[natasha]

I am not saying that a teacher who smokes is a bad teacher. they just shouldn't be allowed to smoke near the children they are teaching, all school property. what they do in their own time is their business, as long as young children are not being subjected to it, Ie able to see it.

On a side note both of my parents smoked. they smoked for as long as I can remember. I remember, when I was around seven years old, throwing out a whole carton of cigarettes after watching the anti-smoking ad with the lady smoking from the hole in her neck. Got into a lot a trouble for that one, but I didn't want that to happen to my parents. To this date I am the only one in my family that doesn't smoke and has never tried.

Also, I agree that teachers have a stressful job, I am an Early childhood educator, but there are healthier alternatives for stress release than smoking that promote a positive message. some are exercising, walking, listening to music, talking a hot bath, going for a long walk.........the list goes on and on. to me using stress as a reason for smoking is an excuse, rather than a reason.