I am also a County Employee (Not with the BOE) and I get paid to show up to work from 8:00 to 5:00 on 248 days (260 weekdays minus 12 holidays) in a year. Your wife works from August 13 to June 22 - approximately 10 months out of the year. That's 230 weekdays, but then when you take out all of the holidays off (ie. Winter Break, Spring Break, Thanksgiving Break, MLK Day, President's Day, Labor Day and Memorial Day-20 days total!) she actually only works 210 days out of the year! She also gets to dilly dally around on 5 days for "professional day" and attends a MSTA Conference for a day. Regardless of how she schedules her pay (10 months pay or annual pay) she gets the time off! According to the 2009-2010 Wicomico County Salary Schedule for Teachers, the lowest paid teachers receive $42,140 per year-I get paid a very similar amount with a bachelor's degree as well and I put in a lot more time over the course of a year.
I get weekends off as does she, but she get nearly 2 months off during the summer and the holidays that I do PLUS the extra days that the BOE gives the students off for those days. She may have to grade papers at night, but then at the same time they provide teachers with Planning Periods each day and the last time I checked, students get out of school at 3 and she should have about 2 extra hours each day to do the "extras" like grading papers. I too take home work, but that's just part of having a salaried career! This "above and beyond" BS doesn't cut it! Any good employee that is dedicated to their career, such as myself and your wife (as you tated), goes above and beyond-its what people who care do!
So let's break it down here...while our careers may not be the same we do get paid similar, we get paid by the same sources and we have a similar level of education. I work 50 more days than she does in a year and I don't get long extended breaks from work throughout the year. A lot of teachers do get a second job during their summer time off and can make $5,000 to $10,000 or more in additional income during that time. Me? I'm the one at work NON-STOP for the year! I'm the one that has to take furlough days while she and her co-workers got a raise this year. I'm the one who has to worry about having departmental budget cuts because the BOE can't curb frivolous spending during economic down times or any time for that matter! So what makes her so much more important? Oh that's right, she's a teacher-We have to do it for the teachers and the students! But when it hits the fan like it has been with snow removal from the roads (BTW I am NOT a roads employee) this week people are quick to blame the Roads Division for lack of effort! Try lack of money because the BOE porks it up each year and never performs the necessary cuts to rid the County's budget of some financial burdens!
I will bash the BOE and I will bash the teachers! Why? Because they are only looking out for #1 whenever it comes to sacrificing! Professional days? Please! How would your wife feel about having all five professional days during summer break? MSTA Convention could be held during the summer as well! If you all were really looking out for the children then you wouldn't be taking breaks from their education to do the things that could be done during the summer! Why not do professional days during the extend students holidays (like the Thursday before easter or the Wednesday before Easter) when students aren't in school but teachers would otherwise not have the day off if they were in any other career.
I don't want to hear and complaining from teachers OR their spouses-they have it easy enough as is! I say extend the school year into August if we have to-make the teachers actually work for their salaries!
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
127 comments:
Why not be a teacher then?
I would love to see this person try to survive two weeks teaching in Wicomico County Public Drools.
Maybe they do have a lot of days off....but they also put up with tons of rude, sassy, and disrespectful children. How would YOU like to deal with that day in and day out? It's awful in middle schools and high schools, they are even rude in Sunday School! Grow UP! Find something else to complain about. And no I am not a schoolteacher. :-) Just giving my opinion, thanks.
anonymous 4:21, SO WHAT!
Have you ever been in any kind of service business?
No matter where you go, people treat people like crap, period.
The kids lear it from SOMEONE! How's that mirror working for most of you?
Here's the bottom line that no one ever mentions.
If you want anyone worth their weight in salt to teach, you have to pay them a full year's salary. If you say to someone who is going to be a teacher that they will get paid 17% less because of the summer break, you won't get anyone to teach.
