$5k bonus for MCPS general educators to become special educators

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

What good are teachers that aren't willing to do their jobs? If MCEA keeps up with its behavior, MCPS will contract out more and more positions. In the short run that could be more expensive, but the district will be better off in the long run.

Are you joking? Teachers are doing their jobs! It's just that the jobs are getting harder and harder with less overall respect/job satisfaction.

For many people teaching is no longer a good work/life balance compared to other careers that offer more pay, work from home, respect, etc.

And you are somehow assuming the contracted positions are somehow better than MCPS employees. That may be true in some personal situations, but overall I highly doubt it.

Most teachers have to even work 180 days (not including sick days) and even get a pension after something like 20 years.

Closer to 30 to 35 years in order to retire with a pension equal to 40% of final salary. Maryland follows the age plus work years equal 90 formula. So, most retire around age 60 with at least 30 years of MD state service. Theoretically, the earliest they can retire would be hired at age 22 and then working until 56 with 33 years of continuous service.

Teachers work 192 days plus two required days in the middle of summer. In order to keep out certs we also have to take grad school courses, so lets say on average that is one or two weeks a summer at minimum. Then we basically get furloughed without pay for 5 to 6 weeks every summer.

Just curious what this means?

Not much- just that she doesn’t understand her retirement benefits. She’s probably a social studies or english teacher.

English teacher here. I understand my benefits and I understand the PP’s explanation of the 90 formula. I’m not sure you do?

Keep the nastiness coming. I’m one ridiculous parent away from quitting. I know I can walk into other professions with my skills and make twice what I make now. I stay because I like teaching, but this type of horrendous behavior is old and tiresome. I suppose the current teacher shortage isn’t enough for the PP to grasp that you can’t treat teachers like we’re inept anymore.

Sure… Education majors are obviously highly in-demand outside of education...

I’m able to manage 130 people a day. I can collect and analyze a tremendous amount of ever-changing data. I can create and deliver engaging presentations, and I can be prepared to do it again the following day. I can determine how to change delivery of content based on audience. I can communicate effectively in person and online. I can lead teams. I can access and interpret information quickly and accurately, then clearly communicate its meaning to others. I write well. I come prepared, but I’m able to shift course immediately. I’m also able to work 8 hours with few breaks.

I know plenty of teachers who have left the profession in the past 3-4 years. All have gone on to higher pay and less stress. Trust me when I say teachers aren’t thinking that they are trapped in the classroom.

No, they’re not trapped. But the vast majority wouldn’t be able to get the same pay and benefits in another field.

I see at least 3 different posters whose experience states otherwise.

I’m the PP. I know my worth and I’m able to articulate it. The nice thing about teaching is that it requires continuing education. I now have two advanced degrees and a ton of proven success managing data and people.

Don’t bother telling teachers that we won’t find a better deal elsewhere. We have former coworkers who have already done it. Instead of talking down to teachers, perhaps it’s time to respect us for what we provide. A good teacher is worth far more than society thinks, in pay but also in respect.

A masters in education isn’t a meaningful “advanced degree” outside of teaching. But go ahead and figure that out for yourself.

Don’t underestimate the long-term impact your unions had on the reputation of teachers by trying to keep schools closed.

You can’t even read because I said my degrees had nothing to do with teaching aka nothing to do with education. You’re just so sad. Pathetic.

Then go ahead and find out what life outside of MCPS is like. Again, no one is begging you to stay.

DP but it’s absolutely insane you keep doubling down in the middle of an actual teacher shortage. You sound like you have some real issues. No wonder teachers are quitting.

There’s not a shortage. There’s a market failure because teachers unions won’t allow pay scales to float based on supply and demand for particular positions.

I’m just a fellow mcps parent and I’m infuriated with parents like you. You just give MoCo parents the worst rep while representing the bottom of the barrel. None of us think this way but we are unfortunately repped by the Re-Opening Fox News parents… Just stop. You aren’t helping anything. Your phd doesn’t mean anything to us. We think you’re awful human beings.

Yes, how horrible it would be to pay SpEd and STEM teachers more…

Slippery slope. I teach AP English and spend 60-70 hours a week grading the frequent essays students write. I provide a ton of feedback to help advance students’ skills. If you introduce a tiered pay system, I’m going to be pretty upset if I am not fairly compensated.

“Fair compensation” isn’t based on how hard you work. It’s based on how hard it is to find someone willing and able to do the job.

Do you think a lot of people can just walk in and teach AP or IB English? You have to be a very strong communicator and a brilliant writer. You also have to be able to transfer those skills and that knowledge to others. The fact you think I’m that easily replaceable is a huge part of the problem.

I have a valuable skill set. If I make less simply because society values effective communication so poorly, then I will also leave this profession. There are plenty of companies desperate for effective communicators and they will pay me more than teaching does.

(Scoring essays vs. grading Algebra 1 worksheets?)

If you think it would be hard for schools to recruit and retain staff capable of teaching AP English, then you should like the idea of floating pay scales. Again, it isn’t a matter of how much society values the job. It’s a matter of how rare capable teachers are.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

What good are teachers that aren't willing to do their jobs? If MCEA keeps up with its behavior, MCPS will contract out more and more positions. In the short run that could be more expensive, but the district will be better off in the long run.

Are you joking? Teachers are doing their jobs! It's just that the jobs are getting harder and harder with less overall respect/job satisfaction.

For many people teaching is no longer a good work/life balance compared to other careers that offer more pay, work from home, respect, etc.

And you are somehow assuming the contracted positions are somehow better than MCPS employees. That may be true in some personal situations, but overall I highly doubt it.

Most teachers have to even work 180 days (not including sick days) and even get a pension after something like 20 years.

Closer to 30 to 35 years in order to retire with a pension equal to 40% of final salary. Maryland follows the age plus work years equal 90 formula. So, most retire around age 60 with at least 30 years of MD state service. Theoretically, the earliest they can retire would be hired at age 22 and then working until 56 with 33 years of continuous service.

Teachers work 192 days plus two required days in the middle of summer. In order to keep out certs we also have to take grad school courses, so lets say on average that is one or two weeks a summer at minimum. Then we basically get furloughed without pay for 5 to 6 weeks every summer.

