Teachers- How much do you get paid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not expect this thread to be teachers vs lawyers. In no way are the two professions comparable at all. I can only speak as a teacher though... I love teaching so much. I feel I was born to teach. Yes, I am living paycheck to paycheck but I can honestly wake up every morning happy to teach. Sure us teachers can choose other jobs, but I for one, would not change my profession even though I may struggle with the lack of money. Mind you, I work at a daycare, not at a school. The cons, I do not get a bathroom break. Crazy how every teacher says this. It is very true though. We can not just up and leave when we have to pee, as no one will be there with the children. It is much harder to call off of work because no one is there to take your place, and the children can not reschedule the day they come to daycare because the teacher is sick. We have a lot of people to answer to, parents, directors, admin, managers, licensing, the state etc. Our job is not just playing with children. We have to create and implement lesson plans, do conferences, make observations, and work alongside other professionals such as therapist. Most of our supplies come out of pocket. My paycheck literally goes back to the children. The pros of working with children? The children- priceless.

This drives me nuts as a teacher.

We're not martyrs. Stop living paycheck to paycheck - with money that "literally goes back to the children." No wonder the public has no respect for us.

Okay then. How would you be a catalyst for change? If I'm doing a unit on butterflies and need a net and larvae and the administration won't buy it, I'm not going to deprive that experience from my kids. I'm going to buy it myself. If we're low on markers and crayons and my program manager says, "Wait," I'm not going to wait. We can't have 16 markers for 16 children. On payday I'm going to Target and replenish our supply. If we need playdough, I'll make it myself at home with supplies from my pantry. The lack won't be on the backs of my kids. I'll eat mac and cheese every night for dinner if I must. What would you do?

What would I do?

I would skip that unit and find one that fits w/in the school's budget. There are other ways to show how butterflies develop. Show a Youtube clip. Have them draw the process of metamorphosis during an interdisciplinary lesson where you collaborate with the art teacher. Read a story on butterflies! Take a field trip to a butterfly exhibit. Brookside has a great yearly exhibit. You'd get group rates. Plus, what's $4 per kid?

Ask the PTA to raise funds. Have the KIDS bring in supplies; it's THEIR responsibility to have the basics. And if you're in a Title One school, there are federal funds to pay for extra resources.

Stop forking over your OWN money for school supplies and materials. You, as teacher, are not an individual non-profit.

This is absolutely absurd! I've been in the "real world" before making the transition into teaching. Not ONCE did I purchase my own supplies when I worked in an office.

This is absolutely pathetic. I am so embarrassed to read your post. Where's your creativity?

These are Pre-K kids (4-5 years old) in a community based center in Columbia Heights. Most of the parents are Latino immigrants with few resources. We're going to the butterfly pavilion at the Natural History Museum. We're reading multiple stories on butterflies. We'll watch youtube clips. There is no art teacher. There is no PTA. I want them to have hands on experiences too, hence the net and larvae. I'm highly creative and love what I do. Your belittling of me and saying I'm pathetic brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. I don't begrudge the money I spend on my kids.

Thanks for your support.

What is up with the teachers that cry all the time as a response to any criticism? Jesus. I've seen how many of you teachers yell and snap at your students when you think no one is listening. I went on a field trip w/my kid's 4th grade teacher--she was like the gestapo with those poor kids. Yet they cry if you say anything to them.

[Anonymous]

But this thread isn't about the poor lawyers.

[Anonymous]

I will NOT support you.

You do more damage to our profession than the slackers who sit around all day, handing out worksheets.

Where's your pride? For every spineless teacher out there, there are 5 principals laughing at you, making five times your salary.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not expect this thread to be teachers vs lawyers. In no way are the two professions comparable at all. I can only speak as a teacher though... I love teaching so much. I feel I was born to teach. Yes, I am living paycheck to paycheck but I can honestly wake up every morning happy to teach. Sure us teachers can choose other jobs, but I for one, would not change my profession even though I may struggle with the lack of money. Mind you, I work at a daycare, not at a school. The cons, I do not get a bathroom break. Crazy how every teacher says this. It is very true though. We can not just up and leave when we have to pee, as no one will be there with the children. It is much harder to call off of work because no one is there to take your place, and the children can not reschedule the day they come to daycare because the teacher is sick. We have a lot of people to answer to, parents, directors, admin, managers, licensing, the state etc. Our job is not just playing with children. We have to create and implement lesson plans, do conferences, make observations, and work alongside other professionals such as therapist. Most of our supplies come out of pocket. My paycheck literally goes back to the children. The pros of working with children? The children- priceless.