You might not believe me, but it's the truth. Take two people with 4 years of post-secondary education, minimum GPA 3.5, and tell them they can take a job in the private sector, making 40k, but with no cap on salary before retirement - OR - take a job as a teacher, making 40K - 17% (33K) and max out before retirement at 80k?
What sort of idiot is going to become a teacher? EXACTLY, you will only have idiot teachers.
Think about it.
I completely agree with the original article posted. I am in the exact same position as he/she is, and feel the same way about BOE employees.
Anon 4:21 above : Working with the public and even some other departments gives the same experience. Whining, sassy, bad attitudes, and children.
I couldnt agree more, I too am a county employee and am so tired of our half of the county's budget being sliced. And they use "the kids" as shields or excuses to protect their half. We all are doing more with less. BOE people should be forced to do the same. And quit complaining about how hard teaching is. You signed up for it!!
Only works if you listen to it.
Teachers have it made. That's why there's so many good ones (sarcasm).
I don't even know how to respond to this post. Some people are unbelievable.
Thank you for stating the facts, but your talking to a dead horse. They don't want to hear the truth.
Ok this dude needs a life. He is talking about extending a school year into August. That also affects us kids who go to those schools. Doesn't this guy think the kids of this generation should have the same Summer break the kids of his generation had.
4:20 and 4:21 comments: If they dont like dealing with the students then get new jobs then you will see what it is like to work a full day!! I totally agree with the article that was posted! I am so............sick of hearing the whining and crying of these damn teachers. I volunteer in my childs school and whenever the teacher has a "planning" period she is on her cell phone or e-mailing friends...not getting extra work done, thats for sure!
4:21
Teachers CHOOSE their career and know what to expect. Why do teachers complain? Did you not know you were going to be teaching kids? WTF is wrong with you? I am fed up with teachers b*tching & moaning. If you don't like teaching, QUIT! But we know you all won't get off that gravy train.
Ain't a capitalistic society great. You can choose a career with x benefits and other people can choose one with y benefits. Thank a Vet!!
Teachers:
Wake up! Your business model is doomed to failure and is unsustainable!
You will be obsolete in a decade or two and you will have to find a real job that doesn't have the seemingly bottomless pit of tax payer money to suck from.
You have abused your status over and over and the people are tired of it.
P.S. You want to see real waste, graft and corruption? Look at the school administration!
Those administrators hide beind their pompus titles and degrees that are handed out for being progressive liberals. Their greatest talent is how to secure ever more and more funding from the taxpayers. To accomplish their goals they keep creating more and more staff positions that are useless, and a waste of money!
Government run schools, the teachers and the teachers union need to be broken up!
Teaching must be a really great job. Look at all the people who are envious of the perks of being a teacher.
I'll bet the number of teaching applications is going to go through the roof this spring / summer
... now that a commenter that obviously knows nothing about education has enlightened us as to how easy the job is.
Apply now, positions going fast!
So funny that someone thinks all paper-checking, lesson plan writing, test/quiz preparation, parent conferences/phone calls can be done between 3and 5. Using only fifteen minutes to check one essay (it actually takes about 40 minutes), I could check 8 essays in two hours. Sadly, I have over 100 to check. Guess the kids will have no papers, and no lesson plans for almost three weeks. Parents will not see me at conferences or PTA meetings, and I won't make any phone calls either. No tests or quizzes until this one essay is checked for all my students. I'm going to no faculty meetings or committee meetings, chaperoning no dances on my own time, and attending no student events. Thanks for the tip. I really can make this job a lot easier on myself.
I am Anon 4:21 and I am NOT a teacher. Didn't you read my post? We ALL know it's not easy to teach these kids. We didn't act that way when we were young. Maybe we were sassy to our parents, but not our teachers. And YES, I KNOW they learn by example. But they are not being taught at home and that is why the atmosphere in schools is different than it used to be. Try dealing with a room full of that all day. I couldn't do it personally. For those who can, I tip my hat to you.
