Received an email that DS teacher quit Friday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FCPS doesn’t respect teachers. If they wanted to work on retaining teachers, teachers would get more than a T-shirt or Lanyard for years of service. Imagine after 5 years of service you got a $1,000 bonus? After 10 years a $3,000 bonus? Every teacher can list things the county wastes money on. It is time for parents to help raise teaching salaries!

Service awards are supposed to be touchy feely. You are a public servant what do you want a gold watch for showing up for 5-10 years. You get a paycheck, pension and cheap benefits. Hint I work in the private sector and I think I once received a plaque Or a paper weight, or maybe flowers and a luncheon and I grumbled too… I’d have gladly taken a $50 Amex gift card Instead. Yes my firm spends ridiculous money on travel and all firm 5 star hotel luncheons & retreats complete with $50–100K guest speakers.

I’m sure teaching is frustrating but you don’t actually generate revenue, so your compensation (for 10 approx
Months of work, minus generous holidays, planning and training days), job security, benefits, retirement), is generous.

Fresh out of college the public service sector on my radar. But in hindsight there’s a good chance it would have been a much less stressful and in the long term a more profitable pathway to have taken. After 25yrs. I am bored, exhausted as I’ve spent the past 30 years working 50-7O hrs a week. I’d love to retire but since I have no guaranteed pension or healthcare I’ll be plugging away, competing with recent grads who work 60-70 hrs a week for less pay, for at least another 5 years. Either way my days are numbered.

For current grads there are much sexier ways to make money. One prolonged economic downturn and you might see your ranks swell, or at least more new recruits and less grumbling amongst the seasoned.

Job insecurity makes you grateful for the devil you know.

Oh and maybe some energy should be expended on lobbying the state to do something about a pubic education system that expects young children to sit still for 6-7 hours a day. Teachers and students would both benefit from less butts in seats time. How about Shorter days, coupled with an expanded aftercare program or longer days with more opportunities for real movement breaks. Start with real daily PE (not health videos) and music where kids are encouraged sing loudly and move and play instruments, recess which encourages running and jumping, all as outlets to bottled up energy, emotions and natural aggression. You might actually have more focused learners (efficient learners), and less behavioral problems and less stressed teachers in the classroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS doesn’t respect teachers. If they wanted to work on retaining teachers, teachers would get more than a T-shirt or Lanyard for years of service. Imagine after 5 years of service you got a $1,000 bonus? After 10 years a $3,000 bonus? Every teacher can list things the county wastes money on. It is time for parents to help raise teaching salaries!

Service awards are supposed to be touchy feely. You are a public servant what do you want a gold watch for showing up for 5-10 years. You get a paycheck, pension and cheap benefits. Hint I work in the private sector and I think I once received a plaque Or a paper weight, or maybe flowers and a luncheon and I grumbled too… I’d have gladly taken a $50 Amex gift card Instead. Yes my firm spends ridiculous money on travel and all firm 5 star hotel luncheons & retreats complete with $50–100K guest speakers.

I’m sure teaching is frustrating but you don’t actually generate revenue, so your compensation (for 10 approx
Months of work, minus generous holidays, planning and training days), job security, benefits, retirement), is generous.

Fresh out of college the public service sector on my radar. But in hindsight there’s a good chance it would have been a much less stressful and in the long term a more profitable pathway to have taken. After 25yrs. I am bored, exhausted as I’ve spent the past 30 years working 50-7O hrs a week. I’d love to retire but since I have no guaranteed pension or healthcare I’ll be plugging away, competing with recent grads who work 60-70 hrs a week for less pay, for at least another 5 years. Either way my days are numbered.

For current grads there are much sexier ways to make money. One prolonged economic downturn and you might see your ranks swell, or at least more new recruits and less grumbling amongst the seasoned.

Job insecurity makes you grateful for the devil you know.

Oh and maybe some energy should be expended on lobbying the state to do something about a pubic education system that expects young children to sit still for 6-7 hours a day. Teachers and students would both benefit from less butts in seats time. How about Shorter days, coupled with an expanded aftercare program or longer days with more opportunities for real movement breaks. Start with real daily PE (not health videos) and music where kids are encouraged sing loudly and move and play instruments, recess which encourages running and jumping, all as outlets to bottled up energy, emotions and natural aggression. You might actually have more focused learners (efficient learners), and less behavioral problems and less stressed teachers in the classroom.

