Alleged teacher shortage

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Just go to the Employment section of the FCPS website. You will see the pages and pages of jobs. They are in all areas and at all grade levels.

I paid attention for the first time this school year and noticed that there were pages of jobs available all year long. Usually positions are filled by Sept 1 or August at the latest. That wasn’t the case this year.

I spoke with someone in leadership about it once during casual conversation and they confirmed that yes the shortage is real.


There are 113 openings advertised. https://careers.fcps.edu/vl/vacancy.htm ...and that includes all full and part time teacher scale positions.

That's a vacency rate of .0061

That's really, really low.

Nope, there is no shortage.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

Who wants to get a master degree (plus huge debt) to only make 60k, work 10hrs per day (8+1hr before and after), then do yearly training and required courses and renew teaching license every 5 years. On top of ridiculous pressure from the State, Principals, parents and students all at once!


VDOE just amended the requirements to become a teacher in VA - a master's degree is no longer needed. I know this because my daughter wants to be an elementary/special ed teacher and will be attending MaryWash in the fall. Most schools have now amended their education programs to do away with the 4+1 programs where you'd get a Master's/Teaching License in 5th year. Virginia colleges are now able to offer a 4 year BS/BA in Education where you will get your teacher's license in 4 yrs. VDOE did this to address the state-wide teacher shortage.


ok then let me rephrase it:

Who wants to get a Bachelor Degree (plus huge debt) to only make 45k, work 10hrs per day (8+1hr before and after), then do yearly training and required courses and renew teaching license every 5 years. On top of ridiculous pressure from the State, Principals, parents and students all at once!


Actually in FCPS:

Bachelor $50K

Master $55K

PhD $58K


https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/FY21-teacher-194-day.pdf

What a joke!



And that's for the 194 day option with zero actual experience. It goes up from there.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

Who wants to get a master degree (plus huge debt) to only make 60k, work 10hrs per day (8+1hr before and after), then do yearly training and required courses and renew teaching license every 5 years. On top of ridiculous pressure from the State, Principals, parents and students all at once!


VDOE just amended the requirements to become a teacher in VA - a master's degree is no longer needed. I know this because my daughter wants to be an elementary/special ed teacher and will be attending MaryWash in the fall. Most schools have now amended their education programs to do away with the 4+1 programs where you'd get a Master's/Teaching License in 5th year. Virginia colleges are now able to offer a 4 year BS/BA in Education where you will get your teacher's license in 4 yrs. VDOE did this to address the state-wide teacher shortage.


ok then let me rephrase it:

Who wants to get a Bachelor Degree (plus huge debt) to only make 45k, work 10hrs per day (8+1hr before and after), then do yearly training and required courses and renew teaching license every 5 years. On top of ridiculous pressure from the State, Principals, parents and students all at once!


Actually in FCPS:

Bachelor $50K

Master $55K

PhD $58K


https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/FY21-teacher-194-day.pdf

What a joke!



What do you think the job market looks like for Bachelor degree graduates? (technical or non-technical)


The joke is between the difference of pay between the 3 degrees. Nada! Also, a BA graduate would make 70K by the time they are 40yr. old. Add a family and a home.

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

Who wants to get a master degree (plus huge debt) to only make 60k, work 10hrs per day (8+1hr before and after), then do yearly training and required courses and renew teaching license every 5 years. On top of ridiculous pressure from the State, Principals, parents and students all at once!


VDOE just amended the requirements to become a teacher in VA - a master's degree is no longer needed. I know this because my daughter wants to be an elementary/special ed teacher and will be attending MaryWash in the fall. Most schools have now amended their education programs to do away with the 4+1 programs where you'd get a Master's/Teaching License in 5th year. Virginia colleges are now able to offer a 4 year BS/BA in Education where you will get your teacher's license in 4 yrs. VDOE did this to address the state-wide teacher shortage.


ok then let me rephrase it:

Who wants to get a Bachelor Degree (plus huge debt) to only make 45k, work 10hrs per day (8+1hr before and after), then do yearly training and required courses and renew teaching license every 5 years. On top of ridiculous pressure from the State, Principals, parents and students all at once!


Actually in FCPS:

Bachelor $50K

Master $55K

PhD $58K


https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/FY21-teacher-194-day.pdf

What a joke!



What do you think the job market looks like for Bachelor degree graduates? (technical or non-technical)


The joke is between the difference of pay between the 3 degrees. Nada! Also, a BA graduate would make 70K by the time they are 40yr. old. Add a family and a home.



Exactly. My spouse and I both have masters degrees and started working at the same time. He makes twice my salary. FCPS has frozen salaries several time since I started my career. The current retirement plan is horrendous. I will say I’ve heard the health benefits are decent, but I can’t speak to that.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why would a "good long term sub" want the job though instead if being hired as an actual staff member? Isn't that insulting to them and wouldn't it mean less pay for same work?


Many "good" long-term subs can't get certified for some reason. At least that is what happens with the good ones I have worked with. They may lack the necessary coursework, they may not have graduated college, or they may not be able to pass either or both of the Praxis tests. The only other reason would be that they are biding time until a job opens in the area of their endorsement. I don't see that as much.