OK all of you county employees who are complaining about teachers...why are you responding before 5 o'clock to this post if you work these "8 hour days". As far as bashing another person or profession...it is just plain ignorant unless you have walked a mile in their shoes. Please do not be judgemental and put all teachers in this category. There are plenty of teachers who put their heart, soul and many hours into their job only to have strangers criticize them.... pretty deflating.
Maybe you should teach your children manners at home and they wouldn't be rude, sassy or smart mouthed!
I agree with the poster. How may hours a day is spend at his job? How many hours a day does a teacher stay at the school? Break that down and the hourly rate for teachers goes up even more. I'm tired of hearing they take work home. WHO DOESN'T there are many times I have had to bring things home to finish that take time away from spending with my family. Not to mention all the time spend helping the children do homework that should have been done in schools. No wonder the kids are over weight they have NO play time. By the time most get home and start homework get dinner ready and such there is little to no time for them to actually go out and play.
Teachers have no input into professional days. Most of us dislike them and would rather be teaching children.
Sound like you are really jealous of teachers.
Sure - extend the school calendar to August - but be sure that your children get to spend that time in one of the many un-air conditioned classrooms in Wicomico County! And be sure you visit - spend time volunteering in the room when the temperatures are over 90 degrees, but be sure you stay for the entire day!
Hey Jonathan, whoops, I mean, anonymous 5:09, maybe if you took the time to READ the complete article, (hence my knowing who you are because you never read a long article from beginning to end) you'd realize he's married to a teacher.
Go back to your Website and drum up some more gossip/lies. I'm sure your 20 followers miss you.
If teaching is so great, in your opinion, why don't you go teach. If your job is so bad you have to complain about it, quit. My job is great by me, I don't care what everyone else makes or does.
Dear 4:36 and 4:37,
It sounds like you are jealous? If teaching is such a "gravy train," why don't you both "choose" to climb aboard? Fools. Teachers are not in it for the money or because they don't like to work hard. Teachers put in a year's work in ten months. It takes patience and stamina, and by the time a person becomes any good at it, s/he realizes that s/he is grossly underpaid.
I just knew the wet pants liberals would jumop on board complaining about the lack of air conditioning.
America is failing because of you people. Go back to the basics America and start all over again. Until then, NOTHING is going to work without more tax increases above and beyond where we are today.
If I told you once I've told you a thousand times. Our governemnt will take until we have no more. Then they'll force you to borrow what you don't have, then you'll file bankruptcy, then you'll ask for assistance and then and only then will America hit roick bottom and the democrats will then control you.
You like air conditioning, you jusyt keep falling for the democratic way and see what you get. You'll see. It's only a matter of time and that time is very near.
4:52 Well Put! I can tell you that this site cannot be accessed from the school system on there computers. This person works 8-5.Where do they find the time to comment on here? I love this site and Albero brings out a lot of good points. This persn needs to get a life unless he/she has walked in the shoes of a teacher in this society. There are good and bad in every profession. Ever think about the hours they put in after hours? The average, not all, is 55 hrs a week
BRAVO BRAVO to whom every wrote that article and thanks for posting it.
Looking at the hatred and the venom spewed forth by some of these writers clears up a lot. #1.
