How is FCPS teacher/staff shortage?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:A teacher who picks up an additional class to teach will also get a significant salary increase. Some will want to do it, especially if the teacher is near retirement. (Retirement pay is based on the average of the last few years of teaching.)

No, retirement is based on the three highest years, which is why some teachers leave teaching and become an IA for a year or two. It is less responsibility, but their retirement is not affected.

Do IAs have VRS benefits? I need to teach a few more years and it’s getting so hard. My salary doesn’t significantly increase anymore and DH makes the primary salary. This sounds like a great idea and something for me to look into. I would rather take a pay cut with less responsibility than pick up an extra class in my final teaching years.

It is my impression there is a different retirement plan/options for IAs.

It's the same. The IA salary is so bad and burnout is so high that most don't pay much attention to the VRS benefits. I doubt most IAs nowadays stay at the job long enough for it to be a good incentive. This is obviously different for teachers who switch to IA positions in their final years.

In previous years, I'd say switching to an IA role in the final years would be a fun way to wind down. Now? Not so sure. I would talk to a couple IAs at your specific school before you decide to do this. Our school has four leaving this year, even though they're taking reduced benefits to do so.

Why is IA burnout a thing? IAs don’t have to do conferences or any planning or grading. Please explain.

Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea what an IA does?

Somewhat, but I was an FCPS teacher. So not exactly, which is why I asked. I wondered if I should come back as an IA.

How old are you? I'm not trying to be snarky; this is a serious question. Being an IA nowadays is physically demanding. You're dealing with students who need you to crouch down and be on their level, supporting students who cannot get off the bus by themselves or tie their own shoes, situations where you're running all over the school covering different classrooms, or chasing after students who elope, helping students who need postural support, and/or need helping with feeding and toileting. Most people over 50 and definitely over 55 are not cut out for that 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Seriously? Most of the IAs at my school were over 50. I have yet to see a young IA!

I’m in my early 40s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A teacher who picks up an additional class to teach will also get a significant salary increase. Some will want to do it, especially if the teacher is near retirement. (Retirement pay is based on the average of the last few years of teaching.)

No, retirement is based on the three highest years, which is why some teachers leave teaching and become an IA for a year or two. It is less responsibility, but their retirement is not affected.

Do IAs have VRS benefits? I need to teach a few more years and it’s getting so hard. My salary doesn’t significantly increase anymore and DH makes the primary salary. This sounds like a great idea and something for me to look into. I would rather take a pay cut with less responsibility than pick up an extra class in my final teaching years.

It is my impression there is a different retirement plan/options for IAs.

It's the same. The IA salary is so bad and burnout is so high that most don't pay much attention to the VRS benefits. I doubt most IAs nowadays stay at the job long enough for it to be a good incentive. This is obviously different for teachers who switch to IA positions in their final years.

In previous years, I'd say switching to an IA role in the final years would be a fun way to wind down. Now? Not so sure. I would talk to a couple IAs at your specific school before you decide to do this. Our school has four leaving this year, even though they're taking reduced benefits to do so.

Why is IA burnout a thing? IAs don’t have to do conferences or any planning or grading. Please explain.

Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea what an IA does?

Somewhat, but I was an FCPS teacher. So not exactly, which is why I asked. I wondered if I should come back as an IA.

How old are you? I'm not trying to be snarky; this is a serious question. Being an IA nowadays is physically demanding. You're dealing with students who need you to crouch down and be on their level, supporting students who cannot get off the bus by themselves or tie their own shoes, situations where you're running all over the school covering different classrooms, or chasing after students who elope, helping students who need postural support, and/or need helping with feeding and toileting. Most people over 50 and definitely over 55 are not cut out for that 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Seriously? Most of the IAs at my school were over 50. I have yet to see a young IA!

I’m in my early 40s.

I’m not the PP, but ours are either in their 20s or 50/60s. There are a couple in their 30s and their kids are at the school. The older ones are chosen to sun and the younger ones are often with the behavior issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A teacher who picks up an additional class to teach will also get a significant salary increase. Some will want to do it, especially if the teacher is near retirement. (Retirement pay is based on the average of the last few years of teaching.)

