Are you sick of highly paid teachers?

[Madam Bijoux]

I don't know where I would be or what I would be today if it hadn't been for my teachers. Considering everything they have to deal with, they deserve at least double the pay they get.

 

[zoebartlett]

Great thread!

I think it's hard for people who don't teach to understand how many hours we put into our jobs. It's not just a 6 hour work day with summers off. I mean, yes, we do get a lot of time off during the year, so I can't complain too much, but it's a job that you do during your "off time" too.

This is kind of an aside, but we actually had someone who holds some power in our district tell us once that they don't understand WHY we need to (occasionally) attend workshops and other professional development opportunities during the school day. Didn't we already get our degree?

 

[makemepretty]

In our school district, teachers don't get helpers or cadets. I volunteered for years to help out my sons teachers. They really appreciated the help. I worked as a reading mentor or helped out a kid who needed one on one attention and did small errands or tasks. I wish more people would volunteer at a schools. The kids couldn't believe that I didn't get PAID for that. I always told them it was more fun than doing laundry at home

Whenever I've heard someone complain about teachers salary, I tell them that they have no idea how hard teachers work. Unless you're there to witness it yourself, you can't even believe it. They have such an influence on your children.

 

[zoebartlett]

I just read further in the thread.

SB -- I don't want to be glorified and I certainly don't think teachers want to be considered saints. We do deserve a fair salary and compensation though, and we need to be treated like professionals.

 

[ksinger]

How about instead of giving people tax credits for having children they put that money back into the system? I don't see why I should pay for other people to have children AND send them to school. Besides, teachers chose to be teachers and knew what they were getting into. I don't think they're saints in any form, they're just people who like to teach and that is their job. I've never understood the glorifying of teachers....

eta: I highly doubt that in and out burger employees have the luxury of a salary, stable job, health insurance, retirement, vacation days and paid sick time off. They're also not making much over CA minimum wage either.

Wow. Just....wow. I'm happy for you that you were clearly able to attend private schools from K through college, but some of us don't get to do that. I'm glad there are still people left who believe in public education, even though you clearly represent a growing segment of people who resent paying for anything that doesn't seem to benefit THEM. I hope those walls around your gated community are quite high and well-patrolled when the uneducated masses you would create come to beat down the door.

And I'm so glad to know that you equate what teachers - people who have at minimum a bachelors, and many a masters - do, with the jobs done by highschool dropouts slinging burgers at the local fast food joint. Of course, it's only the paradigm espoused by the business people that many people think would be better running our schools. I think it will be delightful when everyone who thinks that, has a kid that is treated as a defective widget.

 

[PetitiePoire]

LOVE THIS! I saw it on FB the other day.

Sigh. If only teachers could be paid this way.

 

[Imdanny]

How about instead of giving people tax credits for having children they put that money back into the system? I don't see why I should pay for other people to have children AND send them to school. Besides, teachers chose to be teachers and knew what they were getting into. I don't think they're saints in any form, they're just people who like to teach and that is their job. I've never understood the glorifying of teachers....

eta: I highly doubt that in and out burger employees have the luxury of a salary, stable job, health insurance, retirement, vacation days and paid sick time off. They're also not making much over CA minimum wage either.

Please read your own words again. You're not "paying" anyone to have children.

As far as public eduction, it's like PUBLIC anything. You pay TAXES because you live in a SOCIETY.

As far as your suggestion that receiving fair compensation for working is a "luxury," um, please; that's just silly.

 

[ksinger]

How about instead of giving people tax credits for having children they put that money back into the system? I don't see why I should pay for other people to have children AND send them to school. Besides, teachers chose to be teachers and knew what they were getting into. I don't think they're saints in any form, they're just people who like to teach and that is their job. I've never understood the glorifying of teachers....

eta: I highly doubt that in and out burger employees have the luxury of a salary, stable job, health insurance, retirement, vacation days and paid sick time off. They're also not making much over CA minimum wage either.

Please read your own words again. You're not "paying" anyone to have children.

As far as public eduction, it's like PUBLIC anything. You pay TAXES because you live in a SOCIETY.

As far as your suggestion that receiving fair compensation for working is a "luxury," um, please; that's just silly.

LOL! Hey man, time to party like it's 1889!! Whoo hoo!!

 

[waterlilly]

How about instead of giving people tax credits for having children they put that money back into the system? I don't see why I should pay for other people to have children AND send them to school. Besides, teachers chose to be teachers and knew what they were getting into. I don't think they're saints in any form, they're just people who like to teach and that is their job. I've never understood the glorifying of teachers....

eta: I highly doubt that in and out burger employees have the luxury of a salary, stable job, health insurance, retirement, vacation days and paid sick time off. They're also not making much over CA minimum wage either.