This drives me nuts as a teacher.

We're not martyrs. Stop living paycheck to paycheck - with money that "literally goes back to the children." No wonder the public has no respect for us.

Okay then. How would you be a catalyst for change? If I'm doing a unit on butterflies and need a net and larvae and the administration won't buy it, I'm not going to deprive that experience from my kids. I'm going to buy it myself. If we're low on markers and crayons and my program manager says, "Wait," I'm not going to wait. We can't have 16 markers for 16 children. On payday I'm going to Target and replenish our supply. If we need playdough, I'll make it myself at home with supplies from my pantry. The lack won't be on the backs of my kids. I'll eat mac and cheese every night for dinner if I must. What would you do?

What would I do?

I would skip that unit and find one that fits w/in the school's budget. There are other ways to show how butterflies develop. Show a Youtube clip. Have them draw the process of metamorphosis during an interdisciplinary lesson where you collaborate with the art teacher. Read a story on butterflies! Take a field trip to a butterfly exhibit. Brookside has a great yearly exhibit. You'd get group rates. Plus, what's $4 per kid?

Ask the PTA to raise funds. Have the KIDS bring in supplies; it's THEIR responsibility to have the basics. And if you're in a Title One school, there are federal funds to pay for extra resources.

Stop forking over your OWN money for school supplies and materials. You, as teacher, are not an individual non-profit.

This is absolutely absurd! I've been in the "real world" before making the transition into teaching. Not ONCE did I purchase my own supplies when I worked in an office.

This is absolutely pathetic. I am so embarrassed to read your post. Where's your creativity?

These are Pre-K kids (4-5 years old) in a community based center in Columbia Heights. Most of the parents are Latino immigrants with few resources. We're going to the butterfly pavilion at the Natural History Museum. We're reading multiple stories on butterflies. We'll watch youtube clips. There is no art teacher. There is no PTA. I want them to have hands on experiences too, hence the net and larvae. I'm highly creative and love what I do. Your belittling of me and saying I'm pathetic brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. I don't begrudge the money I spend on my kids.

Thanks for your support.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not expect this thread to be teachers vs lawyers. In no way are the two professions comparable at all. I can only speak as a teacher though... I love teaching so much. I feel I was born to teach. Yes, I am living paycheck to paycheck but I can honestly wake up every morning happy to teach. Sure us teachers can choose other jobs, but I for one, would not change my profession even though I may struggle with the lack of money. Mind you, I work at a daycare, not at a school. The cons, I do not get a bathroom break. Crazy how every teacher says this. It is very true though. We can not just up and leave when we have to pee, as no one will be there with the children. It is much harder to call off of work because no one is there to take your place, and the children can not reschedule the day they come to daycare because the teacher is sick. We have a lot of people to answer to, parents, directors, admin, managers, licensing, the state etc. Our job is not just playing with children. We have to create and implement lesson plans, do conferences, make observations, and work alongside other professionals such as therapist. Most of our supplies come out of pocket. My paycheck literally goes back to the children. The pros of working with children? The children- priceless.

This drives me nuts as a teacher.

We're not martyrs. Stop living paycheck to paycheck - with money that "literally goes back to the children." No wonder the public has no respect for us.

Okay then. How would you be a catalyst for change? If I'm doing a unit on butterflies and need a net and larvae and the administration won't buy it, I'm not going to deprive that experience from my kids. I'm going to buy it myself. If we're low on markers and crayons and my program manager says, "Wait," I'm not going to wait. We can't have 16 markers for 16 children. On payday I'm going to Target and replenish our supply. If we need playdough, I'll make it myself at home with supplies from my pantry. The lack won't be on the backs of my kids. I'll eat mac and cheese every night for dinner if I must. What would you do?

What would I do?