No, retirement is based on the three highest years, which is why some teachers leave teaching and become an IA for a year or two. It is less responsibility, but their retirement is not affected.

Do IAs have VRS benefits? I need to teach a few more years and it’s getting so hard. My salary doesn’t significantly increase anymore and DH makes the primary salary. This sounds like a great idea and something for me to look into. I would rather take a pay cut with less responsibility than pick up an extra class in my final teaching years.

It is my impression there is a different retirement plan/options for IAs.

It's the same. The IA salary is so bad and burnout is so high that most don't pay much attention to the VRS benefits. I doubt most IAs nowadays stay at the job long enough for it to be a good incentive. This is obviously different for teachers who switch to IA positions in their final years.

In previous years, I'd say switching to an IA role in the final years would be a fun way to wind down. Now? Not so sure. I would talk to a couple IAs at your specific school before you decide to do this. Our school has four leaving this year, even though they're taking reduced benefits to do so.

Why is IA burnout a thing? IAs don’t have to do conferences or any planning or grading. Please explain.

Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea what an IA does?

Somewhat, but I was an FCPS teacher. So not exactly, which is why I asked. I wondered if I should come back as an IA.

How old are you? I'm not trying to be snarky; this is a serious question. Being an IA nowadays is physically demanding. You're dealing with students who need you to crouch down and be on their level, supporting students who cannot get off the bus by themselves or tie their own shoes, situations where you're running all over the school covering different classrooms, or chasing after students who elope, helping students who need postural support, and/or need helping with feeding and toileting. Most people over 50 and definitely over 55 are not cut out for that 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Feeding and toileting? I don’t think so. You need special training for that. I’m talking about a general IA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A teacher who picks up an additional class to teach will also get a significant salary increase. Some will want to do it, especially if the teacher is near retirement. (Retirement pay is based on the average of the last few years of teaching.)

No, retirement is based on the three highest years, which is why some teachers leave teaching and become an IA for a year or two. It is less responsibility, but their retirement is not affected.

Do IAs have VRS benefits? I need to teach a few more years and it’s getting so hard. My salary doesn’t significantly increase anymore and DH makes the primary salary. This sounds like a great idea and something for me to look into. I would rather take a pay cut with less responsibility than pick up an extra class in my final teaching years.

It is my impression there is a different retirement plan/options for IAs.

It's the same. The IA salary is so bad and burnout is so high that most don't pay much attention to the VRS benefits. I doubt most IAs nowadays stay at the job long enough for it to be a good incentive. This is obviously different for teachers who switch to IA positions in their final years.

In previous years, I'd say switching to an IA role in the final years would be a fun way to wind down. Now? Not so sure. I would talk to a couple IAs at your specific school before you decide to do this. Our school has four leaving this year, even though they're taking reduced benefits to do so.

Why is IA burnout a thing? IAs don’t have to do conferences or any planning or grading. Please explain.

Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea what an IA does?

Somewhat, but I was an FCPS teacher. So not exactly, which is why I asked. I wondered if I should come back as an IA.

How old are you? I'm not trying to be snarky; this is a serious question. Being an IA nowadays is physically demanding. You're dealing with students who need you to crouch down and be on their level, supporting students who cannot get off the bus by themselves or tie their own shoes, situations where you're running all over the school covering different classrooms, or chasing after students who elope, helping students who need postural support, and/or need helping with feeding and toileting. Most people over 50 and definitely over 55 are not cut out for that 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Feeding and toileting? I don’t think so. You need special training for that. I’m talking about a general IA.

NP, There are SPED IAs who do that. I have 4 in my school assigned to those rooms. One of them is actually a sub.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A teacher who picks up an additional class to teach will also get a significant salary increase. Some will want to do it, especially if the teacher is near retirement. (Retirement pay is based on the average of the last few years of teaching.)

No, retirement is based on the three highest years, which is why some teachers leave teaching and become an IA for a year or two. It is less responsibility, but their retirement is not affected.