I think that is a great idea regarding the tax credits, instead of rewarding the act of having children - simply put the money into whatever local school system that person's children go to.

I don't think anyone fully appreciates teachers ("glorifies them") - until you have children that are in school. Think about it - you are sending the thing most precious to you in this world, your child, into the hands of this person and rely on them to not only teach your child academically, but guide them through social development with a class full of other students. To have a teacher that is truly talented and cares about each student enough to have a successful, happy, healthy & functioning classroom, you might start to see them as a saint given the salary they are bringing home.

I don't have kids, but many of my friends are teachers so I understand how difficult their days can be and how much they put up with because of their passion to teach children.

Yes, they know going into it that the days are long and the pay is low, but this isn't some lame profession that they still stick with. They are educating our future, that sounds cliche, but really take a moment and think about what that means. Again, until you have kids, or a close relationship with a teacher, I don't think the profession can be fully appreciated.

 

[yennyfire]

When I saw the title of the post, I immediately bristled and logged in so that I could respond. Then I saw that Haven was the OP, so I knew that she was being sarcastic, since I know that she's a staunch advocate of teachers....whew...relieved that I don't have to get out my wet noodles to beat some sense into anyone, lol!

SparklyBlonde...go spend a day in a classroom and then follow the teacher home for the evening. They work LONG hours and often suppliment their classroom supplies out of their own pockets. In my opinion, things are backwards...teachers should be making what the CEOs of large corporations do...after all, didn't those CEOs have a cadre of teachers who helped make them who they are??

 

[luv2sparkle]

Haven, I hope you are not in Wisconsin!

 

[soocool]

When DD was in grade school each of her classroom teachers always asked if each child could bring in 2 boxes of tissues, except for her 6th grade teacher. The 6th grade teacher said the parents already pay enough in taxes , so she would buy the tissues, That was nice of her, but I had no problem buying a case of tissues and wipes and/or hand sanitizers for the class to help. The teachers in our district are paid quite nicely, but why should the teachers pay for tissues, wipes, etc. They already use their own funds to pay for other classroom materials. Some of the parents on the other hand had a problem with this and absoutely would not donate any tissues.

DD's elementary school also had an annual Spring Fair to help raise money for the school to give things to the kids that they would otherwise not have - playground equipment, additional books for the classroom, white boards, etc. The same parents who would not donate tissues (did I mention I live in a fairly affluent area) would not even give an hour of their time to run a booth or even create a gift jar (would have cost them a few dollars) for one of the booth's which always brought in lots of money, or provide a cake for the "cake walk", but they would always be at the fair wlaking around with their kids, dropping $50.00 on tickets so their kids can get play the games and win tickets to get prizes.

Sorry had to get that off my chest. I guess people feel that as long as they pay enough in taxes they have no further obligations to the school their kids attend. I just do not understand this. Aren't communities supposed to work together and not just leave everything up to the teachers when it comes to the kids?

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

How about instead of giving people tax credits for having children they put that money back into the system? I don't see why I should pay for other people to have children AND send them to school. Besides, teachers chose to be teachers and knew what they were getting into. I don't think they're saints in any form, they're just people who like to teach and that is their job. I've never understood the glorifying of teachers....

eta: I highly doubt that in and out burger employees have the luxury of a salary, stable job, health insurance, retirement, vacation days and paid sick time off. They're also not making much over CA minimum wage either.

**grabs popcorn and waits for Swimmer to arrive**

 

[Demon]

I haven't read the whole thread, so not sure if this has been mention yet and I hope I'm not breaking any no politics rules......

There are WI solidarity rallies across the country tomorrow. I plan to be at mine (Denver).

 

[Maria D]

SB, I am a teacher and I don't expect anyone to "glorify" me. You are right, I teach because I enjoy it and I knew exactly what I was getting into and for what compensation. This is my 3rd career, after having been a design engineer and an industrial marketing manager. As a high school math teacher, I am working harder than at any paid job I've had (stay-at-home mom was harder but didn't pay) for the smallest salary. Any time I feel that money is more important than job satisfaction I suppose I could try going back to one of my prior careers and earn at least twice as much as I do now. In fact, the only reason I can afford to have this job (and live in the style to which I'm accustomed) is because I am married to solid earner.*

I do not have job stability. Whether or not I'll have a job next year is up to taxpayers like you. How many high school math teachers will be cut so that property taxes can stay flat? So, to answer your question as to why you should have to contribute to my pay when I don't teach your kids (because you are choosing not to have any): The police officer that protects you passed a math exam to get that job. So did the firefighter. Have you driven on any roads/bridges lately? Civil engineers, good at math. I'll bet there are times when you need medical attention. Nurses, PAs, doctors, more math. We could go on and on with math and every other subject that makes an educated society.