Last time I checked, it was a country in which one can choose a profession. #2 All of these jobs have pros and cons....it's a choice. In this country, we have a choice. So make yours, and stop crabbing about everyone else. #3.Teachers are paid for 10 months. Period. Their salary is for a 10 month job. Yes, they have 2 months off in the summer...sort of...not counting classes etc., but they aren't paid for those months. Period. IF a paycheck is received, it is because that teacher elected to have their pay "spread"...and receive less during the 10 months so that they can receive a check during the summer months. If people have a problem with that, that's ok...change careers. I'm guessing most would not like a 2 month furlough...which is what teachers have. Next...here is an amazing news flash....there are crappy teachers. There are crappy lawyers, there are crappy ministers, there are crappy doctors etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. I resent the comments of the initial poster...it is because of virulent attitudes (I can loan you a dictionary if you need it) kids are messed up. Actually, I think you'd find most teachers like kids...most teachers love their subject area....most teachers are WEARY from undeserved attitudes such as the original poster. Trust me, you do NOT want to stack your education against mine..bring to the table your undergraduate, graduate (that means a master's degree), post graduate, and continuing ed credits and we'll compare. You know nothing about me...you know NOTHING about how I teach, why I teach or what I do or have done for the children who have come through my classroom. How DARE you slam what I do just because your job is different. Guess what???? I don't drive a BMW...I don't have a million dollar house at the beach....my lawyer does. Do I like it? Nope...do I like the $300+ some lawyers charge? Nope...but guess what?????? I could have gone to law school...I could have made that CHOICE. It's all about choice. You made yours...I made mine. We each have different jobs to do because we chose them. Thank GOD you live in a country where you have that choice. Instead of whining, find something productive to do... Shame on you and your attitude.
Anon 5:12 PM,
You are an absolutely idiot! Did you even read what you typed? You said that "teachers are not in it for the money..." and then say that they "realize that they are grossly underpaid." A little contradictory don't you think? So do they do it for the love and then want money later after they realized that they made a mistake?
Bottom line, and it was said several times in these comments, teachers go to school to me teachers! They know that they are going to be putting up with your misbehaving children so what makes them so special that they should be compensated for it? A garbage man knows that he is going to be picking up garbage everyday, but they don't get any extra compensation. As the author of this post, my intentions were not to belittle teachers for service in Educating America because we all should be grateful for that; my intentions were to point out the fact that teachers (and I shouldn't generalize them all together because some mean better than others) and the BOE abuse the hell out of the system! I'm sick of the "its for the children excuse" because if we don't do something about spending our children won't have a future regardless of the education they receive. The BOE has been immune to budget cuts, but then cries wolf when things don't go their way-like having to work a few extra days at the end of the school year. They have it WAY better than most people in the work force, but yet they are always trying to grasp for more! They take money out of my pockets (ie furloughs) while the BOE pads teachers' pockets with raises. All I'm saying is that people should be paid adequately for the time they put in. If you get a perks like summers off then you should be grateful and not ask for more!
As for wanting to be a teacher, I had my oppertunity; I was a substitute teacher for nearly two years after college-I was in the classroom at least 2 days each week. If you think you have a hard time as full time teacher then try subbing-its is a whole other story! You get the day-to-day respect from your students as a full-time teacher while substitutes get no respect from students and the students are constantly trying to pull one over on us! Maybe teachers should start teaching more about respect! Not to mention that 50% of the time teachers would leave me with a piss poor lesson plan; if they left one at all!
So don't say I don't know what it takes to be a teacher because I have been there and I was damn good at it! My passions just happened to take me in a different career path. Regardless, it is a path you chose and just because you chose it doesn't mean that you are special or are immune to the standards that others have to uphold!
AMEN!
COME ON PEOPLE !!!!!
It is for the kids !!! LOL
I have seen with my own eyes books they have ordered and never used. Summer trips to Cumberland. Trips all over the country to study the way others do it. W.T.F.
If anyone knew the whole truth about the waste and money hidden in the their budget. I say cut the fat. Pay the teachers.
The problem is that we have a county goverment that allowed over a million stolen at the land fill. Furloughed county employees and gave a contactual attorney county retirement. The list just goes on.
Time for change. Pay the workers cut the fat.
As for how rude the kids are. Trust me we see what is being turned out in this county. Shit in shit out. All these criminals did not fall out of the sky. Last time I checked they are from here in good ole weekomeeko county.
No I am not blaming the teachers. It is what we all have to work with.
The bottom line is that the B.O.E. is way to smart for our county council. Period.