I wonder what non-teachers think we make for a pension. Do you think $2000/month in 2040 is liveable? We all contribute to a retirement fund just like you do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS doesn’t respect teachers. If they wanted to work on retaining teachers, teachers would get more than a T-shirt or Lanyard for years of service. Imagine after 5 years of service you got a $1,000 bonus? After 10 years a $3,000 bonus? Every teacher can list things the county wastes money on. It is time for parents to help raise teaching salaries!

Service awards are supposed to be touchy feely. You are a public servant what do you want a gold watch for showing up for 5-10 years. You get a paycheck, pension and cheap benefits. Hint I work in the private sector and I think I once received a plaque Or a paper weight, or maybe flowers and a luncheon and I grumbled too… I’d have gladly taken a $50 Amex gift card Instead. Yes my firm spends ridiculous money on travel and all firm 5 star hotel luncheons & retreats complete with $50–100K guest speakers.

I’m sure teaching is frustrating but you don’t actually generate revenue, so your compensation (for 10 approx
Months of work, minus generous holidays, planning and training days), job security, benefits, retirement), is generous.

Fresh out of college the public service sector on my radar. But in hindsight there’s a good chance it would have been a much less stressful and in the long term a more profitable pathway to have taken. After 25yrs. I am bored, exhausted as I’ve spent the past 30 years working 50-7O hrs a week. I’d love to retire but since I have no guaranteed pension or healthcare I’ll be plugging away, competing with recent grads who work 60-70 hrs a week for less pay, for at least another 5 years. Either way my days are numbered.

For current grads there are much sexier ways to make money. One prolonged economic downturn and you might see your ranks swell, or at least more new recruits and less grumbling amongst the seasoned.

Job insecurity makes you grateful for the devil you know.

Oh and maybe some energy should be expended on lobbying the state to do something about a pubic education system that expects young children to sit still for 6-7 hours a day. Teachers and students would both benefit from less butts in seats time. How about Shorter days, coupled with an expanded aftercare program or longer days with more opportunities for real movement breaks. Start with real daily PE (not health videos) and music where kids are encouraged sing loudly and move and play instruments, recess which encourages running and jumping, all as outlets to bottled up energy, emotions and natural aggression. You might actually have more focused learners (efficient learners), and less behavioral problems and less stressed teachers in the classroom.

I wonder what non-teachers think we make for a pension. Do you think $2000/month in 2040 is liveable? We all contribute to a retirement fund just like you do.

The last paragraph above from the non-teacher made me smile. Teachers have already considered everything that PP has suggested. We’ve known it for years. Too bad we also know the many restrictions that are in our way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Teacher here (not FCPS). Definitely complain in writing to admin every single time these classroom evacuations occur. They don't listen to teachers but things happen faster when multiple parents complain. I've had bruises and red marks left on my skin from students hitting/grabbing me but nothing happens when I tell admin about it. I have to get the union involved.

Are you in VA or a different state with a real union. The organizations that call themselves unions in Virginia are not that and they won’t actually be helpful. Maybe they will send someone to sit with you at a meeting and give you supplemental insurance but they don’t have any power to really help. There aren’t any unions in Virginia.

Richmond City has managed to get its “association” recognized as a proper union, so it’s possible, but they also don’t have the number of OpenFCPS-style crazies who would stage a Jan 6-style insurrection on the school board meeting if passed in nova…

APS just approved collective bargaining this week

I’ve worked in a state with a strong union and I’m not convinced collective bargaining is going to give teachers any support like posters are talking about. It’s going to more about contract negotiations, not offer help when you have parents or admin after you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS doesn’t respect teachers. If they wanted to work on retaining teachers, teachers would get more than a T-shirt or Lanyard for years of service. Imagine after 5 years of service you got a $1,000 bonus? After 10 years a $3,000 bonus? Every teacher can list things the county wastes money on. It is time for parents to help raise teaching salaries!