Just curious what this means?

Not much- just that she doesn’t understand her retirement benefits. She’s probably a social studies or english teacher.

English teacher here. I understand my benefits and I understand the PP’s explanation of the 90 formula. I’m not sure you do?

Keep the nastiness coming. I’m one ridiculous parent away from quitting. I know I can walk into other professions with my skills and make twice what I make now. I stay because I like teaching, but this type of horrendous behavior is old and tiresome. I suppose the current teacher shortage isn’t enough for the PP to grasp that you can’t treat teachers like we’re inept anymore.

Sure… Education majors are obviously highly in-demand outside of education...

I’m able to manage 130 people a day. I can collect and analyze a tremendous amount of ever-changing data. I can create and deliver engaging presentations, and I can be prepared to do it again the following day. I can determine how to change delivery of content based on audience. I can communicate effectively in person and online. I can lead teams. I can access and interpret information quickly and accurately, then clearly communicate its meaning to others. I write well. I come prepared, but I’m able to shift course immediately. I’m also able to work 8 hours with few breaks.

I know plenty of teachers who have left the profession in the past 3-4 years. All have gone on to higher pay and less stress. Trust me when I say teachers aren’t thinking that they are trapped in the classroom.

No, they’re not trapped. But the vast majority wouldn’t be able to get the same pay and benefits in another field.

I see at least 3 different posters whose experience states otherwise.

I’m the PP. I know my worth and I’m able to articulate it. The nice thing about teaching is that it requires continuing education. I now have two advanced degrees and a ton of proven success managing data and people.

Don’t bother telling teachers that we won’t find a better deal elsewhere. We have former coworkers who have already done it. Instead of talking down to teachers, perhaps it’s time to respect us for what we provide. A good teacher is worth far more than society thinks, in pay but also in respect.

A masters in education isn’t a meaningful “advanced degree” outside of teaching. But go ahead and figure that out for yourself.

Don’t underestimate the long-term impact your unions had on the reputation of teachers by trying to keep schools closed.

You can’t even read because I said my degrees had nothing to do with teaching aka nothing to do with education. You’re just so sad. Pathetic.

Then go ahead and find out what life outside of MCPS is like. Again, no one is begging you to stay.

DP but it’s absolutely insane you keep doubling down in the middle of an actual teacher shortage. You sound like you have some real issues. No wonder teachers are quitting.

There’s not a shortage. There’s a market failure because teachers unions won’t allow pay scales to float based on supply and demand for particular positions.

I’m just a fellow mcps parent and I’m infuriated with parents like you. You just give MoCo parents the worst rep while representing the bottom of the barrel. None of us think this way but we are unfortunately repped by the Re-Opening Fox News parents… Just stop. You aren’t helping anything. Your phd doesn’t mean anything to us. We think you’re awful human beings.

Yes, how horrible it would be to pay SpEd and STEM teachers more…

Slippery slope. I teach AP English and spend 60-70 hours a week grading the frequent essays students write. I provide a ton of feedback to help advance students’ skills. If you introduce a tiered pay system, I’m going to be pretty upset if I am not fairly compensated.

“Fair compensation” isn’t based on how hard you work. It’s based on how hard it is to find someone willing and able to do the job.

Do you think a lot of people can just walk in and teach AP or IB English? You have to be a very strong communicator and a brilliant writer. You also have to be able to transfer those skills and that knowledge to others. The fact you think I’m that easily replaceable is a huge part of the problem.

I have a valuable skill set. If I make less simply because society values effective communication so poorly, then I will also leave this profession. There are plenty of companies desperate for effective communicators and they will pay me more than teaching does.

(Scoring essays vs. grading Algebra 1 worksheets?)

If you think it would be hard for schools to recruit and retain staff capable of teaching AP English, then you should like the idea of floating pay scales. Again, it isn’t a matter of how much society values the job. It’s a matter of how rare capable teachers are.

How does one identify a “capable teacher”? What if the AP European History teacher is phenomenal and the Biology teacher is subpar? Should the Bio teacher still get higher pay simply for falling under STEM? The AP Euro teacher would be the one who is actually much harder to replace, even if Social Studies is an “easier” position to fill. Perhaps, then, pay should be based on competency and effectiveness instead of STEM or SpEd designation. But how would we do that? Plenty of school systems have tried, but then you get to the high FARMS vs. wealthy schools issue. How do you determine the effectiveness of a teacher? Simply put, there is no easy way to designate higher pay based on either discipline or effectiveness. Counties simply have to commit to raising pay across the board and treating teaching like a respected profession.

[Anonymous]

I think one thing people need to hear is that "bad" teachers don't hear the noise.

They don't hear the calls to quit or the relentless onslaught of vitriol that is slung at teachers. The "bad" teachers either don't know or don't care that they are "bad." If they know, they are too tired or too stuck to improve or they have life circumstances that are out of their control. But either way, they aren't seeking feedback and they are not hearing the noise.

Who hears the noise? The good teachers.

The good teachers know what's going on in their classrooms and communities. They are putting in time going above and beyond with their students. They are sacrificing their happiness, their back accounts, and their own families to tutor, coach, enrich, and otherwise go above and beyond. And when they hear the noise, the cacophony of disrespect reverberates through their core until they realize they have so many other options and that life is more than mere service to others.

So you can go ahead and make all the noise you want but it's bouncing off the teachers you want gone and sticking to those teachers who excel so much at their craft that it is part of their self concept. And it's mobilizing them.

Make the noise. You are breaking the profession.

But, let's be clear, that's what you want anyways.

[Anonymous]

I love the idiocy of “ Parents should be involved in their kids' lives, not excluded from them. Schools should not be taking over parenting responsibilities. They have a hard enough time doing their job of educating.” all while begging for educators to do everything for their kids. It’s almost so stupid it’s amazing. So embarrassing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think one thing people need to hear is that "bad" teachers don't hear the noise.

They don't hear the calls to quit or the relentless onslaught of vitriol that is slung at teachers. The "bad" teachers either don't know or don't care that they are "bad." If they know, they are too tired or too stuck to improve or they have life circumstances that are out of their control. But either way, they aren't seeking feedback and they are not hearing the noise.

Who hears the noise? The good teachers.