Do IAs have VRS benefits? I need to teach a few more years and it’s getting so hard. My salary doesn’t significantly increase anymore and DH makes the primary salary. This sounds like a great idea and something for me to look into. I would rather take a pay cut with less responsibility than pick up an extra class in my final teaching years.

It is my impression there is a different retirement plan/options for IAs.

It's the same. The IA salary is so bad and burnout is so high that most don't pay much attention to the VRS benefits. I doubt most IAs nowadays stay at the job long enough for it to be a good incentive. This is obviously different for teachers who switch to IA positions in their final years.

In previous years, I'd say switching to an IA role in the final years would be a fun way to wind down. Now? Not so sure. I would talk to a couple IAs at your specific school before you decide to do this. Our school has four leaving this year, even though they're taking reduced benefits to do so.

Why is IA burnout a thing? IAs don’t have to do conferences or any planning or grading. Please explain.

Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea what an IA does?

Somewhat, but I was an FCPS teacher. So not exactly, which is why I asked. I wondered if I should come back as an IA.

How old are you? I'm not trying to be snarky; this is a serious question. Being an IA nowadays is physically demanding. You're dealing with students who need you to crouch down and be on their level, supporting students who cannot get off the bus by themselves or tie their own shoes, situations where you're running all over the school covering different classrooms, or chasing after students who elope, helping students who need postural support, and/or need helping with feeding and toileting. Most people over 50 and definitely over 55 are not cut out for that 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Feeding and toileting? I don’t think so. You need special training for that. I’m talking about a general IA.

Same. Our gen ed IAs don't do that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A teacher who picks up an additional class to teach will also get a significant salary increase. Some will want to do it, especially if the teacher is near retirement. (Retirement pay is based on the average of the last few years of teaching.)

No, retirement is based on the three highest years, which is why some teachers leave teaching and become an IA for a year or two. It is less responsibility, but their retirement is not affected.

Do IAs have VRS benefits? I need to teach a few more years and it’s getting so hard. My salary doesn’t significantly increase anymore and DH makes the primary salary. This sounds like a great idea and something for me to look into. I would rather take a pay cut with less responsibility than pick up an extra class in my final teaching years.

It is my impression there is a different retirement plan/options for IAs.

It's the same. The IA salary is so bad and burnout is so high that most don't pay much attention to the VRS benefits. I doubt most IAs nowadays stay at the job long enough for it to be a good incentive. This is obviously different for teachers who switch to IA positions in their final years.

In previous years, I'd say switching to an IA role in the final years would be a fun way to wind down. Now? Not so sure. I would talk to a couple IAs at your specific school before you decide to do this. Our school has four leaving this year, even though they're taking reduced benefits to do so.

Why is IA burnout a thing? IAs don’t have to do conferences or any planning or grading. Please explain.

Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea what an IA does?

Somewhat, but I was an FCPS teacher. So not exactly, which is why I asked. I wondered if I should come back as an IA.

How old are you? I'm not trying to be snarky; this is a serious question. Being an IA nowadays is physically demanding. You're dealing with students who need you to crouch down and be on their level, supporting students who cannot get off the bus by themselves or tie their own shoes, situations where you're running all over the school covering different classrooms, or chasing after students who elope, helping students who need postural support, and/or need helping with feeding and toileting. Most people over 50 and definitely over 55 are not cut out for that 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Feeding and toileting? I don’t think so. You need special training for that. I’m talking about a general IA.

NP, There are SPED IAs who do that. I have 4 in my school assigned to those rooms. One of them is actually a sub.

But do they make more money? I’m not sure they do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FCPS sucks.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A teacher who picks up an additional class to teach will also get a significant salary increase. Some will want to do it, especially if the teacher is near retirement. (Retirement pay is based on the average of the last few years of teaching.)

No, retirement is based on the three highest years, which is why some teachers leave teaching and become an IA for a year or two. It is less responsibility, but their retirement is not affected.

Do IAs have VRS benefits? I need to teach a few more years and it’s getting so hard. My salary doesn’t significantly increase anymore and DH makes the primary salary. This sounds like a great idea and something for me to look into. I would rather take a pay cut with less responsibility than pick up an extra class in my final teaching years.