Service awards are supposed to be touchy feely. You are a public servant what do you want a gold watch for showing up for 5-10 years. You get a paycheck, pension and cheap benefits. Hint I work in the private sector and I think I once received a plaque Or a paper weight, or maybe flowers and a luncheon and I grumbled too… I’d have gladly taken a $50 Amex gift card Instead. Yes my firm spends ridiculous money on travel and all firm 5 star hotel luncheons & retreats complete with $50–100K guest speakers.

I’m sure teaching is frustrating but you don’t actually generate revenue, so your compensation (for 10 approx
Months of work, minus generous holidays, planning and training days), job security, benefits, retirement), is generous.

Fresh out of college the public service sector on my radar. But in hindsight there’s a good chance it would have been a much less stressful and in the long term a more profitable pathway to have taken. After 25yrs. I am bored, exhausted as I’ve spent the past 30 years working 50-7O hrs a week. I’d love to retire but since I have no guaranteed pension or healthcare I’ll be plugging away, competing with recent grads who work 60-70 hrs a week for less pay, for at least another 5 years. Either way my days are numbered.

For current grads there are much sexier ways to make money. One prolonged economic downturn and you might see your ranks swell, or at least more new recruits and less grumbling amongst the seasoned.

Job insecurity makes you grateful for the devil you know.

Oh and maybe some energy should be expended on lobbying the state to do something about a pubic education system that expects young children to sit still for 6-7 hours a day. Teachers and students would both benefit from less butts in seats time. How about Shorter days, coupled with an expanded aftercare program or longer days with more opportunities for real movement breaks. Start with real daily PE (not health videos) and music where kids are encouraged sing loudly and move and play instruments, recess which encourages running and jumping, all as outlets to bottled up energy, emotions and natural aggression. You might actually have more focused learners (efficient learners), and less behavioral problems and less stressed teachers in the classroom.

When were you last in a school and which school was it? Students aren't expected to sit still for 6 to 7 hours a day. My third graders are free to move throughout most of the day. They read and write at tables or on the floor with pillows or yoga mats. They work with partners, discuss with partners, and generally are not "glued" to their seats. They sing and play instruments in music and I doubt if they have watched a video in PE (health is taught by the classroom teacher). They run and jump at recess. Why wouldn't they be able to run and jump at recess?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS doesn’t respect teachers. If they wanted to work on retaining teachers, teachers would get more than a T-shirt or Lanyard for years of service. Imagine after 5 years of service you got a $1,000 bonus? After 10 years a $3,000 bonus? Every teacher can list things the county wastes money on. It is time for parents to help raise teaching salaries!

Service awards are supposed to be touchy feely. You are a public servant what do you want a gold watch for showing up for 5-10 years. You get a paycheck, pension and cheap benefits. Hint I work in the private sector and I think I once received a plaque Or a paper weight, or maybe flowers and a luncheon and I grumbled too… I’d have gladly taken a $50 Amex gift card Instead. Yes my firm spends ridiculous money on travel and all firm 5 star hotel luncheons & retreats complete with $50–100K guest speakers.

I’m sure teaching is frustrating but you don’t actually generate revenue, so your compensation (for 10 approx
Months of work, minus generous holidays, planning and training days), job security, benefits, retirement), is generous.

Fresh out of college the public service sector on my radar. But in hindsight there’s a good chance it would have been a much less stressful and in the long term a more profitable pathway to have taken. After 25yrs. I am bored, exhausted as I’ve spent the past 30 years working 50-7O hrs a week. I’d love to retire but since I have no guaranteed pension or healthcare I’ll be plugging away, competing with recent grads who work 60-70 hrs a week for less pay, for at least another 5 years. Either way my days are numbered.

For current grads there are much sexier ways to make money. One prolonged economic downturn and you might see your ranks swell, or at least more new recruits and less grumbling amongst the seasoned.

Job insecurity makes you grateful for the devil you know.

