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[quote=Anonymous][quote]Not one of my non teacher friends works more than 50 hours a week. 
Class sizes were bigger. Differentiation didn't happen. Kids either learned, or were lost. Kids were hit if they misbehaved. Kids with special needs were kept home or ignored. Expectations were a LOT lower. Kids didn't have to read in kindergarten or have to write fully formed 5 paragraph essays with text evidence in 2nd grade with virtually no help. 
I purchase my own paint, glue sticks, an entire 1000 book classroom library ( you cannot run a classroom without one, btw), furniture (did you know you need shelves for books?), games, borders, paper, scissors, all my own office supplies, laminating film, laminator, paper cutter, 3 hole punch and far, far more. I purchase ALL of my own science supplies. I also purchase much of my own curriculum because my district doesn't have any. I teach first grade and cannot run a classroom without those things. I suppose I could just hand everyone a shit ton of worksheets and get a "needs improvement" on my eval and get fired at the end of the year, but, yeah, no. Come to my classroom sometime and you can tell me what isn't actually used. Seriously, please.[/quote]

I taught as many as 35 kids one year--back in the day.  I agree with much you say --but, not all.

Differentiation DID happen.  It took a lot of effort, but good teachers succeeded.  Sure, there was little direct individual instruction on a daily basis.  Sometimes, kids would stay after school for that.  But, that is not the meaning of differentiation.
Sure, some kids were lost.  Guess what?  Some are still lost.  One thing for sure, they were not ignored.
None of my 35 kids were hit--at least, not in school.
No, kids did not have to read in K.  That was one of the GOOD things about "back in the day."

I purchased lots of things--but, certainly not as much as you indicate you have done.  I, too, had a large library--but, much of it was built with Scholastic bonus books.  I also purchased lots on my own which was great when I had my own kids and stayed home for a while.
I guess I was lucky that we had a paper cutter in the teachers' lounge--along with the ditto machine (yes, I started teaching in those days)  I did not purchase borders--I cut them out myself.  But, they are not really necessary to run a first grade.  
Not sure what you mean about purchasing "curriculum."  I assume you mean materials to support your curriculum.

As far as office supplies, I had most of that provided.  I did purchase materials to have on hand.  But, from time to time, my school ran out of paper.  I made small chalkboards for every child with blackboard paint. Just like in the waaay back "good old days."

And, yes, I worked very long hours for very little pay.  However, I knew plenty of people who worked far longer hours.  Weekends, etc.
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