The good teachers know what's going on in their classrooms and communities. They are putting in time going above and beyond with their students. They are sacrificing their happiness, their back accounts, and their own families to tutor, coach, enrich, and otherwise go above and beyond. And when they hear the noise, the cacophony of disrespect reverberates through their core until they realize they have so many other options and that life is more than mere service to others.

So you can go ahead and make all the noise you want but it's bouncing off the teachers you want gone and sticking to those teachers who excel so much at their craft that it is part of their self concept. And it's mobilizing them.

Make the noise. You are breaking the profession.

But, let's be clear, that's what you want anyways.

Well said. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

There’s close to 24 hours for pre-service and I’m about to quit. I could have an amazing life with zero stress. I’ve already had job offers… the people here are vile. Good luck. You might not have a classroom teacher next week. Oh I already know your response, “it’s fine we have a contractor”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just wanna give a shout-out to the parents in this community who did this. (You know their names.. the re-opening group from hell.. the same old, but never ending BOE testimony parents, the “this is my chance to get famous on Fox News and get my name in the post” parents…) this is all on you. Not admin. Not MCPS. You can deny it all you want. We quit because of you. You said we should, so we did. Good luck. You’re all probably happy because now you can still be angry about something and write endless op-Eds for your CVs, or beg Fox 5 for more airtime. Look in the mirror.

What are you even talking about? You're blaming the teacher shortage on people who wanted schools open for their children? You realize we were one of the last to open right?

The blame goes to the attitude of the loud, screaming tantruming, entitled parents who demanded that patents get in there and be their pandemic babysitters. Yes. That is correct.

[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:

What good are teachers that aren't willing to do their jobs? If MCEA keeps up with its behavior, MCPS will contract out more and more positions. In the short run that could be more expensive, but the district will be better off in the long run.

Are you joking? Teachers are doing their jobs! It's just that the jobs are getting harder and harder with less overall respect/job satisfaction.

For many people teaching is no longer a good work/life balance compared to other careers that offer more pay, work from home, respect, etc.

And you are somehow assuming the contracted positions are somehow better than MCPS employees. That may be true in some personal situations, but overall I highly doubt it.

Most teachers have to even work 180 days (not including sick days) and even get a pension after something like 20 years.

Closer to 30 to 35 years in order to retire with a pension equal to 40% of final salary. Maryland follows the age plus work years equal 90 formula. So, most retire around age 60 with at least 30 years of MD state service. Theoretically, the earliest they can retire would be hired at age 22 and then working until 56 with 33 years of continuous service.

Teachers work 192 days plus two required days in the middle of summer. In order to keep out certs we also have to take grad school courses, so lets say on average that is one or two weeks a summer at minimum. Then we basically get furloughed without pay for 5 to 6 weeks every summer.

Just curious what this means?

Not much- just that she doesn’t understand her retirement benefits. She’s probably a social studies or english teacher.

English teacher here. I understand my benefits and I understand the PP’s explanation of the 90 formula. I’m not sure you do?

Keep the nastiness coming. I’m one ridiculous parent away from quitting. I know I can walk into other professions with my skills and make twice what I make now. I stay because I like teaching, but this type of horrendous behavior is old and tiresome. I suppose the current teacher shortage isn’t enough for the PP to grasp that you can’t treat teachers like we’re inept anymore.

Sure… Education majors are obviously highly in-demand outside of education...

I’m able to manage 130 people a day. I can collect and analyze a tremendous amount of ever-changing data. I can create and deliver engaging presentations, and I can be prepared to do it again the following day. I can determine how to change delivery of content based on audience. I can communicate effectively in person and online. I can lead teams. I can access and interpret information quickly and accurately, then clearly communicate its meaning to others. I write well. I come prepared, but I’m able to shift course immediately. I’m also able to work 8 hours with few breaks.

I know plenty of teachers who have left the profession in the past 3-4 years. All have gone on to higher pay and less stress. Trust me when I say teachers aren’t thinking that they are trapped in the classroom.

No, they’re not trapped. But the vast majority wouldn’t be able to get the same pay and benefits in another field.

I see at least 3 different posters whose experience states otherwise.

I’m the PP. I know my worth and I’m able to articulate it. The nice thing about teaching is that it requires continuing education. I now have two advanced degrees and a ton of proven success managing data and people.

Don’t bother telling teachers that we won’t find a better deal elsewhere. We have former coworkers who have already done it. Instead of talking down to teachers, perhaps it’s time to respect us for what we provide. A good teacher is worth far more than society thinks, in pay but also in respect.

A masters in education isn’t a meaningful “advanced degree” outside of teaching. But go ahead and figure that out for yourself.

Don’t underestimate the long-term impact your unions had on the reputation of teachers by trying to keep schools closed.

I know you’re wedded to your tired, stupid “teachers can’t get other well-paying jobs, so they’re forced to stay and do my bidding” line, but just FYI, it’s total BS.

[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:

What good are teachers that aren't willing to do their jobs? If MCEA keeps up with its behavior, MCPS will contract out more and more positions. In the short run that could be more expensive, but the district will be better off in the long run.

Are you joking? Teachers are doing their jobs! It's just that the jobs are getting harder and harder with less overall respect/job satisfaction.

For many people teaching is no longer a good work/life balance compared to other careers that offer more pay, work from home, respect, etc.

And you are somehow assuming the contracted positions are somehow better than MCPS employees. That may be true in some personal situations, but overall I highly doubt it.

Most teachers have to even work 180 days (not including sick days) and even get a pension after something like 20 years.

Closer to 30 to 35 years in order to retire with a pension equal to 40% of final salary. Maryland follows the age plus work years equal 90 formula. So, most retire around age 60 with at least 30 years of MD state service. Theoretically, the earliest they can retire would be hired at age 22 and then working until 56 with 33 years of continuous service.

Teachers work 192 days plus two required days in the middle of summer. In order to keep out certs we also have to take grad school courses, so lets say on average that is one or two weeks a summer at minimum. Then we basically get furloughed without pay for 5 to 6 weeks every summer.

Just curious what this means?

Not much- just that she doesn’t understand her retirement benefits. She’s probably a social studies or english teacher.

