To the editors:

We want to thank Peter A. Hahn ("An Important Investment," Feb. 17) for bringing to light a well-kept secret: Among the career options open to Harvard graduates, one of the most challenging and rewarding is public school teaching. It is high time that this word make it into the din that descends upon the campus each recruiting season. Hahn is absolutely correct--no profession is more vital to the health of a society than teaching, yet the complacent response he gets in announcing his career plans accurately portrays the pathetic short-sightedness of a society that takes quality education for granted while being unwilling to make the necessary human and monetary investments to secure its future. Harvard students, with the creativity and moral courage they demonstrate in class and in public service, have a wonderful opportunity to join a crusade with more important future implications than construction of the next space station or development of the next generation of computer chips. Thanks, Mr. Hahn, for extending the invitation. PAUL HANSON   CYNTHIA ROSENBERGER   Feb. 18, 1998

The writers are co-masters of Winthrop House.