I would skip that unit and find one that fits w/in the school's budget. There are other ways to show how butterflies develop. Show a Youtube clip. Have them draw the process of metamorphosis during an interdisciplinary lesson where you collaborate with the art teacher. Read a story on butterflies! Take a field trip to a butterfly exhibit. Brookside has a great yearly exhibit. You'd get group rates. Plus, what's $4 per kid?

Ask the PTA to raise funds. Have the KIDS bring in supplies; it's THEIR responsibility to have the basics. And if you're in a Title One school, there are federal funds to pay for extra resources.

Stop forking over your OWN money for school supplies and materials. You, as teacher, are not an individual non-profit.

This is absolutely absurd! I've been in the "real world" before making the transition into teaching. Not ONCE did I purchase my own supplies when I worked in an office.

This is absolutely pathetic. I am so embarrassed to read your post. Where's your creativity?

These are Pre-K kids (4-5 years old) in a community based center in Columbia Heights. Most of the parents are Latino immigrants with few resources. We're going to the butterfly pavilion at the Natural History Museum. We're reading multiple stories on butterflies. We'll watch youtube clips. There is no art teacher. There is no PTA. I want them to have hands on experiences too, hence the net and larvae. I'm highly creative and love what I do. Your belittling of me and saying I'm pathetic brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. I don't begrudge the money I spend on my kids.

Thanks for your support.

I think you sound like a wonderful teacher -- the kind who inspires kids to such an extent that they look back in gratitude decades later. I had a few teachers like that, and I am grateful for every single one of them. Someday one of the kids you're teaching now is going to do something great, something way beyond what is expected or predicted for that kid given his or her early circumstances, and you will probably have played a role in that. You should be proud.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:17:57 But you aren't being a catalyst for change, PP, by buying your own supplies. You are allowing the school to take advantage of you.

If you want to change the system, the administration and parent association need to know what it costs to educate their children and need to have a plan to pay for it. In the absence of that, yes, the students do without. If parents care about this, they will pay for it. They should. Or the school should. The teacher, most definitely, should not.

Shoulda, woulda, coulda...

Words are cheap. I have told the administration many times what you have said above, in vain. As I mentioned, there is no PTA. Some of my parents are undocumented, and most of them do cleaning for a living (the moms). Many of the dads are out of work.

Meanwhile, my kids need crayons and paper! I can't wait for change, and neither can my kids. It makes my job incredibly difficult to do without. We need supplies for me to do my job and my kids to be engaged and learning. If that means $20 a month out of my pocket, so be it.

And to think that most teachers don't spend their own money on materials is naive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not expect this thread to be teachers vs lawyers. In no way are the two professions comparable at all. I can only speak as a teacher though... I love teaching so much. I feel I was born to teach. Yes, I am living paycheck to paycheck but I can honestly wake up every morning happy to teach. Sure us teachers can choose other jobs, but I for one, would not change my profession even though I may struggle with the lack of money. Mind you, I work at a daycare, not at a school. The cons, I do not get a bathroom break. Crazy how every teacher says this. It is very true though. We can not just up and leave when we have to pee, as no one will be there with the children. It is much harder to call off of work because no one is there to take your place, and the children can not reschedule the day they come to daycare because the teacher is sick. We have a lot of people to answer to, parents, directors, admin, managers, licensing, the state etc. Our job is not just playing with children. We have to create and implement lesson plans, do conferences, make observations, and work alongside other professionals such as therapist. Most of our supplies come out of pocket. My paycheck literally goes back to the children. The pros of working with children? The children- priceless.

This drives me nuts as a teacher.

We're not martyrs. Stop living paycheck to paycheck - with money that "literally goes back to the children." No wonder the public has no respect for us.

Okay then. How would you be a catalyst for change? If I'm doing a unit on butterflies and need a net and larvae and the administration won't buy it, I'm not going to deprive that experience from my kids. I'm going to buy it myself. If we're low on markers and crayons and my program manager says, "Wait," I'm not going to wait. We can't have 16 markers for 16 children. On payday I'm going to Target and replenish our supply. If we need playdough, I'll make it myself at home with supplies from my pantry. The lack won't be on the backs of my kids. I'll eat mac and cheese every night for dinner if I must. What would you do?