English teacher here. I understand my benefits and I understand the PP’s explanation of the 90 formula. I’m not sure you do?

Keep the nastiness coming. I’m one ridiculous parent away from quitting. I know I can walk into other professions with my skills and make twice what I make now. I stay because I like teaching, but this type of horrendous behavior is old and tiresome. I suppose the current teacher shortage isn’t enough for the PP to grasp that you can’t treat teachers like we’re inept anymore.

Sure… Education majors are obviously highly in-demand outside of education...

I’m able to manage 130 people a day. I can collect and analyze a tremendous amount of ever-changing data. I can create and deliver engaging presentations, and I can be prepared to do it again the following day. I can determine how to change delivery of content based on audience. I can communicate effectively in person and online. I can lead teams. I can access and interpret information quickly and accurately, then clearly communicate its meaning to others. I write well. I come prepared, but I’m able to shift course immediately. I’m also able to work 8 hours with few breaks.

I know plenty of teachers who have left the profession in the past 3-4 years. All have gone on to higher pay and less stress. Trust me when I say teachers aren’t thinking that they are trapped in the classroom.

No, they’re not trapped. But the vast majority wouldn’t be able to get the same pay and benefits in another field.

I see at least 3 different posters whose experience states otherwise.

I’m the PP. I know my worth and I’m able to articulate it. The nice thing about teaching is that it requires continuing education. I now have two advanced degrees and a ton of proven success managing data and people.

Don’t bother telling teachers that we won’t find a better deal elsewhere. We have former coworkers who have already done it. Instead of talking down to teachers, perhaps it’s time to respect us for what we provide. A good teacher is worth far more than society thinks, in pay but also in respect.

A masters in education isn’t a meaningful “advanced degree” outside of teaching. But go ahead and figure that out for yourself.

Don’t underestimate the long-term impact your unions had on the reputation of teachers by trying to keep schools closed.

I know you’re wedded to your tired, stupid “teachers can’t get other well-paying jobs, so they’re forced to stay and do my bidding” line, but just FYI, it’s total BS.

I got you… former teacher here.. I work for a tech company.. I do PM.. my only experience? Teaching. I make 235k and I work from home. I don’t have to deal with these absolute psychopaths. I DO feel really bad for their kids… my god…

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

What good are teachers that aren't willing to do their jobs? If MCEA keeps up with its behavior, MCPS will contract out more and more positions. In the short run that could be more expensive, but the district will be better off in the long run.

Are you joking? Teachers are doing their jobs! It's just that the jobs are getting harder and harder with less overall respect/job satisfaction.

For many people teaching is no longer a good work/life balance compared to other careers that offer more pay, work from home, respect, etc.

And you are somehow assuming the contracted positions are somehow better than MCPS employees. That may be true in some personal situations, but overall I highly doubt it.

Most teachers have to even work 180 days (not including sick days) and even get a pension after something like 20 years.

Closer to 30 to 35 years in order to retire with a pension equal to 40% of final salary. Maryland follows the age plus work years equal 90 formula. So, most retire around age 60 with at least 30 years of MD state service. Theoretically, the earliest they can retire would be hired at age 22 and then working until 56 with 33 years of continuous service.

Teachers work 192 days plus two required days in the middle of summer. In order to keep out certs we also have to take grad school courses, so lets say on average that is one or two weeks a summer at minimum. Then we basically get furloughed without pay for 5 to 6 weeks every summer.

Just curious what this means?

Not much- just that she doesn’t understand her retirement benefits. She’s probably a social studies or english teacher.

English teacher here. I understand my benefits and I understand the PP’s explanation of the 90 formula. I’m not sure you do?

Keep the nastiness coming. I’m one ridiculous parent away from quitting. I know I can walk into other professions with my skills and make twice what I make now. I stay because I like teaching, but this type of horrendous behavior is old and tiresome. I suppose the current teacher shortage isn’t enough for the PP to grasp that you can’t treat teachers like we’re inept anymore.

Sure… Education majors are obviously highly in-demand outside of education...

I’m able to manage 130 people a day. I can collect and analyze a tremendous amount of ever-changing data. I can create and deliver engaging presentations, and I can be prepared to do it again the following day. I can determine how to change delivery of content based on audience. I can communicate effectively in person and online. I can lead teams. I can access and interpret information quickly and accurately, then clearly communicate its meaning to others. I write well. I come prepared, but I’m able to shift course immediately. I’m also able to work 8 hours with few breaks.

I know plenty of teachers who have left the profession in the past 3-4 years. All have gone on to higher pay and less stress. Trust me when I say teachers aren’t thinking that they are trapped in the classroom.

No, they’re not trapped. But the vast majority wouldn’t be able to get the same pay and benefits in another field.

I see at least 3 different posters whose experience states otherwise.

I’m the PP. I know my worth and I’m able to articulate it. The nice thing about teaching is that it requires continuing education. I now have two advanced degrees and a ton of proven success managing data and people.

Don’t bother telling teachers that we won’t find a better deal elsewhere. We have former coworkers who have already done it. Instead of talking down to teachers, perhaps it’s time to respect us for what we provide. A good teacher is worth far more than society thinks, in pay but also in respect.

A masters in education isn’t a meaningful “advanced degree” outside of teaching. But go ahead and figure that out for yourself.

Don’t underestimate the long-term impact your unions had on the reputation of teachers by trying to keep schools closed.

You can’t even read because I said my degrees had nothing to do with teaching aka nothing to do with education. You’re just so sad. Pathetic.

Then go ahead and find out what life outside of MCPS is like. Again, no one is begging you to stay.

DP but it’s absolutely insane you keep doubling down in the middle of an actual teacher shortage. You sound like you have some real issues. No wonder teachers are quitting.

There’s not a shortage. There’s a market failure because teachers unions won’t allow pay scales to float based on supply and demand for particular positions.

I’m just a fellow mcps parent and I’m infuriated with parents like you. You just give MoCo parents the worst rep while representing the bottom of the barrel. None of us think this way but we are unfortunately repped by the Re-Opening Fox News parents… Just stop. You aren’t helping anything. Your phd doesn’t mean anything to us. We think you’re awful human beings.

