I find his insults of women most appalling but had no desire to go public about them until…his trash talk about “childless cat women teachers,” who prey on our children. Not only was his stupidity showing, his knowledge of American education is glaring. In the 1800’s, women teachers were NOT allowed to marry. School boards wanted young women to devote their entire lives to educating children. God forbid, if they hired a married teacher, who became pregnant. In fact, this practice continued until after World War II and in some states wasn’t abolished until the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964. Of course, this practice bolstered the “she’s just a teacher” when it came to salary. “She” doesn’t need much money, “she” has no family to feed, “she” just does this for love of children, and “she” has no social life.

Like you, J.D., I was born in Ohio, and I went to kindergarten in 1953. During my K-6 experience, I had four, unmarried, female teachers, and none of them corrupted me. And by the way, though they were childless, one of them had a dog, another a parakeet, and one them had a fish tank full of guppies. Fortunately, my classmates and I weren’t scarred for life when we witnessed the live birth of baby fish.

Sadly, many years later, I learned Miss Peddlar, my fifth grade teacher, was indeed married. She chose not to broadcast it because her original contract required she be single. Perhaps, it was to keep her reputation as the most demanding teacher in Washington School! Yet, her demanding ways improved my cursive handwriting, taught me how to memorize, and greatly influenced my passion for learning.

Yes, J.D., I’ve read Hillbilly Elegy and have seen the movie. You only succeeded because of your grandmother and your teachers. Without them, you, would not be a vice-presidential candidate today. Think about that before you make these disparaging remarks about teachers. Better yet, admit to yourself and your minions that you would be nothing without the teachers who taught you to read and to add two and two together.