Yes, absolutely working as a long-term sub means less pay than if the person worked as a teacher. I don't know the pay scale but it might mean they make half of what they might if they were a certified teacher employed full-time. Plus no benefits and I also think they are not allowed to join the teacher association, which every teacher should belong to no matter what.


Anyone who can't pass the Praxis tests should not be teaching.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why would a "good long term sub" want the job though instead if being hired as an actual staff member? Isn't that insulting to them and wouldn't it mean less pay for same work?


Many "good" long-term subs can't get certified for some reason. At least that is what happens with the good ones I have worked with. They may lack the necessary coursework, they may not have graduated college, or they may not be able to pass either or both of the Praxis tests. The only other reason would be that they are biding time until a job opens in the area of their endorsement. I don't see that as much.

Yes, absolutely working as a long-term sub means less pay than if the person worked as a teacher. I don't know the pay scale but it might mean they make half of what they might if they were a certified teacher employed full-time. Plus no benefits and I also think they are not allowed to join the teacher association, which every teacher should belong to no matter what.


Anyone who can't pass the Praxis tests should not be teaching.



Long-term subs also have BAs but not necessarily in Education, can't be a "teacher" without the degree, at least in VA public schools.
Anonymous
all this bashing on teachers.... feck all of you.

i love my job, my perks, and i am happy.

sure love my summers, and easters, and snow days, and xmas, and whatever other day off i get.

you mad? then feck you.
you jealous? doubt it. especially if you are a rich fecker.
you wanna become a teacher? obviously no.
do i wanna quit? never. all a's if it means keeping my job. (remember, i have standards and morals..... but i also have mouths to feed)

#teachersMentalHealthMatters

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:all this bashing on teachers.... feck all of you.

i love my job, my perks, and i am happy.

sure love my summers, and easters, and snow days, and xmas, and whatever other day off i get.

you mad? then feck you.
you jealous? doubt it. especially if you are a rich fecker.
you wanna become a teacher? obviously no.
do i wanna quit? never. all a's if it means keeping my job. (remember, i have standards and morals..... but i also have mouths to feed)

#teachersMentalHealthMatters



Oh we are so surprised.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

Who wants to get a master degree (plus huge debt) to only make 60k, work 10hrs per day (8+1hr before and after), then do yearly training and required courses and renew teaching license every 5 years. On top of ridiculous pressure from the State, Principals, parents and students all at once!


VDOE just amended the requirements to become a teacher in VA - a master's degree is no longer needed. I know this because my daughter wants to be an elementary/special ed teacher and will be attending MaryWash in the fall. Most schools have now amended their education programs to do away with the 4+1 programs where you'd get a Master's/Teaching License in 5th year. Virginia colleges are now able to offer a 4 year BS/BA in Education where you will get your teacher's license in 4 yrs. VDOE did this to address the state-wide teacher shortage.


ok then let me rephrase it:

Who wants to get a Bachelor Degree (plus huge debt) to only make 45k, work 10hrs per day (8+1hr before and after), then do yearly training and required courses and renew teaching license every 5 years. On top of ridiculous pressure from the State, Principals, parents and students all at once!


Actually in FCPS:

Bachelor $50K

Master $55K

PhD $58K


https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/FY21-teacher-194-day.pdf

What a joke!



What do you think the job market looks like for Bachelor degree graduates? (technical or non-technical)


The joke is between the difference of pay between the 3 degrees. Nada! Also, a BA graduate would make 70K by the time they are 40yr. old. Add a family and a home.



Exactly. My spouse and I both have masters degrees and started working at the same time. He makes twice my salary. FCPS has frozen salaries several time since I started my career. The current retirement plan is horrendous. I will say I’ve heard the health benefits are decent, but I can’t speak to that.


I don't know about the quality, but you can see the costs online. If you were retired today you would pay the following premiums monthly for an individual/you and spouse/family:

Aetna $741/$1,542/2,052

Care First/Blue Choice $508/$1,115/$1,420

Kaiser Permanente $568/$1,237/$1,572

Dental is additional, but is also shown at the following page:


https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/Retiree%20Premiums_2020.pdf

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

Who wants to get a master degree (plus huge debt) to only make 60k, work 10hrs per day (8+1hr before and after), then do yearly training and required courses and renew teaching license every 5 years. On top of ridiculous pressure from the State, Principals, parents and students all at once!


VDOE just amended the requirements to become a teacher in VA - a master's degree is no longer needed. I know this because my daughter wants to be an elementary/special ed teacher and will be attending MaryWash in the fall. Most schools have now amended their education programs to do away with the 4+1 programs where you'd get a Master's/Teaching License in 5th year. Virginia colleges are now able to offer a 4 year BS/BA in Education where you will get your teacher's license in 4 yrs. VDOE did this to address the state-wide teacher shortage.


ok then let me rephrase it:

Who wants to get a Bachelor Degree (plus huge debt) to only make 45k, work 10hrs per day (8+1hr before and after), then do yearly training and required courses and renew teaching license every 5 years. On top of ridiculous pressure from the State, Principals, parents and students all at once!