What would I do?

I would skip that unit and find one that fits w/in the school's budget. There are other ways to show how butterflies develop. Show a Youtube clip. Have them draw the process of metamorphosis during an interdisciplinary lesson where you collaborate with the art teacher. Read a story on butterflies! Take a field trip to a butterfly exhibit. Brookside has a great yearly exhibit. You'd get group rates. Plus, what's $4 per kid?

Ask the PTA to raise funds. Have the KIDS bring in supplies; it's THEIR responsibility to have the basics. And if you're in a Title One school, there are federal funds to pay for extra resources.

Stop forking over your OWN money for school supplies and materials. You, as teacher, are not an individual non-profit.

This is absolutely absurd! I've been in the "real world" before making the transition into teaching. Not ONCE did I purchase my own supplies when I worked in an office.

This is absolutely pathetic. I am so embarrassed to read your post. Where's your creativity?

These are Pre-K kids (4-5 years old) in a community based center in Columbia Heights. Most of the parents are Latino immigrants with few resources. We're going to the butterfly pavilion at the Natural History Museum. We're reading multiple stories on butterflies. We'll watch youtube clips. There is no art teacher. There is no PTA. I want them to have hands on experiences too, hence the net and larvae. I'm highly creative and love what I do. Your belittling of me and saying I'm pathetic brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. I don't begrudge the money I spend on my kids.

Thanks for your support.

I think you sound like a wonderful teacher -- the kind who inspires kids to such an extent that they look back in gratitude decades later. I had a few teachers like that, and I am grateful for every single one of them. Someday one of the kids you're teaching now is going to do something great, something way beyond what is expected or predicted for that kid given his or her early circumstances, and you will probably have played a role in that. You should be proud.

sure

until the Mac 'n Cheese does her in, and she dies from malnutrition

way to support teaching, PP

So you enable this poor fool for using HER OWN MONEY to pay for school supplies instead of fighting the good fight.

dingbat

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not expect this thread to be teachers vs lawyers. In no way are the two professions comparable at all. I can only speak as a teacher though... I love teaching so much. I feel I was born to teach. Yes, I am living paycheck to paycheck but I can honestly wake up every morning happy to teach. Sure us teachers can choose other jobs, but I for one, would not change my profession even though I may struggle with the lack of money. Mind you, I work at a daycare, not at a school. The cons, I do not get a bathroom break. Crazy how every teacher says this. It is very true though. We can not just up and leave when we have to pee, as no one will be there with the children. It is much harder to call off of work because no one is there to take your place, and the children can not reschedule the day they come to daycare because the teacher is sick. We have a lot of people to answer to, parents, directors, admin, managers, licensing, the state etc. Our job is not just playing with children. We have to create and implement lesson plans, do conferences, make observations, and work alongside other professionals such as therapist. Most of our supplies come out of pocket. My paycheck literally goes back to the children. The pros of working with children? The children- priceless.

This drives me nuts as a teacher.

We're not martyrs. Stop living paycheck to paycheck - with money that "literally goes back to the children." No wonder the public has no respect for us.

I work at a daycare... Not within a public school system with available funds or people to reimburse with receipts. We also can not play videos aka you tube post for children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not expect this thread to be teachers vs lawyers. In no way are the two professions comparable at all. I can only speak as a teacher though... I love teaching so much. I feel I was born to teach. Yes, I am living paycheck to paycheck but I can honestly wake up every morning happy to teach. Sure us teachers can choose other jobs, but I for one, would not change my profession even though I may struggle with the lack of money. Mind you, I work at a daycare, not at a school. The cons, I do not get a bathroom break. Crazy how every teacher says this. It is very true though. We can not just up and leave when we have to pee, as no one will be there with the children. It is much harder to call off of work because no one is there to take your place, and the children can not reschedule the day they come to daycare because the teacher is sick. We have a lot of people to answer to, parents, directors, admin, managers, licensing, the state etc. Our job is not just playing with children. We have to create and implement lesson plans, do conferences, make observations, and work alongside other professionals such as therapist. Most of our supplies come out of pocket. My paycheck literally goes back to the children. The pros of working with children? The children- priceless.

This drives me nuts as a teacher.