It is my impression there is a different retirement plan/options for IAs.

It's the same. The IA salary is so bad and burnout is so high that most don't pay much attention to the VRS benefits. I doubt most IAs nowadays stay at the job long enough for it to be a good incentive. This is obviously different for teachers who switch to IA positions in their final years.

In previous years, I'd say switching to an IA role in the final years would be a fun way to wind down. Now? Not so sure. I would talk to a couple IAs at your specific school before you decide to do this. Our school has four leaving this year, even though they're taking reduced benefits to do so.

Why is IA burnout a thing? IAs don’t have to do conferences or any planning or grading. Please explain.

Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea what an IA does?

Somewhat, but I was an FCPS teacher. So not exactly, which is why I asked. I wondered if I should come back as an IA.

How old are you? I'm not trying to be snarky; this is a serious question. Being an IA nowadays is physically demanding. You're dealing with students who need you to crouch down and be on their level, supporting students who cannot get off the bus by themselves or tie their own shoes, situations where you're running all over the school covering different classrooms, or chasing after students who elope, helping students who need postural support, and/or need helping with feeding and toileting. Most people over 50 and definitely over 55 are not cut out for that 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Feeding and toileting? I don’t think so. You need special training for that. I’m talking about a general IA.

Same. Our gen ed IAs don't do that.

How many gen Ed IAs do you have? Our APS school only has them in VPI/K (though they do a decent amount of toileting depending on the class)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A teacher who picks up an additional class to teach will also get a significant salary increase. Some will want to do it, especially if the teacher is near retirement. (Retirement pay is based on the average of the last few years of teaching.)

No, retirement is based on the three highest years, which is why some teachers leave teaching and become an IA for a year or two. It is less responsibility, but their retirement is not affected.

Do IAs have VRS benefits? I need to teach a few more years and it’s getting so hard. My salary doesn’t significantly increase anymore and DH makes the primary salary. This sounds like a great idea and something for me to look into. I would rather take a pay cut with less responsibility than pick up an extra class in my final teaching years.

It is my impression there is a different retirement plan/options for IAs.

It's the same. The IA salary is so bad and burnout is so high that most don't pay much attention to the VRS benefits. I doubt most IAs nowadays stay at the job long enough for it to be a good incentive. This is obviously different for teachers who switch to IA positions in their final years.

In previous years, I'd say switching to an IA role in the final years would be a fun way to wind down. Now? Not so sure. I would talk to a couple IAs at your specific school before you decide to do this. Our school has four leaving this year, even though they're taking reduced benefits to do so.

Why is IA burnout a thing? IAs don’t have to do conferences or any planning or grading. Please explain.

Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea what an IA does?

Somewhat, but I was an FCPS teacher. So not exactly, which is why I asked. I wondered if I should come back as an IA.

How old are you? I'm not trying to be snarky; this is a serious question. Being an IA nowadays is physically demanding. You're dealing with students who need you to crouch down and be on their level, supporting students who cannot get off the bus by themselves or tie their own shoes, situations where you're running all over the school covering different classrooms, or chasing after students who elope, helping students who need postural support, and/or need helping with feeding and toileting. Most people over 50 and definitely over 55 are not cut out for that 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Feeding and toileting? I don’t think so. You need special training for that. I’m talking about a general IA.

Same. Our gen ed IAs don't do that.

How many gen Ed IAs do you have? Our APS school only has them in VPI/K (though they do a decent amount of toileting depending on the class)

Not counting kindergarten, maybe 5? We have about 950 students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A teacher who picks up an additional class to teach will also get a significant salary increase. Some will want to do it, especially if the teacher is near retirement. (Retirement pay is based on the average of the last few years of teaching.)

No, retirement is based on the three highest years, which is why some teachers leave teaching and become an IA for a year or two. It is less responsibility, but their retirement is not affected.

Do IAs have VRS benefits? I need to teach a few more years and it’s getting so hard. My salary doesn’t significantly increase anymore and DH makes the primary salary. This sounds like a great idea and something for me to look into. I would rather take a pay cut with less responsibility than pick up an extra class in my final teaching years.