Oh and maybe some energy should be expended on lobbying the state to do something about a pubic education system that expects young children to sit still for 6-7 hours a day. Teachers and students would both benefit from less butts in seats time. How about Shorter days, coupled with an expanded aftercare program or longer days with more opportunities for real movement breaks. Start with real daily PE (not health videos) and music where kids are encouraged sing loudly and move and play instruments, recess which encourages running and jumping, all as outlets to bottled up energy, emotions and natural aggression. You might actually have more focused learners (efficient learners), and less behavioral problems and less stressed teachers in the classroom.

I wonder what non-teachers think we make for a pension. Do you think $2000/month in 2040 is liveable? We all contribute to a retirement fund just like you do.

Where did you get this number?
ES Teacher

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS doesn’t respect teachers. If they wanted to work on retaining teachers, teachers would get more than a T-shirt or Lanyard for years of service. Imagine after 5 years of service you got a $1,000 bonus? After 10 years a $3,000 bonus? Every teacher can list things the county wastes money on. It is time for parents to help raise teaching salaries!

Service awards are supposed to be touchy feely. You are a public servant what do you want a gold watch for showing up for 5-10 years. You get a paycheck, pension and cheap benefits. Hint I work in the private sector and I think I once received a plaque Or a paper weight, or maybe flowers and a luncheon and I grumbled too… I’d have gladly taken a $50 Amex gift card Instead. Yes my firm spends ridiculous money on travel and all firm 5 star hotel luncheons & retreats complete with $50–100K guest speakers.

I’m sure teaching is frustrating but you don’t actually generate revenue, so your compensation (for 10 approx
Months of work, minus generous holidays, planning and training days), job security, benefits, retirement), is generous.

Fresh out of college the public service sector on my radar. But in hindsight there’s a good chance it would have been a much less stressful and in the long term a more profitable pathway to have taken. After 25yrs. I am bored, exhausted as I’ve spent the past 30 years working 50-7O hrs a week. I’d love to retire but since I have no guaranteed pension or healthcare I’ll be plugging away, competing with recent grads who work 60-70 hrs a week for less pay, for at least another 5 years. Either way my days are numbered.

For current grads there are much sexier ways to make money. One prolonged economic downturn and you might see your ranks swell, or at least more new recruits and less grumbling amongst the seasoned.

Job insecurity makes you grateful for the devil you know.

Oh and maybe some energy should be expended on lobbying the state to do something about a pubic education system that expects young children to sit still for 6-7 hours a day. Teachers and students would both benefit from less butts in seats time. How about Shorter days, coupled with an expanded aftercare program or longer days with more opportunities for real movement breaks. Start with real daily PE (not health videos) and music where kids are encouraged sing loudly and move and play instruments, recess which encourages running and jumping, all as outlets to bottled up energy, emotions and natural aggression. You might actually have more focused learners (efficient learners), and less behavioral problems and less stressed teachers in the classroom.

I wonder what non-teachers think we make for a pension. Do you think $2000/month in 2040 is liveable? We all contribute to a retirement fund just like you do.

Where did you get this number?
ES Teacher

Just back of the napkin math based on current amounts. Are you thinking it’ll be a lot more or less?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS doesn’t respect teachers. If they wanted to work on retaining teachers, teachers would get more than a T-shirt or Lanyard for years of service. Imagine after 5 years of service you got a $1,000 bonus? After 10 years a $3,000 bonus? Every teacher can list things the county wastes money on. It is time for parents to help raise teaching salaries!

Service awards are supposed to be touchy feely. You are a public servant what do you want a gold watch for showing up for 5-10 years. You get a paycheck, pension and cheap benefits. Hint I work in the private sector and I think I once received a plaque Or a paper weight, or maybe flowers and a luncheon and I grumbled too… I’d have gladly taken a $50 Amex gift card Instead. Yes my firm spends ridiculous money on travel and all firm 5 star hotel luncheons & retreats complete with $50–100K guest speakers.

I’m sure teaching is frustrating but you don’t actually generate revenue, so your compensation (for 10 approx
Months of work, minus generous holidays, planning and training days), job security, benefits, retirement), is generous.

Fresh out of college the public service sector on my radar. But in hindsight there’s a good chance it would have been a much less stressful and in the long term a more profitable pathway to have taken. After 25yrs. I am bored, exhausted as I’ve spent the past 30 years working 50-7O hrs a week. I’d love to retire but since I have no guaranteed pension or healthcare I’ll be plugging away, competing with recent grads who work 60-70 hrs a week for less pay, for at least another 5 years. Either way my days are numbered.