Why should teachers get paid a respectable salary with good benefits? Because most talented people will not become teachers otherwise. No brainer!

*Is this another reason for the "education crisis" in this country? Before the feminist movement, what were the basic career options for women -- nursing and teaching, particularly elementary school. Do cream of the crop female college graduates tend to go into education today now that they have many other opportunities? Do you know of many young men that aspire to be elementary school teachers? I'm not denigrating our elementary school teachers here, but studies have shown that students majoring in elementary education have lower SAT scores than other majors. We get what we pay for -- and if we want to improve education we need to pay for a better pool of applicants.

 

[movie zombie]

How about instead of giving people tax credits for having children they put that money back into the system? I don't see why I should pay for other people to have children AND send them to school. Besides, teachers chose to be teachers and knew what they were getting into. I don't think they're saints in any form, they're just people who like to teach and that is their job. I've never understood the glorifying of teachers....

eta: I highly doubt that in and out burger employees have the luxury of a salary, stable job, health insurance, retirement, vacation days and paid sick time off. They're also not making much over CA minimum wage either.

Please read your own words again. You're not "paying" anyone to have children.

As far as public eduction, it's like PUBLIC anything. You pay TAXES because you live in a SOCIETY.

As far as your suggestion that receiving fair compensation for working is a "luxury," um, please; that's just silly.

LOL! Hey man, time to party like it's 1889!! Whoo hoo!!

no, its more like its time to party like its 1689 or even earlier: rise of the serf class! yeah, that's what this country needs: serfs.

MoZo

 

[VapidLapid]

Duude, did sum1 say surf party?

 

[iugurl]

.teachers should be making what the CEOs of large corporations do...after all, didn't those CEOs have a cadre of teachers who helped make them who they are??

I really don't agree with this statement. I am not going to comment on if teachers should have an increase in pay, as I really don't know how much the average teacher makes. However, I don't think that it is reasonable for teachers to make millions of dollars a year. That is absurd. These CEOs also had parents, friends, and babysitters - should they make a million dollars a year because they "helped make them who they are?"

 

[MichelleCarmen]

How about instead of giving people tax credits for having children they put that money back into the system? I don't see why I should pay for other people to have children AND send them to school. Besides, teachers chose to be teachers and knew what they were getting into. I don't think they're saints in any form, they're just people who like to teach and that is their job. I've never understood the glorifying of teachers....

eta: I highly doubt that in and out burger employees have the luxury of a salary, stable job, health insurance, retirement, vacation days and paid sick time off. They're also not making much over CA minimum wage either.

Well, just a thought...imagine IF people w/out kids don't pay taxes for the educational system and budgets are cut. What happens to our future generations when kids graduate barely knowing how to function in society? We only have room for so many burger joints. Guess we'd have to reallocate those educational tax dollars to food stamps (b/c those kids may not even be able to afford the food they're serving up).

 

[yennyfire]

.teachers should be making what the CEOs of large corporations do...after all, didn't those CEOs have a cadre of teachers who helped make them who they are??

I really don't agree with this statement. I am not going to comment on if teachers should have an increase in pay, as I really don't know how much the average teacher makes. However, I don't think that it is reasonable for teachers to make millions of dollars a year. That is absurd. These CEOs also had parents, friends, and babysitters - should they make a million dollars a year because they "helped make them who they are?"

I was exaggerating to make my point....

 

[iugurl]

.teachers should be making what the CEOs of large corporations do...after all, didn't those CEOs have a cadre of teachers who helped make them who they are??

I really don't agree with this statement. I am not going to comment on if teachers should have an increase in pay, as I really don't know how much the average teacher makes. However, I don't think that it is reasonable for teachers to make millions of dollars a year. That is absurd. These CEOs also had parents, friends, and babysitters - should they make a million dollars a year because they "helped make them who they are?"

I was exaggerating to make my point....

I was hoping you were. You never know if people are being 100% serious.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

In our school district, teachers don't get helpers or cadets. I volunteered for years to help out my sons teachers. They really appreciated the help. I worked as a reading mentor or helped out a kid who needed one on one attention and did small errands or tasks. I wish more people would volunteer at a schools. The kids couldn't believe that I didn't get PAID for that. I always told them it was more fun than doing laundry at home

Whenever I've heard someone complain about teachers salary, I tell them that they have no idea how hard teachers work. Unless you're there to witness it yourself, you can't even believe it. They have such an influence on your children.

In my kids' district we do have helpers and even with the additional para-educators, having parent volunteers is such a huge help to teachers. When assessment time comes, having one or two parents in to assist the kids keep up with weekly reading groups is highly beneficial.

Another is tasks like running the photocopier. Anyone have any idea how many projects a kindergarten class does that requires hours of copying and stapling? Probably not. My son's class had numerous parents help!

