Regarding "The First First Responders: Teachers Stand on the Front Lines Every Day" (Dec. 18 Perspectives) by Deborah Dunton:

Bravo to Ms. Dunton! My two daughters attend this school, and I support every word Ms. Dunton has written. I have three family members who are teachers and they give 200 percent of themselves each and every day for their students and still have enough love and compassion for their own children as well.

We need to respect our teachers more and not bash them, say they make too much money, have too much vacation time, etc. Teachers go beyond the classroom for some students, just as Ms. Dunton wrote.

Unfortunately, the Connecticut tragedy has brought to light the need for better security and training for the staff, but putting guns into teachers' hands is not the answer. I believe our schools need security teams on staff with the hope that this will never occur again.

God bless all teachers, support staff and principals, for their job is never-ending. Remember to hug a teacher!

TRACY JOHNSON
Greenfield