Actually in FCPS:

Bachelor $50K

Master $55K

PhD $58K


https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/FY21-teacher-194-day.pdf

What a joke!



What do you think the job market looks like for Bachelor degree graduates? (technical or non-technical)


The joke is between the difference of pay between the 3 degrees. Nada! Also, a BA graduate would make 70K by the time they are 40yr. old. Add a family and a home.



Exactly. My spouse and I both have masters degrees and started working at the same time. He makes twice my salary. FCPS has frozen salaries several time since I started my career. The current retirement plan is horrendous. I will say I’ve heard the health benefits are decent, but I can’t speak to that.


I don't know about the quality, but you can see the costs online. If you were retired today you would pay the following premiums monthly for an individual/you and spouse/family:

Aetna $741/$1,542/2,052

Care First/Blue Choice $508/$1,115/$1,420

Kaiser Permanente $568/$1,237/$1,572

Dental is additional, but is also shown at the following page:


https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/Retiree%20Premiums_2020.pdf




LMFAO and they still think USA is the top in the world...
Anonymous
How many years do you have to work in the schools to have access to the healthcare when you retire? Is it the same as when you can access retirement or different?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

Who wants to get a master degree (plus huge debt) to only make 60k, work 10hrs per day (8+1hr before and after), then do yearly training and required courses and renew teaching license every 5 years. On top of ridiculous pressure from the State, Principals, parents and students all at once!


VDOE just amended the requirements to become a teacher in VA - a master's degree is no longer needed. I know this because my daughter wants to be an elementary/special ed teacher and will be attending MaryWash in the fall. Most schools have now amended their education programs to do away with the 4+1 programs where you'd get a Master's/Teaching License in 5th year. Virginia colleges are now able to offer a 4 year BS/BA in Education where you will get your teacher's license in 4 yrs. VDOE did this to address the state-wide teacher shortage.


ok then let me rephrase it:

Who wants to get a Bachelor Degree (plus huge debt) to only make 45k, work 10hrs per day (8+1hr before and after), then do yearly training and required courses and renew teaching license every 5 years. On top of ridiculous pressure from the State, Principals, parents and students all at once!


Actually in FCPS:

Bachelor $50K

Master $55K

PhD $58K


https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/FY21-teacher-194-day.pdf

What a joke!



That's the starting pay, obviously. It goes up to over 100k over time. Plus they have about 10 weeks off each year . A lot of teachers that I know love to travel and use their time off for that. Plus it's pretty family friendly for those that have kids.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

Who wants to get a master degree (plus huge debt) to only make 60k, work 10hrs per day (8+1hr before and after), then do yearly training and required courses and renew teaching license every 5 years. On top of ridiculous pressure from the State, Principals, parents and students all at once!


VDOE just amended the requirements to become a teacher in VA - a master's degree is no longer needed. I know this because my daughter wants to be an elementary/special ed teacher and will be attending MaryWash in the fall. Most schools have now amended their education programs to do away with the 4+1 programs where you'd get a Master's/Teaching License in 5th year. Virginia colleges are now able to offer a 4 year BS/BA in Education where you will get your teacher's license in 4 yrs. VDOE did this to address the state-wide teacher shortage.


ok then let me rephrase it:

Who wants to get a Bachelor Degree (plus huge debt) to only make 45k, work 10hrs per day (8+1hr before and after), then do yearly training and required courses and renew teaching license every 5 years. On top of ridiculous pressure from the State, Principals, parents and students all at once!


Actually in FCPS:

Bachelor $50K

Master $55K

PhD $58K


https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/FY21-teacher-194-day.pdf

What a joke!



That's the starting pay, obviously. It goes up to over 100k over time. Plus they have about 10 weeks off each year . A lot of teachers that I know love to travel and use their time off for that. Plus it's pretty family friendly for those that have kids.


There’s currently a two year pay freeze and no COLA. I have been teaching for 14 year and I don’t make 100k. This also isn’t the first time we’ve had a freeze. Now, I’m very fortunate to have a spouse who makes good money, has good benefits, and whose pension will keep us comfortable. But when I was younger I very much couldn’t afford to spend 10 weeks traveling and often worked those weeks we weren’t getting paid. I love teaching. I will never leave, but it’s not this bastion of wealth and amazing benefits some people on DCUM seems to think it is. It’s got its benefits and pitfalls like everything else.

The greatest benefit is that because we live in the county I teach, my kid and I have holidays at the same time, so we don’t have to look for alternative daycare AND I get off at 2:15, which means I can pick them up from school.

Anonymous
Has this changed: you have to major in Math to teach Math? DD looked into it. Back then, there were many courses required *beyond* Calculus, no matter what level HS Math you teach. She ended up going a different direction, getting a STEM doctorate.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:How many years do you have to work in the schools to have access to the healthcare when you retire? Is it the same as when you can access retirement or different?


Access healthcare? They still have to pay for it. In my district we have to pay close to 100% of the premiums. As I’m getting closer to retirement we are talking to our financial advisor to see it makes more sense to go with a private plan. Our school insurance isn’t great and costs a lot. This isn’t really a retirement benefit.
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