 

[movie zombie]

Duude, did sum1 say surf party?

unfortunately, serfs don't have time to surf.....

too busy trying to get some food on the table for the family and meet the demands of the manor lord re taxes and sending young sons to war. oh, my, how times have NOT changed.

teachers are underpaid heros. [like any group, there are those that aren't worth a pittance]. our future as a nation depends on these people who are in the direct line as much or more than our military. we need an educated young generation to keep this nation from slipping totally into 3rd world status. we must be able to compete with other emerging world powers. to do that requires not just an educated, privileged class. all one has to do is look at the committment to education after WWII with returning vets to see the difference their education made to our society and our economy. we no longer have a commitment to education for everyone. we've become a nation of "me". well, "me" is dependent on those surrounding them whether "me" wants to admit it or not. good, free public education gave us a lot and can do so again. but "we" have to commit to it.

end of rant.


MoZo

 

[JulieN]

*Is this another reason for the "education crisis" in this country? Before the feminist movement, what were the basic career options for women -- nursing and teaching, particularly elementary school. Do cream of the crop female college graduates tend to go into education today now that they have many other opportunities? Do you know of many young men that aspire to be elementary school teachers? I'm not denigrating our elementary school teachers here, but studies have shown that students majoring in elementary education have lower SAT scores than other majors. We get what we pay for -- and if we want to improve education we need to pay for a better pool of applicants.

Probably more like the feminist movement gave women an option between home and work. You have educated women with more options opting out of home and children entirely, while uneducated women have more kids.

 

[dragonfly411]

Hudson, please pass the popcorn.

 

[zoebartlett]

Speaking of making a commitment to education (Movie Zombie), did you know that my state in New England only mandated Kindergarten a few years ago? It was private up til then. It's still only half day in most districts that I know of, and even that's not enough time in my opinion. But that's another topic...

Yeah, some states value education more than others. People/States say they do but when it comes right down to it, they vote to cut educational spending. Then, more work is piled on us, and we're expected to do more with less support. It boggles my mind.

 

[Maria D]

Probably more like the feminist movement gave women an option between home and work. You have educated women with more options opting out of home and children entirely, while uneducated women have more kids.

The feminist movement *definitely* gave women more options, that was my point. By relegating women to "women's work," this country had the advantage of the best and brightest women going into occupations like teaching (among other occupations) where the pay is low. That is no longer an option and as a feminist, I say hooray to that!

Sure some of the best and the brightest will still go into teaching but the rest of them will go ahead and be the doctors, lawyers, c.e.o.'s, you know the respected things that smart, driven people do. If some of the best and brightest want to join the ranks of the middle-to-low achievers and try educating the numerous offspring spit out by those uneducated women chained to the home, well that's their problem, why should we care? Maybe I'm reading too much into your and SB's post, but that's my take on it.

Your second sentence lacks logic. Yes, we have educated women with more options. Hello, they have options because they are EDUCATED. How did they get this fancy education? It had to start young, right? And, let's suppose for sake of argument that uneducated women have more kids. Don't these kids still need to be educated? And if having too many kids is a "bad" thing that only uneducated women do, wouldn't it make sense to make sure that more women are EDUCATED so that this doesn't happen?

 

[HollyS]

My dad would get his "cost of living increase" and laugh. When you factored in his overtime, acting as chaperone for afterschool activities and sporting events, (mandatory, not voluntary, btw), he would get '"raises" that amounted to around .40 cents an hour.

And never mind the hours spent on lesson planning, grading papers, etc. Or the mountains of paperwork to satisfy the state and district regulations. Those were on his time and dime.

 

[LtlFirecracker]

I probably should have mentioned that the wage I quoted for In and Out was around year 2000, 11 years ago. The min wage in CA was much lower than it is now.

Do I think that teachers need to be paid like CEO's?? No. Do I think they should be paid and treated like professionals? Yes. I personally think that teachers have just of an important job as professionals (doctors, lawyers ect) but they do not get paid as such. Many other countries have figured this one out, but we have not. Investing in teachers is investing in our youth. Investing in our youth will keep us competitive in a world that is moving away from manual labor and into an era of science and technology.

I do believe there needs to be a system in place to deal with poor teachers. I remember having bad teachers who literally read out of the text book and nothing could be done about it. But that was the minority.

My mother was a teacher for kids with mental illness. She left the profession when she was 10. It was not because of the pay, it was because they did not give her enough resources to do her job, kept adding students to her class, and tried to isolate them from the rest of the school. I think if she had the respect, support, and resources, she would have continued despite the pay. I considered teaching but decided against it, because I realized that many teachers are in the same situation my mother was. I did not want that for myself.

 

[JulieN]

Maria, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to contradict you.