Hard Lessons

David Smollar’s article of Sept. 29, “City Grapples with Teachers’ Flight to North,” noted the feelings expressed by teachers and administrators situated both north and south of Interstate 8. They spoke of being overwhelmed and frustrated with the family and environmental problems that children bring with them to school.

It is clear that children do not leave their family concerns at the classroom door. It is equally clear that teacher training is not preparation for dealing with family issues. Social workers do that. When will the San Diego City Schools address the need for social workers on its staff to support our students and our teaching staff?

STEVEN DEUTSCH, San Diego