“Teachers are already working what are essentially paycheck-to-paycheck jobs, making it all the more difficult to front substantial licensing fees every five years,” said Markkanen, who formerly taught high school government and special education. “All of us try to remember, but we don’t. All of sudden, five years go by; we’re trying to cover groceries or plan for Christmas, and here is this bill from the state always at the least opportune time. They don’t deserve that stress, especially considering all the good they do and how much of their own money they put into their classrooms. We must waive these fees and ensure that teachers can keep more of their hard-earned income.”
