Reply to DCPS teachers work to the clock

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Reply to "DCPS teachers work to the clock"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We would never ask other (majority male) professions to volunteer their time like we do teachers.  Imagine asking a corporate lawyer to give up his weekend "for the client firms."  He wouldn't do it, and he would be right not to.  [/quote]

I don't work in DCPS so I don't have a dog in this fight but I'd like to speak to this. Teachers are always guilted into doing "what's best for the kids". And because teachers are generally compassionate and caring people, they buy into it. Case in point--I was at a meeting today where teachers who teach what I teach were basically told that our jobs will be phased out over the next few years. Here was an actual quote from a real teacher upon hearing  this "well, if it's best for kids then I can't be against the idea.".

Somewhere along the line teachers have forgotten that we're professionals being paid for doing a job. We're not volunteers. This isn't the Peace Corps. Way too many have been drinking the Kool-Aid to the detriment of their own health, family and wallet because they keep being told to "do what's best for the kids".  I fully support teachers working to the rule. We're expected to give more of our personal time and money every year. I have a line item in my personal budget for [i]doing my job[/i]. How many other professionals have to buy their own supplies to be able to do their job? I'm expected to run clubs after school without any compensation. Enough is enough. If I'm getting paid for working a certain number of hours per week then that's the number of hours I'm working. Especially since I'm salary when it behooves the school system, but hourly when it behooves the school system like when I have to take 4 hours of sick leave for a 30 minute doctor appointment. They can't have it both ways.

Enough is enough. [/quote]

I fully agree with this. [/quote]

All these other professions that you speak of that are salaried and require more than 40 work hours a week are also professions where there is nowhere near as low a cap on salary as with teachers. You cite your accomplishments and contributions to your company and can move into a different job with higher salary and build and build and build. At least that's what professionals work towards. Teachers cap out and still continue to use their own time to keep afloat. It's comparing apples to oranges. There's really no job growth with teachers. Once you cap off at the highest "step" that's it. No chance at VP, no stock options, no making partner.[/quote]

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