For current grads there are much sexier ways to make money. One prolonged economic downturn and you might see your ranks swell, or at least more new recruits and less grumbling amongst the seasoned.

Job insecurity makes you grateful for the devil you know.

Oh and maybe some energy should be expended on lobbying the state to do something about a pubic education system that expects young children to sit still for 6-7 hours a day. Teachers and students would both benefit from less butts in seats time. How about Shorter days, coupled with an expanded aftercare program or longer days with more opportunities for real movement breaks. Start with real daily PE (not health videos) and music where kids are encouraged sing loudly and move and play instruments, recess which encourages running and jumping, all as outlets to bottled up energy, emotions and natural aggression. You might actually have more focused learners (efficient learners), and less behavioral problems and less stressed teachers in the classroom.

I wonder what non-teachers think we make for a pension. Do you think $2000/month in 2040 is liveable? We all contribute to a retirement fund just like you do.

Where did you get this number?
ES Teacher

Just back of the napkin math based on current amounts. Are you thinking it’ll be a lot more or less?

I'm thinking more. I am approaching retirement and have run estimates on the VRS and ERFC websites. I'll have to log in and see again what they are. Of course it varies based on whether you choose the basic benefit vs level lifetime, whether or not you choose a survivor benefit amount, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS doesn’t respect teachers. If they wanted to work on retaining teachers, teachers would get more than a T-shirt or Lanyard for years of service. Imagine after 5 years of service you got a $1,000 bonus? After 10 years a $3,000 bonus? Every teacher can list things the county wastes money on. It is time for parents to help raise teaching salaries!

Service awards are supposed to be touchy feely. You are a public servant what do you want a gold watch for showing up for 5-10 years. You get a paycheck, pension and cheap benefits. Hint I work in the private sector and I think I once received a plaque Or a paper weight, or maybe flowers and a luncheon and I grumbled too… I’d have gladly taken a $50 Amex gift card Instead. Yes my firm spends ridiculous money on travel and all firm 5 star hotel luncheons & retreats complete with $50–100K guest speakers.

I’m sure teaching is frustrating but you don’t actually generate revenue, so your compensation (for 10 approx
Months of work, minus generous holidays, planning and training days), job security, benefits, retirement), is generous.

Fresh out of college the public service sector on my radar. But in hindsight there’s a good chance it would have been a much less stressful and in the long term a more profitable pathway to have taken. After 25yrs. I am bored, exhausted as I’ve spent the past 30 years working 50-7O hrs a week. I’d love to retire but since I have no guaranteed pension or healthcare I’ll be plugging away, competing with recent grads who work 60-70 hrs a week for less pay, for at least another 5 years. Either way my days are numbered.

For current grads there are much sexier ways to make money. One prolonged economic downturn and you might see your ranks swell, or at least more new recruits and less grumbling amongst the seasoned.

Job insecurity makes you grateful for the devil you know.

Oh and maybe some energy should be expended on lobbying the state to do something about a pubic education system that expects young children to sit still for 6-7 hours a day. Teachers and students would both benefit from less butts in seats time. How about Shorter days, coupled with an expanded aftercare program or longer days with more opportunities for real movement breaks. Start with real daily PE (not health videos) and music where kids are encouraged sing loudly and move and play instruments, recess which encourages running and jumping, all as outlets to bottled up energy, emotions and natural aggression. You might actually have more focused learners (efficient learners), and less behavioral problems and less stressed teachers in the classroom.

I wonder what non-teachers think we make for a pension. Do you think $2000/month in 2040 is liveable? We all contribute to a retirement fund just like you do.

Where did you get this number?
ES Teacher

Just back of the napkin math based on current amounts. Are you thinking it’ll be a lot more or less?

I'm thinking more. I am approaching retirement and have run estimates on the VRS and ERFC websites. I'll have to log in and see again what they are. Of course it varies based on whether you choose the basic benefit vs level lifetime, whether or not you choose a survivor benefit amount, etc.