Time for change
BillyBob Hammerrod
4:52 dont forget their free internet & e-mail. I imagine alot of trip planning and Christmas shopping takes place on school time. I get stupid forwards from teacher friends during school hours.
My kids tell me their teacher plays facebook games while they give tests & in class assignments. Why doesnt the school restrict the sites allowed as does the private sector.
Don't like being a teacher and getting a free masters degree??? Go work at Wal-Mart
To the teacher who stated that you can't have a teacher working 60 hours per week and not pay them overtime. Yes you can, you are salary and not eligible for overtime. I think you need to reread your contract. And by the way I am a teacher.
Your a county employee so all you do is nothing all day?
This comment could not be more true. Teachers make more money for an easier job. They get paid a year's salary for less than 10 months of work. I too have worked for the government. I conducted restaurant inspections, and have a degree in molecular biology from a top 50 university. I was paid less than teachers, and worked 12 months a year. Including massive amounts of overtime in the summer, which were unpaid except through comp time. Yes, students can be unruly, but try a restaurant owner on 4th of July Weekend when you're closing his business down.
The moral of the story is that they are overpaid. Or perhaps, other county employees are underpaid. To the idiotic comment from MBBISNOTME, I ask you to turn on the news. Do you realize where the unemployment rate is? I think it is absolutely EASY to find replacement teachers. In fact it is easier than EVER. I know plenty of recent graduates with high GPAs from very good schools who cannot find employment, and would love a 10 month job that pays like a 12 month job. Especially in this area where they can make another 10 grand in the summer working in Ocean City.
Most children would be better off home schooled then dealing with these self-rightious, self-important, "entitled" government employees. I get so sick of them going off about how much they hate the bratty kids they brainwash with Obama musicals.
Teachers are always whining and wanting more money. They only work around 7 hours a day plus get lunch and planning periods. I work 9 hours a day and don't get 2.5 months off at summer or 2 weeks vacation alone in December at Christmas time.
Great Post!
I used to be a high school teacher ( I have children and have chosen to work part time). If your not a teacher you have NO idea how long that takes to create a weeks work of lesson plans and it is much longer than the one planning period. On average I worked about 50 to 55 hours a week on lesson planning, grading papers, creating tests and quizzes, etc, the 10 - 15 extra hours are done at home at night or on the weekends. Its easy to judge a teacher based on summer breaks and holidays but those of you that are not in the profession have absolutely no idea the amount of time it takes to be a good teacher. Perhaps you could volunteer?
Guess what all! This pansy a$$ that wont tell us what his occupation is, has/had the same right to become a teacher as the teachers did!
So why is he complaining (biotching) about teachers, I guess his choice of occupation has left his "available" or "extra" time a little on the slack side...But he chose his occupation! Whatta NitWit!
Moral of the story, become a teacher!
To all of you who complain about teachers but aren't one- just shut up!!! It's always interesting to hear people talk about how easy teachers have it, if it was that easy we'd all be teachers right? But we aren't. Why? Because it's easy to run your mouth but much harder to put your money where your mouth is.
To the clown who wrote this post- if you work 8-5 you obviously wrote this looong letter while you were at work so seems like you're not working real hard yourself. If you're a county employee then our tax dollars are paying you to work, not play online...get to work boy!!
gee instead of whining like achild, why don't you go back to college and study to be a teacher.
I bet he(the author) has some tires and diesel fuel to spare too!
6:19
50 to 55 hours a week?
I'd take that in a minute!
You try charging for you work instead of stealing it from the tax payer and see how much you'd make!
You really think highly of yourselves don't you?
You make me sick!
Teachers are always whining and wanting more money. They only work around 7 hours a day plus get lunch and planning periods. I work 9 hours a day and don't get 2.5 months off at summer or 2 weeks vacation alone in December at Christmas time.
Great Post!