We're not martyrs. Stop living paycheck to paycheck - with money that "literally goes back to the children." No wonder the public has no respect for us.

Okay then. How would you be a catalyst for change? If I'm doing a unit on butterflies and need a net and larvae and the administration won't buy it, I'm not going to deprive that experience from my kids. I'm going to buy it myself. If we're low on markers and crayons and my program manager says, "Wait," I'm not going to wait. We can't have 16 markers for 16 children. On payday I'm going to Target and replenish our supply. If we need playdough, I'll make it myself at home with supplies from my pantry. The lack won't be on the backs of my kids. I'll eat mac and cheese every night for dinner if I must. What would you do?

What would I do?

I would skip that unit and find one that fits w/in the school's budget. There are other ways to show how butterflies develop. Show a Youtube clip. Have them draw the process of metamorphosis during an interdisciplinary lesson where you collaborate with the art teacher. Read a story on butterflies! Take a field trip to a butterfly exhibit. Brookside has a great yearly exhibit. You'd get group rates. Plus, what's $4 per kid?

Ask the PTA to raise funds. Have the KIDS bring in supplies; it's THEIR responsibility to have the basics. And if you're in a Title One school, there are federal funds to pay for extra resources.

Stop forking over your OWN money for school supplies and materials. You, as teacher, are not an individual non-profit.

This is absolutely absurd! I've been in the "real world" before making the transition into teaching. Not ONCE did I purchase my own supplies when I worked in an office.

This is absolutely pathetic. I am so embarrassed to read your post. Where's your creativity?

These are Pre-K kids (4-5 years old) in a community based center in Columbia Heights. Most of the parents are Latino immigrants with few resources. We're going to the butterfly pavilion at the Natural History Museum. We're reading multiple stories on butterflies. We'll watch youtube clips. There is no art teacher. There is no PTA. I want them to have hands on experiences too, hence the net and larvae. I'm highly creative and love what I do. Your belittling of me and saying I'm pathetic brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. I don't begrudge the money I spend on my kids.

Thanks for your support.

I think you sound like a wonderful teacher -- the kind who inspires kids to such an extent that they look back in gratitude decades later. I had a few teachers like that, and I am grateful for every single one of them. Someday one of the kids you're teaching now is going to do something great, something way beyond what is expected or predicted for that kid given his or her early circumstances, and you will probably have played a role in that. You should be proud.

Thank you SO much. It means a lot to me. My kids are so bright and talented; it is my hope that they all go to college. Maybe even some of them will become lawyers, but not ones who denigrate teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not expect this thread to be teachers vs lawyers. In no way are the two professions comparable at all. I can only speak as a teacher though... I love teaching so much. I feel I was born to teach. Yes, I am living paycheck to paycheck but I can honestly wake up every morning happy to teach. Sure us teachers can choose other jobs, but I for one, would not change my profession even though I may struggle with the lack of money. Mind you, I work at a daycare, not at a school. The cons, I do not get a bathroom break. Crazy how every teacher says this. It is very true though. We can not just up and leave when we have to pee, as no one will be there with the children. It is much harder to call off of work because no one is there to take your place, and the children can not reschedule the day they come to daycare because the teacher is sick. We have a lot of people to answer to, parents, directors, admin, managers, licensing, the state etc. Our job is not just playing with children. We have to create and implement lesson plans, do conferences, make observations, and work alongside other professionals such as therapist. Most of our supplies come out of pocket. My paycheck literally goes back to the children. The pros of working with children? The children- priceless.

This drives me nuts as a teacher.

We're not martyrs. Stop living paycheck to paycheck - with money that "literally goes back to the children." No wonder the public has no respect for us.

Okay then. How would you be a catalyst for change? If I'm doing a unit on butterflies and need a net and larvae and the administration won't buy it, I'm not going to deprive that experience from my kids. I'm going to buy it myself. If we're low on markers and crayons and my program manager says, "Wait," I'm not going to wait. We can't have 16 markers for 16 children. On payday I'm going to Target and replenish our supply. If we need playdough, I'll make it myself at home with supplies from my pantry. The lack won't be on the backs of my kids. I'll eat mac and cheese every night for dinner if I must. What would you do?