It is my impression there is a different retirement plan/options for IAs.

It's the same. The IA salary is so bad and burnout is so high that most don't pay much attention to the VRS benefits. I doubt most IAs nowadays stay at the job long enough for it to be a good incentive. This is obviously different for teachers who switch to IA positions in their final years.

In previous years, I'd say switching to an IA role in the final years would be a fun way to wind down. Now? Not so sure. I would talk to a couple IAs at your specific school before you decide to do this. Our school has four leaving this year, even though they're taking reduced benefits to do so.

Why is IA burnout a thing? IAs don’t have to do conferences or any planning or grading. Please explain.

Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea what an IA does?

Somewhat, but I was an FCPS teacher. So not exactly, which is why I asked. I wondered if I should come back as an IA.

How old are you? I'm not trying to be snarky; this is a serious question. Being an IA nowadays is physically demanding. You're dealing with students who need you to crouch down and be on their level, supporting students who cannot get off the bus by themselves or tie their own shoes, situations where you're running all over the school covering different classrooms, or chasing after students who elope, helping students who need postural support, and/or need helping with feeding and toileting. Most people over 50 and definitely over 55 are not cut out for that 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Feeding and toileting? I don’t think so. You need special training for that. I’m talking about a general IA.

NP, There are SPED IAs who do that. I have 4 in my school assigned to those rooms. One of them is actually a sub.

But do they make more money? I’m not sure they do.

No and that's one reason why there are a ton of Cat B IA positions open every year. As for the claims that Gen Ed IAs don't do that, who do you think gets pulled to cover when there's no sub for the people who usually handle these duties?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS sucks.

+1

NOPE

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS sucks.

+1

Really adding to the discussion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A teacher who picks up an additional class to teach will also get a significant salary increase. Some will want to do it, especially if the teacher is near retirement. (Retirement pay is based on the average of the last few years of teaching.)

No, retirement is based on the three highest years, which is why some teachers leave teaching and become an IA for a year or two. It is less responsibility, but their retirement is not affected.

Do IAs have VRS benefits? I need to teach a few more years and it’s getting so hard. My salary doesn’t significantly increase anymore and DH makes the primary salary. This sounds like a great idea and something for me to look into. I would rather take a pay cut with less responsibility than pick up an extra class in my final teaching years.

It is my impression there is a different retirement plan/options for IAs.

It's the same. The IA salary is so bad and burnout is so high that most don't pay much attention to the VRS benefits. I doubt most IAs nowadays stay at the job long enough for it to be a good incentive. This is obviously different for teachers who switch to IA positions in their final years.

In previous years, I'd say switching to an IA role in the final years would be a fun way to wind down. Now? Not so sure. I would talk to a couple IAs at your specific school before you decide to do this. Our school has four leaving this year, even though they're taking reduced benefits to do so.

Why is IA burnout a thing? IAs don’t have to do conferences or any planning or grading. Please explain.

Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea what an IA does?

Somewhat, but I was an FCPS teacher. So not exactly, which is why I asked. I wondered if I should come back as an IA.

How old are you? I'm not trying to be snarky; this is a serious question. Being an IA nowadays is physically demanding. You're dealing with students who need you to crouch down and be on their level, supporting students who cannot get off the bus by themselves or tie their own shoes, situations where you're running all over the school covering different classrooms, or chasing after students who elope, helping students who need postural support, and/or need helping with feeding and toileting. Most people over 50 and definitely over 55 are not cut out for that 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Feeding and toileting? I don’t think so. You need special training for that. I’m talking about a general IA.

Same. Our gen ed IAs don't do that.

How many gen Ed IAs do you have? Our APS school only has them in VPI/K (though they do a decent amount of toileting depending on the class)

Not counting kindergarten, maybe 5? We have about 950 students.

Not counting kindergarten, we have one or two for each grade level. Maybe 6 but I think closer to 10? Between 800-850 students

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A teacher who picks up an additional class to teach will also get a significant salary increase. Some will want to do it, especially if the teacher is near retirement. (Retirement pay is based on the average of the last few years of teaching.)