Yes, how horrible it would be to pay SpEd and STEM teachers more…

Slippery slope. I teach AP English and spend 60-70 hours a week grading the frequent essays students write. I provide a ton of feedback to help advance students’ skills. If you introduce a tiered pay system, I’m going to be pretty upset if I am not fairly compensated.

“Fair compensation” isn’t based on how hard you work. It’s based on how hard it is to find someone willing and able to do the job.

Do you think a lot of people can just walk in and teach AP or IB English? You have to be a very strong communicator and a brilliant writer. You also have to be able to transfer those skills and that knowledge to others. The fact you think I’m that easily replaceable is a huge part of the problem.

I have a valuable skill set. If I make less simply because society values effective communication so poorly, then I will also leave this profession. There are plenty of companies desperate for effective communicators and they will pay me more than teaching does.

(Scoring essays vs. grading Algebra 1 worksheets?)

If you think it would be hard for schools to recruit and retain staff capable of teaching AP English, then you should like the idea of floating pay scales. Again, it isn’t a matter of how much society values the job. It’s a matter of how rare capable teachers are.

How does one identify a “capable teacher”? What if the AP European History teacher is phenomenal and the Biology teacher is subpar? Should the Bio teacher still get higher pay simply for falling under STEM? The AP Euro teacher would be the one who is actually much harder to replace, even if Social Studies is an “easier” position to fill. Perhaps, then, pay should be based on competency and effectiveness instead of STEM or SpEd designation. But how would we do that? Plenty of school systems have tried, but then you get to the high FARMS vs. wealthy schools issue. How do you determine the effectiveness of a teacher? Simply put, there is no easy way to designate higher pay based on either discipline or effectiveness. Counties simply have to commit to raising pay across the board and treating teaching like a respected profession.

The concept of supply and demand is really that foreign to you? How do you think other goods and services are priced?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just wanna give a shout-out to the parents in this community who did this. (You know their names.. the re-opening group from hell.. the same old, but never ending BOE testimony parents, the “this is my chance to get famous on Fox News and get my name in the post” parents…) this is all on you. Not admin. Not MCPS. You can deny it all you want. We quit because of you. You said we should, so we did. Good luck. You’re all probably happy because now you can still be angry about something and write endless op-Eds for your CVs, or beg Fox 5 for more airtime. Look in the mirror.

What are you even talking about? You're blaming the teacher shortage on people who wanted schools open for their children? You realize we were one of the last to open right?

The blame goes to the attitude of the loud, screaming tantruming, entitled parents who demanded that patents get in there and be their pandemic babysitters. Yes. That is correct.

This post is a good example of why it has gotten so hard to view teachers as respected professionals. There's a vocal minority that has their self-identity wrapped up in a victim complex that they didn't notice all the other essential and service workers doing their jobs while the teacher's unions fought to keep kids out of school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think one thing people need to hear is that "bad" teachers don't hear the noise.

They don't hear the calls to quit or the relentless onslaught of vitriol that is slung at teachers. The "bad" teachers either don't know or don't care that they are "bad." If they know, they are too tired or too stuck to improve or they have life circumstances that are out of their control. But either way, they aren't seeking feedback and they are not hearing the noise.

Who hears the noise? The good teachers.

The good teachers know what's going on in their classrooms and communities. They are putting in time going above and beyond with their students. They are sacrificing their happiness, their back accounts, and their own families to tutor, coach, enrich, and otherwise go above and beyond. And when they hear the noise, the cacophony of disrespect reverberates through their core until they realize they have so many other options and that life is more than mere service to others.

So you can go ahead and make all the noise you want but it's bouncing off the teachers you want gone and sticking to those teachers who excel so much at their craft that it is part of their self concept. And it's mobilizing them.

Make the noise. You are breaking the profession.

But, let's be clear, that's what you want anyways.

Maybe those good teachers should hold their bad colleagues accountable then, rather than letting the unions do their dirty work. Just look at the topic on this thread- the union is trying to block the district from paying SPED teachers more. It's not like the district was trying to cut the pay for everyone else. They seem more interested in making things worse for everyone else than making things better for themselves.

[Anonymous]

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What good are teachers that aren't willing to do their jobs? If MCEA keeps up with its behavior, MCPS will contract out more and more positions. In the short run that could be more expensive, but the district will be better off in the long run.

Are you joking? Teachers are doing their jobs! It's just that the jobs are getting harder and harder with less overall respect/job satisfaction.

For many people teaching is no longer a good work/life balance compared to other careers that offer more pay, work from home, respect, etc.

And you are somehow assuming the contracted positions are somehow better than MCPS employees. That may be true in some personal situations, but overall I highly doubt it.

Most teachers have to even work 180 days (not including sick days) and even get a pension after something like 20 years.

Closer to 30 to 35 years in order to retire with a pension equal to 40% of final salary. Maryland follows the age plus work years equal 90 formula. So, most retire around age 60 with at least 30 years of MD state service. Theoretically, the earliest they can retire would be hired at age 22 and then working until 56 with 33 years of continuous service.

Teachers work 192 days plus two required days in the middle of summer. In order to keep out certs we also have to take grad school courses, so lets say on average that is one or two weeks a summer at minimum. Then we basically get furloughed without pay for 5 to 6 weeks every summer.

Just curious what this means?

Not much- just that she doesn’t understand her retirement benefits. She’s probably a social studies or english teacher.

English teacher here. I understand my benefits and I understand the PP’s explanation of the 90 formula. I’m not sure you do?

Keep the nastiness coming. I’m one ridiculous parent away from quitting. I know I can walk into other professions with my skills and make twice what I make now. I stay because I like teaching, but this type of horrendous behavior is old and tiresome. I suppose the current teacher shortage isn’t enough for the PP to grasp that you can’t treat teachers like we’re inept anymore.

Sure… Education majors are obviously highly in-demand outside of education...

I’m able to manage 130 people a day. I can collect and analyze a tremendous amount of ever-changing data. I can create and deliver engaging presentations, and I can be prepared to do it again the following day. I can determine how to change delivery of content based on audience. I can communicate effectively in person and online. I can lead teams. I can access and interpret information quickly and accurately, then clearly communicate its meaning to others. I write well. I come prepared, but I’m able to shift course immediately. I’m also able to work 8 hours with few breaks.

