Reply to Why do we feed teachers for "staff appreciation" when we have so many families below poverty level?

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Reply to "Why do we feed teachers for "staff appreciation" when we have so many families below poverty level?"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Because teachers are a sacred cow. Just watch how many people are going to jump on you for asking this question.

Teachers are paid very fairly (on par with most other well-paid professionals when you compare hour-to-hour), have great work schedules, and good job stability. I am sick of their martyrdom and everyone else's putting them on a pedestal. [/quote]

I'm curious.  I'm a teacher.  I make $80K for 11 months of 60 hours a week, so the equivalent of another profession which pays around $88K for 12 months.

I read on DCUM all the time about how salaries under $100K aren't "middle class".  Which other professions do you consider "well-paid" which require advanced degrees, professional certifications, consistent unpaid overtime, and pay under $100K  for someone with 20+ years of experience, in this area?[/quote]

You are not contracted for 60 hours a week. Get serious. Other professions put in hours "after hours" too. And where do you work that you're 11 months a year at 60 hours a week? BS.

PERFECT example of martyrdom. [/quote]

We return mid-August (two weeks).  We work September- May (4 weeks each, plus "vacation," which isn't paid) and two weeks in June. 
10 months

I just worked the entire day today, and tomorrow I'll be at work by 6 am.  I usually stay until 3 or 4.  When I arrive home, I often bring work with me.  PE teachers have it good, I'll admit.  But if you teach English or social studies, the planning and grading are so overwhelming that few stay in this profession for long stretches.

It's a terribly draining job where oftentimes the ignorant public finds satisfaction in destroying our reputations.

Good luck keeping good people in this field.

It's a sinking ship and has been for quite some time now.  [/quote]

I have been a teacher for 20 years and am here to tell you this:  You are doing it wrong.

Of course our vacations during the school year are paid.

During the summer we are not, because we are not 12-month employees.  You are free to work in the summer, as I do.  I tutor from time to time.

It is not necessary to be at work at 6AM.  You are not working efficiently if you do this.  Nor are you working efficiently if you take home boatloads of work with you.

I love teaching.  I love working for and in my community, love seeing kids grow and learn with my help.  But I also love summers, snow days, school vacations and weekends.  I love our excellent benefits, sick leave, medical and dental coverage, retirement plan.

My DH is a lawyer.  Believe me, we do not work anywhere near as hard as lawyers do.  And if you, I repeat:  You are doing it wrong.[/quote]

Curious, what subject do you teach? I bet English, history, science and math teachers would love input on how to do it "right"  maybe you should start a training for other teachers as well. You could help out a lot of people.[/quote]

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