I believe many of you are missing the real point. Teacher's get paid for 10 months of work. If the poster is making the same amount for 12 months of work and similar "education", then it is obvious that his job is less important, otherwise he would be making substantially more for 12 months. This person is upset because he has chosen a profession which isn't as important, and he doesn't get compensated the same. He is in fact suggesting that all county employees- no matter the job- should receive the same pay. Sounds a little socialist to me. Perhaps this person is the true liberal.
"To the clown who wrote this post- if you work 8-5 you obviously wrote this looong letter while you were at work so seems like you're not working real hard yourself. If you're a county employee then our tax dollars are paying you to work, not play online...get to work boy!!" Maybe this person is unemployed. Would it make a difference? The point made is that not everyone is having to sacrifice the same. Insult is far less pain that out of work so keep it to yourself if that is all the pain you are experiencing.
Just who started this class warfare anyway?
4:52; You say don't be judgemental and put all teachers in this catagory. Yet that is what you did with County Employees. Why do think this person is at work? You posted your remark before 5, were you at work? 5:21; How do you know what hours this person works? Maybe 7-3 or sommething called a day off. map
4:46 Teachers will become obsolete? Interesting. Who will be teaching, cry babies like you and the person that wrote the original letter?
Funny thing about these posts, based on the quality of the posts, is it appears most of the people writing the comments never paid attention when they attended school, and assuredly very few have ever seen the inside of a college classroom. Yet, they're experts on education.
And then you have Albero advocating increasing taxes when increasing taxes is the last thing this economy needs right now. Maybe you should pick up a book and read what happens to tax revenues and jobs when taxes are raised, and what happened to tax revenues when Presidents Harding, Coolidge and Kennedy all lowered the tax rates.
5:40: Facebook during the school day. I don't think so, not in Wic. County. It is blocked. So is Myspace, Youtube, SBYNews and many others.
i think school should be eight hours a day. would give teachers more time for one on one with the childern due to large class sizes.
The guy might have written his letter on his break or lunch time. Idiots,
Some teachers just don't seem to comprehend why people are angry. We are not jealous, we are just tired of hearing "some" teachers b*tch & moan about their job, pay, hours, kids, etc..... Teachers have the best job security and benefits than any other job in the United States. We just want you to appreciate what you have and not bleed the taxpayers dry by wanting more. And stop whining!!!
To 5:37
Taxpayers can choose whether or not to hire a $300.00 an hour lawyer but we can't choose whether or not to pay teachers.
Please tell us your top ten reasons why you hate teachers so much.
Am I missing something? THIS is newsworthy? Bitter much?
Get the hags that want to complain about doing their jobs OUT. When teachers screw up do not allow the union to protect their jobs; fire them! Take out the part of the contract for full time, part time, AND substitute teachers that says a teacher cannot comment on the actions of another teacher. Make it so every single teacher can openly disclose information when a teacher is milking the system and being a judgmental arse for no reason other than a dislike for someone.
There are a lot of great teachers out there that deserve to be paid fairly and are wonderful people in the classroom. There are a lot of younger teachers that have silly charges such as underage drinking but they are great because they get "it". They understand the kids and take the time to listen. There are older teachers that have been teaching for longer than I have been alive but still wake up every morning looking forward to working with the kids. Those are the types of teachers we need: listen, communicate, teach, appreciate, compassion, dedication to the kids, and the drive to get up every day and take what is thrown at them in the course of a day. They are the ones that make sure parents know what's happening and take the time to notice the one child that is being picked on or centered out by other groups. They are the ones that make a special lunch or recess with one or two kids just to show they care. Those are the teachers that go home and wonder how they can help the family that has no food to eat or no clothes that fit.
Plain and simple if a person is a self centered whine bag or grump that person has no business being in a career that will and does impact children for the rest of their lives. How many people on here can still recall which teachers were the best AND the ones that were the worst? I know I can. One teacher told me many years ago I would never amount to anything, to a child that was going through many emotional and physical stressors I can say that stuck with me because teachers were the foundation of my life at that time. Being a teacher means a lot to a lot of people and therefore anyone who's heart isn't in it..shouldn't be doing it!