What would I do?

I would skip that unit and find one that fits w/in the school's budget. There are other ways to show how butterflies develop. Show a Youtube clip. Have them draw the process of metamorphosis during an interdisciplinary lesson where you collaborate with the art teacher. Read a story on butterflies! Take a field trip to a butterfly exhibit. Brookside has a great yearly exhibit. You'd get group rates. Plus, what's $4 per kid?

Ask the PTA to raise funds. Have the KIDS bring in supplies; it's THEIR responsibility to have the basics. And if you're in a Title One school, there are federal funds to pay for extra resources.

Stop forking over your OWN money for school supplies and materials. You, as teacher, are not an individual non-profit.

This is absolutely absurd! I've been in the "real world" before making the transition into teaching. Not ONCE did I purchase my own supplies when I worked in an office.

This is absolutely pathetic. I am so embarrassed to read your post. Where's your creativity?

These are Pre-K kids (4-5 years old) in a community based center in Columbia Heights. Most of the parents are Latino immigrants with few resources. We're going to the butterfly pavilion at the Natural History Museum. We're reading multiple stories on butterflies. We'll watch youtube clips. There is no art teacher. There is no PTA. I want them to have hands on experiences too, hence the net and larvae. I'm highly creative and love what I do. Your belittling of me and saying I'm pathetic brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. I don't begrudge the money I spend on my kids.

Thanks for your support.

I think you sound like a wonderful teacher -- the kind who inspires kids to such an extent that they look back in gratitude decades later. I had a few teachers like that, and I am grateful for every single one of them. Someday one of the kids you're teaching now is going to do something great, something way beyond what is expected or predicted for that kid given his or her early circumstances, and you will probably have played a role in that. You should be proud.

sure

until the Mac 'n Cheese does her in, and she dies from malnutrition

way to support teaching, PP

So you enable this poor fool for using HER OWN MONEY to pay for school supplies instead of fighting the good fight.

dingbat

You're absolutely right. I am a dingbat. I imagine you think you're doing a tremendous job of convincing folks here that teachers aren't at all entitled, bitter, or angry. Picking on a dedicated preschool teacher is definitely going to do that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not expect this thread to be teachers vs lawyers. In no way are the two professions comparable at all. I can only speak as a teacher though... I love teaching so much. I feel I was born to teach. Yes, I am living paycheck to paycheck but I can honestly wake up every morning happy to teach. Sure us teachers can choose other jobs, but I for one, would not change my profession even though I may struggle with the lack of money. Mind you, I work at a daycare, not at a school. The cons, I do not get a bathroom break. Crazy how every teacher says this. It is very true though. We can not just up and leave when we have to pee, as no one will be there with the children. It is much harder to call off of work because no one is there to take your place, and the children can not reschedule the day they come to daycare because the teacher is sick. We have a lot of people to answer to, parents, directors, admin, managers, licensing, the state etc. Our job is not just playing with children. We have to create and implement lesson plans, do conferences, make observations, and work alongside other professionals such as therapist. Most of our supplies come out of pocket. My paycheck literally goes back to the children. The pros of working with children? The children- priceless.

This drives me nuts as a teacher.

We're not martyrs. Stop living paycheck to paycheck - with money that "literally goes back to the children." No wonder the public has no respect for us.

Okay then. How would you be a catalyst for change? If I'm doing a unit on butterflies and need a net and larvae and the administration won't buy it, I'm not going to deprive that experience from my kids. I'm going to buy it myself. If we're low on markers and crayons and my program manager says, "Wait," I'm not going to wait. We can't have 16 markers for 16 children. On payday I'm going to Target and replenish our supply. If we need playdough, I'll make it myself at home with supplies from my pantry. The lack won't be on the backs of my kids. I'll eat mac and cheese every night for dinner if I must. What would you do?

What would I do?

I would skip that unit and find one that fits w/in the school's budget. There are other ways to show how butterflies develop. Show a Youtube clip. Have them draw the process of metamorphosis during an interdisciplinary lesson where you collaborate with the art teacher. Read a story on butterflies! Take a field trip to a butterfly exhibit. Brookside has a great yearly exhibit. You'd get group rates. Plus, what's $4 per kid?

