Are our teachers doing their duty for pupils or simply dodging it?

I WAS dismayed at the claim that if teachers were paid a day rate rather than a salary, they would be banging on the doors of schools to get back to work (Letters). They should be paid twice as much and be included in the thanks to key workers. The teachers in my family have been tirelessly carrying on with double their usual workload. The schools have never been closed to key workers’ children and teachers have been there every day to care for them, even in the Easter holidays. They have been preparing work for those not in school and those who are not yet back, and three times the number of teachers are needed for the groups of 15 children who are in school. They have to phone parents to make sure they are managing, and then they

have all the marking to do. In some cases children have their lessons on Zoom and then it must all be marked. A teacher’s working day carries on late into the evening, then they must look after their own family.

Name and address supplied. NOT all teachers are backing their union’s call. My daughter has worked throughout the Covid-19 crisis. She has put the children’s schooling before her health. Please do not label all teachers the same.

ALEX TITLEY, Kidderminster, worcs. NOT all teachers have had the same experience during lockdown. My son teaches and admits he’s doing about 40 per cent of his work for 100 per cent of the pay, without the expense of commuting. But he’s keen to get back to school and do more. Other teachers I know are working exhaustingly hard, long days or have done virtually nothing else since lockdown.

Name supplied, london Sw19. I AM disappointed with the constant view of many in the teaching fraternity that it is not safe to go back to work.

Are we to assume teachers haven’t been to supermarkets or to the chemist? Other professions have battled all the way through lockdown while worrying about their families. Can we also assume that with the easing of the lockdown, teachers will not go clothes shopping, visit a pub, have a meal out or meet a friend for a coffee in coming weeks? Their profession has more time off than anyone else in normal times. They need to get on with their job and educate pupils who in future may save lives.

C. WOODALL, Bognor regis, w. Sussex.