and I gave blood at the blood drive.

I'm proud to be a teacher in the Conejo Valley and will continue to fight for our children. Erin Teffeteller Newbury Park