PP here.
If I retire after 30 years (next year) I'll be short the age required for full ERFC benefits. They would be reduced. The basic benefit would be a little over $2,800/month until full SS age, at which time it would drop. The level lifetime benefit would be about $1,950/mo. If I retire in 2026 it would not be a reduced benefit and would be $3,800/mo or $2,404 lifetime.

I'm having trouble logging into VRS, but from I recall, after my 30th year the estimated benefit is about $4,700. So between the two it's probably in the $6,650 to $8k range depending on when and which option is chosen. Choosing a % as a survivor benefit would drop it a bit too.

I believe full VRS provides about 50% of my highest 3 years' avg and ERFC about 25%.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS doesn’t respect teachers. If they wanted to work on retaining teachers, teachers would get more than a T-shirt or Lanyard for years of service. Imagine after 5 years of service you got a $1,000 bonus? After 10 years a $3,000 bonus? Every teacher can list things the county wastes money on. It is time for parents to help raise teaching salaries!

Service awards are supposed to be touchy feely. You are a public servant what do you want a gold watch for showing up for 5-10 years. You get a paycheck, pension and cheap benefits. Hint I work in the private sector and I think I once received a plaque Or a paper weight, or maybe flowers and a luncheon and I grumbled too… I’d have gladly taken a $50 Amex gift card Instead. Yes my firm spends ridiculous money on travel and all firm 5 star hotel luncheons & retreats complete with $50–100K guest speakers.

I’m sure teaching is frustrating but you don’t actually generate revenue, so your compensation (for 10 approx
Months of work, minus generous holidays, planning and training days), job security, benefits, retirement), is generous.

Fresh out of college the public service sector on my radar. But in hindsight there’s a good chance it would have been a much less stressful and in the long term a more profitable pathway to have taken. After 25yrs. I am bored, exhausted as I’ve spent the past 30 years working 50-7O hrs a week. I’d love to retire but since I have no guaranteed pension or healthcare I’ll be plugging away, competing with recent grads who work 60-70 hrs a week for less pay, for at least another 5 years. Either way my days are numbered.

For current grads there are much sexier ways to make money. One prolonged economic downturn and you might see your ranks swell, or at least more new recruits and less grumbling amongst the seasoned.

Job insecurity makes you grateful for the devil you know.

Oh and maybe some energy should be expended on lobbying the state to do something about a pubic education system that expects young children to sit still for 6-7 hours a day. Teachers and students would both benefit from less butts in seats time. How about Shorter days, coupled with an expanded aftercare program or longer days with more opportunities for real movement breaks. Start with real daily PE (not health videos) and music where kids are encouraged sing loudly and move and play instruments, recess which encourages running and jumping, all as outlets to bottled up energy, emotions and natural aggression. You might actually have more focused learners (efficient learners), and less behavioral problems and less stressed teachers in the classroom.

I wonder what non-teachers think we make for a pension. Do you think $2000/month in 2040 is liveable? We all contribute to a retirement fund just like you do.

Where did you get this number?
ES Teacher

Just back of the napkin math based on current amounts. Are you thinking it’ll be a lot more or less?

I'm thinking more. I am approaching retirement and have run estimates on the VRS and ERFC websites. I'll have to log in and see again what they are. Of course it varies based on whether you choose the basic benefit vs level lifetime, whether or not you choose a survivor benefit amount, etc.

PP here.
If I retire after 30 years (next year) I'll be short the age required for full ERFC benefits. They would be reduced. The basic benefit would be a little over $2,800/month until full SS age, at which time it would drop. The level lifetime benefit would be about $1,950/mo. If I retire in 2026 it would not be a reduced benefit and would be $3,800/mo or $2,404 lifetime.

I'm having trouble logging into VRS, but from I recall, after my 30th year the estimated benefit is about $4,700. So between the two it's probably in the $6,650 to $8k range depending on when and which option is chosen. Choosing a % as a survivor benefit would drop it a bit too.

I believe full VRS provides about 50% of my highest 3 years' avg and ERFC about 25%.

