Rep. Barbara Ehardt in her own words.
“The comments made by Rep. Barbara Ehardt regarding teachers ‘not wanting” to be in classrooms are inaccurate, disrespectful, and out of touch. Questioning the dedication and motivation of teachers who have given their all to educate and care for students during a global pandemic is reckless and counterproductive.
The truth is that Idaho teachers desperately want to be in classrooms with students, but they want to do so in an environment that is safe for students and staff. That is certainly a reasonable request, but all too often across our state, that goal has not been achieved.
Idaho teachers are extremely dedicated to their students and their profession and Rep. Ehardt insinuating otherwise are disappointing and insulting. More than anything else, it shows that she is extremely disconnected from the reality of public education and the classroom. Threatening to withhold resources from Idaho schools based on an obvious falsehood shows a disturbing lack of concern for our students and professional educators.
We appreciate House Education Committee Chairman Lance Clow calling foul on these inappropriate attacks and we hope that Rep. Ehardt will reconsider her position. A seat on the House Education Committee is an honor and comes with a responsibility to support Idaho students and public education. Rep. Ehardt has failed to live up to that responsibility.”
Layne McInelly
President, Idaho Education Association