Ask the PTA to raise funds. Have the KIDS bring in supplies; it's THEIR responsibility to have the basics. And if you're in a Title One school, there are federal funds to pay for extra resources.

Stop forking over your OWN money for school supplies and materials. You, as teacher, are not an individual non-profit.

This is absolutely absurd! I've been in the "real world" before making the transition into teaching. Not ONCE did I purchase my own supplies when I worked in an office.

This is absolutely pathetic. I am so embarrassed to read your post. Where's your creativity?

These are Pre-K kids (4-5 years old) in a community based center in Columbia Heights. Most of the parents are Latino immigrants with few resources. We're going to the butterfly pavilion at the Natural History Museum. We're reading multiple stories on butterflies. We'll watch youtube clips. There is no art teacher. There is no PTA. I want them to have hands on experiences too, hence the net and larvae. I'm highly creative and love what I do. Your belittling of me and saying I'm pathetic brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. I don't begrudge the money I spend on my kids.

Thanks for your support.

I think you sound like a wonderful teacher -- the kind who inspires kids to such an extent that they look back in gratitude decades later. I had a few teachers like that, and I am grateful for every single one of them. Someday one of the kids you're teaching now is going to do something great, something way beyond what is expected or predicted for that kid given his or her early circumstances, and you will probably have played a role in that. You should be proud.

Thank you SO much. It means a lot to me. My kids are so bright and talented; it is my hope that they all go to college. Maybe even some of them will become lawyers, but not ones who denigrate teachers.

You're welcome. But I think the person denigrating you is actually a teacher, not a lawyer.

[Anonymous]

Don't pay attention to that sad, embittered PP who is putting you down. I agree that you sound like a wonderful, caring teacher. Thanks for doing what you do! -- another teacher

[Anonymous]

What is up with the teachers that cry all the time as a response to any criticism? Jesus. I've seen how many of you teachers yell and snap at your students when you think no one is listening. I went on a field trip w/my kid's 4th grade teacher--she was like the gestapo with those poor kids. Yet they cry if you say anything to them.


She was probably acting like the Gestapo b/c if one of those little stinkers gets lost or hurt on the field trip, it's her ass.

[Anonymous]

You have your good teachers and your bad teachers, just like in any other career field.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:$50k is nice, but it's hard to support a family in this area without another income. It's ridiculous.

The salary is a bit misleading because of working 9 months. take the salary divide by nine then times 12 is the real salary, that ls not including the gold plated health and ension benifits.

Where do people come up with nine months? Around here teachers work through most of June and go back in September which leaves July and August when most teachers I know are taking continuing ed classes or material for the next year.

So true. I am out of my classroom around June 20 and back in around Aug 10. School in the District doesn't start after labor day. It usually starts around Aug 25. I work at camp in the summer. Take about three weeks off in July to be with my family at our lake cottage in upstate NY to rest and regain my sanity so I can start all over again. I teach Pre-K. It is physically and emotionally tiring, but I pretty much love it. Can't imagine being in a desk job.

Yes, but you get 2 weeks for Xmas. 10 days for spring break. 4 days at t-giving. Columbus day. Labor Day. that's a lot. And not everyone has a family with a lake house that they can stay at for free.

Whoa. What school system gives a nearly a 2 week spring break, 2 weeks for Christmas?

Federal holidays is standard for many jobs. So is vacation time. Only difference is teachers can't pick their vacation time. And I personally think there should be summer inter session programs (some schools already do this).

[Anonymous]

Shoulda, woulda, coulda...

Words are cheap. I have told the administration many times what you have said above, in vain. As I mentioned, there is no PTA. Some of my parents are undocumented, and most of them do cleaning for a living (the moms). Many of the dads are out of work.

Meanwhile, my kids need crayons and paper! I can't wait for change, and neither can my kids. It makes my job incredibly difficult to do without. We need supplies for me to do my job and my kids to be engaged and learning. If that means $20 a month out of my pocket, so be it.

And to think that most teachers don't spend their own money on materials is naive.

OK, spend your money. But don't call yourself a catalyst for change. You're being taken advantage of and you're celebrating it. That is your choice, but it doesn't make you a good teacher or a wise person.