But your under the Legacy plan, right?
And good job making it that long. Less than 10% make it to 30 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS doesn’t respect teachers. If they wanted to work on retaining teachers, teachers would get more than a T-shirt or Lanyard for years of service. Imagine after 5 years of service you got a $1,000 bonus? After 10 years a $3,000 bonus? Every teacher can list things the county wastes money on. It is time for parents to help raise teaching salaries!

Service awards are supposed to be touchy feely. You are a public servant what do you want a gold watch for showing up for 5-10 years. You get a paycheck, pension and cheap benefits. Hint I work in the private sector and I think I once received a plaque Or a paper weight, or maybe flowers and a luncheon and I grumbled too… I’d have gladly taken a $50 Amex gift card Instead. Yes my firm spends ridiculous money on travel and all firm 5 star hotel luncheons & retreats complete with $50–100K guest speakers.

I’m sure teaching is frustrating but you don’t actually generate revenue, so your compensation (for 10 approx
Months of work, minus generous holidays, planning and training days), job security, benefits, retirement), is generous.

Fresh out of college the public service sector on my radar. But in hindsight there’s a good chance it would have been a much less stressful and in the long term a more profitable pathway to have taken. After 25yrs. I am bored, exhausted as I’ve spent the past 30 years working 50-7O hrs a week. I’d love to retire but since I have no guaranteed pension or healthcare I’ll be plugging away, competing with recent grads who work 60-70 hrs a week for less pay, for at least another 5 years. Either way my days are numbered.

For current grads there are much sexier ways to make money. One prolonged economic downturn and you might see your ranks swell, or at least more new recruits and less grumbling amongst the seasoned.

Job insecurity makes you grateful for the devil you know.

Oh and maybe some energy should be expended on lobbying the state to do something about a pubic education system that expects young children to sit still for 6-7 hours a day. Teachers and students would both benefit from less butts in seats time. How about Shorter days, coupled with an expanded aftercare program or longer days with more opportunities for real movement breaks. Start with real daily PE (not health videos) and music where kids are encouraged sing loudly and move and play instruments, recess which encourages running and jumping, all as outlets to bottled up energy, emotions and natural aggression. You might actually have more focused learners (efficient learners), and less behavioral problems and less stressed teachers in the classroom.

I wonder what non-teachers think we make for a pension. Do you think $2000/month in 2040 is liveable? We all contribute to a retirement fund just like you do.

Where did you get this number?
ES Teacher

Just back of the napkin math based on current amounts. Are you thinking it’ll be a lot more or less?

I'm thinking more. I am approaching retirement and have run estimates on the VRS and ERFC websites. I'll have to log in and see again what they are. Of course it varies based on whether you choose the basic benefit vs level lifetime, whether or not you choose a survivor benefit amount, etc.

PP here.
If I retire after 30 years (next year) I'll be short the age required for full ERFC benefits. They would be reduced. The basic benefit would be a little over $2,800/month until full SS age, at which time it would drop. The level lifetime benefit would be about $1,950/mo. If I retire in 2026 it would not be a reduced benefit and would be $3,800/mo or $2,404 lifetime.

I'm having trouble logging into VRS, but from I recall, after my 30th year the estimated benefit is about $4,700. So between the two it's probably in the $6,650 to $8k range depending on when and which option is chosen. Choosing a % as a survivor benefit would drop it a bit too.

I believe full VRS provides about 50% of my highest 3 years' avg and ERFC about 25%.

But your under the Legacy plan, right?
And good job making it that long. Less than 10% make it to 30 years.

+1, many of us won’t see numbers like this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS doesn’t respect teachers. If they wanted to work on retaining teachers, teachers would get more than a T-shirt or Lanyard for years of service. Imagine after 5 years of service you got a $1,000 bonus? After 10 years a $3,000 bonus? Every teacher can list things the county wastes money on. It is time for parents to help raise teaching salaries!

Service awards are supposed to be touchy feely. You are a public servant what do you want a gold watch for showing up for 5-10 years. You get a paycheck, pension and cheap benefits. Hint I work in the private sector and I think I once received a plaque Or a paper weight, or maybe flowers and a luncheon and I grumbled too… I’d have gladly taken a $50 Amex gift card Instead. Yes my firm spends ridiculous money on travel and all firm 5 star hotel luncheons & retreats complete with $50–100K guest speakers.