I know plenty of teachers who have left the profession in the past 3-4 years. All have gone on to higher pay and less stress. Trust me when I say teachers aren’t thinking that they are trapped in the classroom.

No, they’re not trapped. But the vast majority wouldn’t be able to get the same pay and benefits in another field.

I see at least 3 different posters whose experience states otherwise.

I’m the PP. I know my worth and I’m able to articulate it. The nice thing about teaching is that it requires continuing education. I now have two advanced degrees and a ton of proven success managing data and people.

Don’t bother telling teachers that we won’t find a better deal elsewhere. We have former coworkers who have already done it. Instead of talking down to teachers, perhaps it’s time to respect us for what we provide. A good teacher is worth far more than society thinks, in pay but also in respect.

A masters in education isn’t a meaningful “advanced degree” outside of teaching. But go ahead and figure that out for yourself.

Don’t underestimate the long-term impact your unions had on the reputation of teachers by trying to keep schools closed.

You can’t even read because I said my degrees had nothing to do with teaching aka nothing to do with education. You’re just so sad. Pathetic.

Then go ahead and find out what life outside of MCPS is like. Again, no one is begging you to stay.

DP but it’s absolutely insane you keep doubling down in the middle of an actual teacher shortage. You sound like you have some real issues. No wonder teachers are quitting.

There’s not a shortage. There’s a market failure because teachers unions won’t allow pay scales to float based on supply and demand for particular positions.

I’m just a fellow mcps parent and I’m infuriated with parents like you. You just give MoCo parents the worst rep while representing the bottom of the barrel. None of us think this way but we are unfortunately repped by the Re-Opening Fox News parents… Just stop. You aren’t helping anything. Your phd doesn’t mean anything to us. We think you’re awful human beings.

Yes, how horrible it would be to pay SpEd and STEM teachers more…

Slippery slope. I teach AP English and spend 60-70 hours a week grading the frequent essays students write. I provide a ton of feedback to help advance students’ skills. If you introduce a tiered pay system, I’m going to be pretty upset if I am not fairly compensated.

“Fair compensation” isn’t based on how hard you work. It’s based on how hard it is to find someone willing and able to do the job.

Do you think a lot of people can just walk in and teach AP or IB English? You have to be a very strong communicator and a brilliant writer. You also have to be able to transfer those skills and that knowledge to others. The fact you think I’m that easily replaceable is a huge part of the problem.

I have a valuable skill set. If I make less simply because society values effective communication so poorly, then I will also leave this profession. There are plenty of companies desperate for effective communicators and they will pay me more than teaching does.

(Scoring essays vs. grading Algebra 1 worksheets?)

If you think it would be hard for schools to recruit and retain staff capable of teaching AP English, then you should like the idea of floating pay scales. Again, it isn’t a matter of how much society values the job. It’s a matter of how rare capable teachers are.

How does one identify a “capable teacher”? What if the AP European History teacher is phenomenal and the Biology teacher is subpar? Should the Bio teacher still get higher pay simply for falling under STEM? The AP Euro teacher would be the one who is actually much harder to replace, even if Social Studies is an “easier” position to fill. Perhaps, then, pay should be based on competency and effectiveness instead of STEM or SpEd designation. But how would we do that? Plenty of school systems have tried, but then you get to the high FARMS vs. wealthy schools issue. How do you determine the effectiveness of a teacher? Simply put, there is no easy way to designate higher pay based on either discipline or effectiveness. Counties simply have to commit to raising pay across the board and treating teaching like a respected profession.

Actually you can measure and pay effectively. You would review teachers student growth data over the course of their term in a teachers class w/multipliers and variable to account for Farms and FARMs %. Take into account extra hours logged for things like tutoring or extra curricular activities. There would be individual performance goals for mentoring, team teaching, instructional innovation, etc. There would be parental surveys about teacher performance. There would be WAAY more focus on school improvement plans and explaining data to parents. Adherence to IEPs and 504 plans and collaboration w/ colleagues to enforce. There would also be market forces applied.

I agree that teachers should be respected more, but I also agree the bar to entry and content knowledge requirements should be higher. There’s no reason that every K-3(and potentially K-5) teacher shouldn’t be a Phonics professional and certified Reading Specialist.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

What good are teachers that aren't willing to do their jobs? If MCEA keeps up with its behavior, MCPS will contract out more and more positions. In the short run that could be more expensive, but the district will be better off in the long run.

Are you joking? Teachers are doing their jobs! It's just that the jobs are getting harder and harder with less overall respect/job satisfaction.

For many people teaching is no longer a good work/life balance compared to other careers that offer more pay, work from home, respect, etc.

And you are somehow assuming the contracted positions are somehow better than MCPS employees. That may be true in some personal situations, but overall I highly doubt it.

Most teachers have to even work 180 days (not including sick days) and even get a pension after something like 20 years.

Closer to 30 to 35 years in order to retire with a pension equal to 40% of final salary. Maryland follows the age plus work years equal 90 formula. So, most retire around age 60 with at least 30 years of MD state service. Theoretically, the earliest they can retire would be hired at age 22 and then working until 56 with 33 years of continuous service.

Teachers work 192 days plus two required days in the middle of summer. In order to keep out certs we also have to take grad school courses, so lets say on average that is one or two weeks a summer at minimum. Then we basically get furloughed without pay for 5 to 6 weeks every summer.

Just curious what this means?

Not much- just that she doesn’t understand her retirement benefits. She’s probably a social studies or english teacher.

English teacher here. I understand my benefits and I understand the PP’s explanation of the 90 formula. I’m not sure you do?

Keep the nastiness coming. I’m one ridiculous parent away from quitting. I know I can walk into other professions with my skills and make twice what I make now. I stay because I like teaching, but this type of horrendous behavior is old and tiresome. I suppose the current teacher shortage isn’t enough for the PP to grasp that you can’t treat teachers like we’re inept anymore.

Sure… Education majors are obviously highly in-demand outside of education...

I’m able to manage 130 people a day. I can collect and analyze a tremendous amount of ever-changing data. I can create and deliver engaging presentations, and I can be prepared to do it again the following day. I can determine how to change delivery of content based on audience. I can communicate effectively in person and online. I can lead teams. I can access and interpret information quickly and accurately, then clearly communicate its meaning to others. I write well. I come prepared, but I’m able to shift course immediately. I’m also able to work 8 hours with few breaks.