No, retirement is based on the three highest years, which is why some teachers leave teaching and become an IA for a year or two. It is less responsibility, but their retirement is not affected.

Do IAs have VRS benefits? I need to teach a few more years and it’s getting so hard. My salary doesn’t significantly increase anymore and DH makes the primary salary. This sounds like a great idea and something for me to look into. I would rather take a pay cut with less responsibility than pick up an extra class in my final teaching years.

It is my impression there is a different retirement plan/options for IAs.

It's the same. The IA salary is so bad and burnout is so high that most don't pay much attention to the VRS benefits. I doubt most IAs nowadays stay at the job long enough for it to be a good incentive. This is obviously different for teachers who switch to IA positions in their final years.

In previous years, I'd say switching to an IA role in the final years would be a fun way to wind down. Now? Not so sure. I would talk to a couple IAs at your specific school before you decide to do this. Our school has four leaving this year, even though they're taking reduced benefits to do so.

Why is IA burnout a thing? IAs don’t have to do conferences or any planning or grading. Please explain.

Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea what an IA does?

Somewhat, but I was an FCPS teacher. So not exactly, which is why I asked. I wondered if I should come back as an IA.

How old are you? I'm not trying to be snarky; this is a serious question. Being an IA nowadays is physically demanding. You're dealing with students who need you to crouch down and be on their level, supporting students who cannot get off the bus by themselves or tie their own shoes, situations where you're running all over the school covering different classrooms, or chasing after students who elope, helping students who need postural support, and/or need helping with feeding and toileting. Most people over 50 and definitely over 55 are not cut out for that 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Feeding and toileting? I don’t think so. You need special training for that. I’m talking about a general IA.

NP, There are SPED IAs who do that. I have 4 in my school assigned to those rooms. One of them is actually a sub.

But do they make more money? I’m not sure they do.

No. Special Ed is on the SAME pay scale as general Ed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A teacher who picks up an additional class to teach will also get a significant salary increase. Some will want to do it, especially if the teacher is near retirement. (Retirement pay is based on the average of the last few years of teaching.)

No, retirement is based on the three highest years, which is why some teachers leave teaching and become an IA for a year or two. It is less responsibility, but their retirement is not affected.

Do IAs have VRS benefits? I need to teach a few more years and it’s getting so hard. My salary doesn’t significantly increase anymore and DH makes the primary salary. This sounds like a great idea and something for me to look into. I would rather take a pay cut with less responsibility than pick up an extra class in my final teaching years.

It is my impression there is a different retirement plan/options for IAs.

It's the same. The IA salary is so bad and burnout is so high that most don't pay much attention to the VRS benefits. I doubt most IAs nowadays stay at the job long enough for it to be a good incentive. This is obviously different for teachers who switch to IA positions in their final years.

In previous years, I'd say switching to an IA role in the final years would be a fun way to wind down. Now? Not so sure. I would talk to a couple IAs at your specific school before you decide to do this. Our school has four leaving this year, even though they're taking reduced benefits to do so.

Why is IA burnout a thing? IAs don’t have to do conferences or any planning or grading. Please explain.

Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea what an IA does?

Somewhat, but I was an FCPS teacher. So not exactly, which is why I asked. I wondered if I should come back as an IA.

How old are you? I'm not trying to be snarky; this is a serious question. Being an IA nowadays is physically demanding. You're dealing with students who need you to crouch down and be on their level, supporting students who cannot get off the bus by themselves or tie their own shoes, situations where you're running all over the school covering different classrooms, or chasing after students who elope, helping students who need postural support, and/or need helping with feeding and toileting. Most people over 50 and definitely over 55 are not cut out for that 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Feeding and toileting? I don’t think so. You need special training for that. I’m talking about a general IA.

NP, There are SPED IAs who do that. I have 4 in my school assigned to those rooms. One of them is actually a sub.

But do they make more money? I’m not sure they do.

No. Special Ed is on the SAME pay scale as general Ed.

They have to remedy this soon or the shortages in SPED will continue