I’m sure teaching is frustrating but you don’t actually generate revenue, so your compensation (for 10 approx
Months of work, minus generous holidays, planning and training days), job security, benefits, retirement), is generous.

Fresh out of college the public service sector on my radar. But in hindsight there’s a good chance it would have been a much less stressful and in the long term a more profitable pathway to have taken. After 25yrs. I am bored, exhausted as I’ve spent the past 30 years working 50-7O hrs a week. I’d love to retire but since I have no guaranteed pension or healthcare I’ll be plugging away, competing with recent grads who work 60-70 hrs a week for less pay, for at least another 5 years. Either way my days are numbered.

For current grads there are much sexier ways to make money. One prolonged economic downturn and you might see your ranks swell, or at least more new recruits and less grumbling amongst the seasoned.

Job insecurity makes you grateful for the devil you know.

Oh and maybe some energy should be expended on lobbying the state to do something about a pubic education system that expects young children to sit still for 6-7 hours a day. Teachers and students would both benefit from less butts in seats time. How about Shorter days, coupled with an expanded aftercare program or longer days with more opportunities for real movement breaks. Start with real daily PE (not health videos) and music where kids are encouraged sing loudly and move and play instruments, recess which encourages running and jumping, all as outlets to bottled up energy, emotions and natural aggression. You might actually have more focused learners (efficient learners), and less behavioral problems and less stressed teachers in the classroom.

I wonder what non-teachers think we make for a pension. Do you think $2000/month in 2040 is liveable? We all contribute to a retirement fund just like you do.

Where did you get this number?
ES Teacher

Just back of the napkin math based on current amounts. Are you thinking it’ll be a lot more or less?

I'm thinking more. I am approaching retirement and have run estimates on the VRS and ERFC websites. I'll have to log in and see again what they are. Of course it varies based on whether you choose the basic benefit vs level lifetime, whether or not you choose a survivor benefit amount, etc.

PP here.
If I retire after 30 years (next year) I'll be short the age required for full ERFC benefits. They would be reduced. The basic benefit would be a little over $2,800/month until full SS age, at which time it would drop. The level lifetime benefit would be about $1,950/mo. If I retire in 2026 it would not be a reduced benefit and would be $3,800/mo or $2,404 lifetime.

I'm having trouble logging into VRS, but from I recall, after my 30th year the estimated benefit is about $4,700. So between the two it's probably in the $6,650 to $8k range depending on when and which option is chosen. Choosing a % as a survivor benefit would drop it a bit too.

I believe full VRS provides about 50% of my highest 3 years' avg and ERFC about 25%.

But your under the Legacy plan, right?
And good job making it that long. Less than 10% make it to 30 years.

Yes, the Legacy Plan. Sorry, now I "get" the year 2040.

Newer teachers have to work longer than 33 years too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The union & school system where my SIL teaches has a new rule for next school year to try to retain more teachers: teachers physically assaulted by a student no longer need to bare the decision of pressing charges. If a kid hits a teacher, the police are called and it is dealt with that way.

I think if we had that rule here, it'd help more teachers. My neighbor has been hit twice this year alone by two different kids. The admins at her school pressed her not to make it into "a thing" or make "waves" about it. Utterly ridiculous.

How does one press charges against a kid below the age of criminal responsibility?

Have…you never heard of the juvenile justice system?

Juvenile Courts in Fairfax County are more lenient, and less effective, than even the schools are nowadays in addressing behavioral problems. And the probation officers, while I appreciate anyone willing to work for such rterrible pay, do not seem to feel as if accountability is part of being on probation. I rarely see a child being held accountable for repeatedly violating probation. The goal is always to get the student off probation as soon as possible, regardless of the need for the supervision or ongoing violations or criminial behavior. These children learn little, and what they learn is that it is fine to violate standards and any authority. JDRDC in Fairfax has been failing children terribly by attempting to be lenient and restorative.

OK. I was responding to “how does one press charges against a kid below the age of criminal responsibility?” That’s how.

[Anonymous]

So teachers don't get social security? Just curious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So teachers don't get social security? Just curious.

In VA we do. In some states they don’t.