I know plenty of teachers who have left the profession in the past 3-4 years. All have gone on to higher pay and less stress. Trust me when I say teachers aren’t thinking that they are trapped in the classroom.

No, they’re not trapped. But the vast majority wouldn’t be able to get the same pay and benefits in another field.

I see at least 3 different posters whose experience states otherwise.

I’m the PP. I know my worth and I’m able to articulate it. The nice thing about teaching is that it requires continuing education. I now have two advanced degrees and a ton of proven success managing data and people.

Don’t bother telling teachers that we won’t find a better deal elsewhere. We have former coworkers who have already done it. Instead of talking down to teachers, perhaps it’s time to respect us for what we provide. A good teacher is worth far more than society thinks, in pay but also in respect.

A masters in education isn’t a meaningful “advanced degree” outside of teaching. But go ahead and figure that out for yourself.

Don’t underestimate the long-term impact your unions had on the reputation of teachers by trying to keep schools closed.

You can’t even read because I said my degrees had nothing to do with teaching aka nothing to do with education. You’re just so sad. Pathetic.

Then go ahead and find out what life outside of MCPS is like. Again, no one is begging you to stay.

DP but it’s absolutely insane you keep doubling down in the middle of an actual teacher shortage. You sound like you have some real issues. No wonder teachers are quitting.

There’s not a shortage. There’s a market failure because teachers unions won’t allow pay scales to float based on supply and demand for particular positions.

I’m just a fellow mcps parent and I’m infuriated with parents like you. You just give MoCo parents the worst rep while representing the bottom of the barrel. None of us think this way but we are unfortunately repped by the Re-Opening Fox News parents… Just stop. You aren’t helping anything. Your phd doesn’t mean anything to us. We think you’re awful human beings.

Yes, how horrible it would be to pay SpEd and STEM teachers more…

Slippery slope. I teach AP English and spend 60-70 hours a week grading the frequent essays students write. I provide a ton of feedback to help advance students’ skills. If you introduce a tiered pay system, I’m going to be pretty upset if I am not fairly compensated.

“Fair compensation” isn’t based on how hard you work. It’s based on how hard it is to find someone willing and able to do the job.

Do you think a lot of people can just walk in and teach AP or IB English? You have to be a very strong communicator and a brilliant writer. You also have to be able to transfer those skills and that knowledge to others. The fact you think I’m that easily replaceable is a huge part of the problem.

I have a valuable skill set. If I make less simply because society values effective communication so poorly, then I will also leave this profession. There are plenty of companies desperate for effective communicators and they will pay me more than teaching does.

(Scoring essays vs. grading Algebra 1 worksheets?)

If you think it would be hard for schools to recruit and retain staff capable of teaching AP English, then you should like the idea of floating pay scales. Again, it isn’t a matter of how much society values the job. It’s a matter of how rare capable teachers are.

How does one identify a “capable teacher”? What if the AP European History teacher is phenomenal and the Biology teacher is subpar? Should the Bio teacher still get higher pay simply for falling under STEM? The AP Euro teacher would be the one who is actually much harder to replace, even if Social Studies is an “easier” position to fill. Perhaps, then, pay should be based on competency and effectiveness instead of STEM or SpEd designation. But how would we do that? Plenty of school systems have tried, but then you get to the high FARMS vs. wealthy schools issue. How do you determine the effectiveness of a teacher? Simply put, there is no easy way to designate higher pay based on either discipline or effectiveness. Counties simply have to commit to raising pay across the board and treating teaching like a respected profession.

Actually you can measure and pay effectively. You would review teachers student growth data over the course of their term in a teachers class w/multipliers and variable to account for Farms and FARMs %. Take into account extra hours logged for things like tutoring or extra curricular activities. There would be individual performance goals for mentoring, team teaching, instructional innovation, etc. There would be parental surveys about teacher performance. There would be WAAY more focus on school improvement plans and explaining data to parents. Adherence to IEPs and 504 plans and collaboration w/ colleagues to enforce. There would also be market forces applied.

I agree that teachers should be respected more, but I also agree the bar to entry and content knowledge requirements should be higher. There’s no reason that every K-3(and potentially K-5) teacher shouldn’t be a Phonics professional and certified Reading Specialist.

That might work in a private school where you can kick out kids but public schools have to take every kid and teachers get no say who is in their classrooms. The massively disruptive kids have to be placed somewhere. So do the chronically absent students. It isn’t fair to rate a teacher on progress if they have a student who tears apart the classroom, throws things, attacks others which results in the classroom being evacuated every couple of days. Or a teacher who gets a bunch of students learning English, kids whose parents don’t send them to school, students with learning disabilities that the school system refuses to assess, etc.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

What good are teachers that aren't willing to do their jobs? If MCEA keeps up with its behavior, MCPS will contract out more and more positions. In the short run that could be more expensive, but the district will be better off in the long run.

Are you joking? Teachers are doing their jobs! It's just that the jobs are getting harder and harder with less overall respect/job satisfaction.

For many people teaching is no longer a good work/life balance compared to other careers that offer more pay, work from home, respect, etc.

And you are somehow assuming the contracted positions are somehow better than MCPS employees. That may be true in some personal situations, but overall I highly doubt it.

Most teachers have to even work 180 days (not including sick days) and even get a pension after something like 20 years.

Closer to 30 to 35 years in order to retire with a pension equal to 40% of final salary. Maryland follows the age plus work years equal 90 formula. So, most retire around age 60 with at least 30 years of MD state service. Theoretically, the earliest they can retire would be hired at age 22 and then working until 56 with 33 years of continuous service.

Teachers work 192 days plus two required days in the middle of summer. In order to keep out certs we also have to take grad school courses, so lets say on average that is one or two weeks a summer at minimum. Then we basically get furloughed without pay for 5 to 6 weeks every summer.

Just curious what this means?

Not much- just that she doesn’t understand her retirement benefits. She’s probably a social studies or english teacher.

English teacher here. I understand my benefits and I understand the PP’s explanation of the 90 formula. I’m not sure you do?

Keep the nastiness coming. I’m one ridiculous parent away from quitting. I know I can walk into other professions with my skills and make twice what I make now. I stay because I like teaching, but this type of horrendous behavior is old and tiresome. I suppose the current teacher shortage isn’t enough for the PP to grasp that you can’t treat teachers like we’re inept anymore.

Sure… Education majors are obviously highly in-demand outside of education...

I’m able to manage 130 people a day. I can collect and analyze a tremendous amount of ever-changing data. I can create and deliver engaging presentations, and I can be prepared to do it again the following day. I can determine how to change delivery of content based on audience. I can communicate effectively in person and online. I can lead teams. I can access and interpret information quickly and accurately, then clearly communicate its meaning to others. I write well. I come prepared, but I’m able to shift course immediately. I’m also able to work 8 hours with few breaks.

I know plenty of teachers who have left the profession in the past 3-4 years. All have gone on to higher pay and less stress. Trust me when I say teachers aren’t thinking that they are trapped in the classroom.

No, they’re not trapped. But the vast majority wouldn’t be able to get the same pay and benefits in another field.

I see at least 3 different posters whose experience states otherwise.

I’m the PP. I know my worth and I’m able to articulate it. The nice thing about teaching is that it requires continuing education. I now have two advanced degrees and a ton of proven success managing data and people.

Don’t bother telling teachers that we won’t find a better deal elsewhere. We have former coworkers who have already done it. Instead of talking down to teachers, perhaps it’s time to respect us for what we provide. A good teacher is worth far more than society thinks, in pay but also in respect.

A masters in education isn’t a meaningful “advanced degree” outside of teaching. But go ahead and figure that out for yourself.

Don’t underestimate the long-term impact your unions had on the reputation of teachers by trying to keep schools closed.

You can’t even read because I said my degrees had nothing to do with teaching aka nothing to do with education. You’re just so sad. Pathetic.

Then go ahead and find out what life outside of MCPS is like. Again, no one is begging you to stay.

DP but it’s absolutely insane you keep doubling down in the middle of an actual teacher shortage. You sound like you have some real issues. No wonder teachers are quitting.

There’s not a shortage. There’s a market failure because teachers unions won’t allow pay scales to float based on supply and demand for particular positions.

I’m just a fellow mcps parent and I’m infuriated with parents like you. You just give MoCo parents the worst rep while representing the bottom of the barrel. None of us think this way but we are unfortunately repped by the Re-Opening Fox News parents… Just stop. You aren’t helping anything. Your phd doesn’t mean anything to us. We think you’re awful human beings.

Yes, how horrible it would be to pay SpEd and STEM teachers more…

Slippery slope. I teach AP English and spend 60-70 hours a week grading the frequent essays students write. I provide a ton of feedback to help advance students’ skills. If you introduce a tiered pay system, I’m going to be pretty upset if I am not fairly compensated.

“Fair compensation” isn’t based on how hard you work. It’s based on how hard it is to find someone willing and able to do the job.

Do you think a lot of people can just walk in and teach AP or IB English? You have to be a very strong communicator and a brilliant writer. You also have to be able to transfer those skills and that knowledge to others. The fact you think I’m that easily replaceable is a huge part of the problem.

I have a valuable skill set. If I make less simply because society values effective communication so poorly, then I will also leave this profession. There are plenty of companies desperate for effective communicators and they will pay me more than teaching does.

(Scoring essays vs. grading Algebra 1 worksheets?)

If you think it would be hard for schools to recruit and retain staff capable of teaching AP English, then you should like the idea of floating pay scales. Again, it isn’t a matter of how much society values the job. It’s a matter of how rare capable teachers are.

How does one identify a “capable teacher”? What if the AP European History teacher is phenomenal and the Biology teacher is subpar? Should the Bio teacher still get higher pay simply for falling under STEM? The AP Euro teacher would be the one who is actually much harder to replace, even if Social Studies is an “easier” position to fill. Perhaps, then, pay should be based on competency and effectiveness instead of STEM or SpEd designation. But how would we do that? Plenty of school systems have tried, but then you get to the high FARMS vs. wealthy schools issue. How do you determine the effectiveness of a teacher? Simply put, there is no easy way to designate higher pay based on either discipline or effectiveness. Counties simply have to commit to raising pay across the board and treating teaching like a respected profession.

Actually you can measure and pay effectively. You would review teachers student growth data over the course of their term in a teachers class w/multipliers and variable to account for Farms and FARMs %. Take into account extra hours logged for things like tutoring or extra curricular activities. There would be individual performance goals for mentoring, team teaching, instructional innovation, etc. There would be parental surveys about teacher performance. There would be WAAY more focus on school improvement plans and explaining data to parents. Adherence to IEPs and 504 plans and collaboration w/ colleagues to enforce. There would also be market forces applied.

I agree that teachers should be respected more, but I also agree the bar to entry and content knowledge requirements should be higher. There’s no reason that every K-3(and potentially K-5) teacher shouldn’t be a Phonics professional and certified Reading Specialist.

This has been tried by various districts and counties. Quick question: who is responsible for evaluating this growth data? It can’t be the teachers or administrators, who are already working 2-3 times harder than they did a decade ago. How are you going to take into account the subjectivity of parent and student surveys? I had a parent not like me once because I didn’t do enough international travel. (Not kidding.) How do you rate “adherence to IEPs and 504 plans? I follow those to the best of my ability, and still got called to the carpet because a parent unreasonably didn’t like HOW I followed it. (I was doing it properly, by the way.) How do you determine these multipliers for FARMS, 504s, etc.? How do you take into account that teachers are working with humans, each coming with his or her anxieties, shortcomings, and personal challenges? For all of your growth measurements, you can never remove the multitude of variables. What you are suggesting is very messy and far too time-consuming for the already exhausted and overworked school employees.

I do agree that the bar to entry should be higher, but watch as we go in the opposite direction just to fill open positions. Education is a sinking ship. A poster above eloquently said that this vitriol only affects the good teachers because the bad ones simply don’t care. 4 members of my department have left in the past two years. These were strong, well respected teachers. All four are now making more money and have more job satisfaction. That subject comes up regularly among those of us left.