I had to laugh at how ridiculous this post is. If teaching is such an easy job then become a teacher.
Unless you know the stress that comes with lesson planning, dealing with the pressure of statewide testing, being responsible for 20+ kids a day, etc. then you have no reason to talk.
I too agree with the origanal post. Teachers get over yourselves!!
6:36 I hope you don't teach our children with that mouth!
I am a teacher and I am proud of the fact. Teachers have to achieve a masters degree not a bachelors degree and most do this after teaching all day or during the summer a few come with the masters but not all, I went for 7 years winter spring summer and fall. I have always wanted to be a teacher and learned my trade at the Wicomico county Vo Tech. I love what I do and put in a bunch of extra time for my kids, Proms are done by teachers who put in a humongous amt. of time above and beyond. Coaches are paid and that works out to about .75 cents and hour. Don't believe me just go to one wrestling tourny and see how many hours the coach puts in just at the event. I learned early on that like my Vice principle likes to say, "People love success....they just don't like successful people". Everyone has a teacher they hated and some they loved, some just got thru it. My contract calls for me to work X number of days, at a wage, and a benifits package agreed upon by my employer (the taxpayers) and myself. I have no problem meeting my part of the deal. I won't apologize for liking what I do or having a good job, I worked very hard to get it and to keep it. I am very successful in what I do and am responsible for many young men and women having good paying jobs. Is that not what you hired me for? And yes I am not ashamed or afraid to sign my name unlike many others.
LET ME SEE I GET EVERY DAY AT 4:00 (thats am ) drive about an hour to my job where i plan the days work for about 15 men .Then i WORK for 8 hrs min then i have to right up daily reports then order materials, time sheets,and go to the supply house,and i do this EVERYDAY with a two week vacation which is usually used up for bad weather days,and somewhere in that year i have to take continuing ed classes to keep my masters license .Oh and i have to do this without a pay increase every year (its been 3 ) and hope that next phonecall wont be a layoff ,but right now i am happy yo have a job.
6:36 some of us are off because of the snow, and not getting paid either. but you wouldn't have a clue about how that works. i hope that comment get to work bxx didn't mean what it sounded like.
This entire post/article/comments, truly shows how shallow minded people are in this area. I have never seen such disrespectful comments about teachers and the profession. I can see where some of the children that are disrespectful in school must get it from.
Teaching is a profession just like any other job...See some teachers give a negative impact on the rest who actually are good teachers...I could sit here and bash numerous different jobs because of the perks or benefits that come along with it...also READ THE POSTS ABOUT SALARY...we (I) get paid for 10 months and have it spread over the course of the year....I get sick and tired hearing about people say "teachers have it made" or "teaching is so easy"...a bunch of bs...shadow me for a day and see how long you last...what happened to complimenting a teacher for helping students try to succeed in life...What about your child when he/she is in school, will it be different then...please watch what you say or tell us what you do and then we can analyze your job and bash it.
4:55 - Teachers sure do have input on professional days. Read your contract. Your teachers union negotiates them!!
Not happy... then quit!
If you didn't have a job you would BEG for your current job.
Original Poster:
I'll give you the same advice so many give the teachers. If you don't like how you're treated, go find another job.
Whiner.
4:46
I hope your comment about admn better be fo the people at the board. My high school administration works their tales off to make the school a great place. They are not paid near enough for what they do and the amount of time they put in. You wont here them complain because they chose to do the job.
6:16 Get a new job, become a teacher and then you would be happy!
I'm completing my certification to teach science and so far I have 160 credits of undergraduate credits in chemistry, physics, German, biology, calculus and 30 masters credits in education and pharmacology, plus I've taken 3 professionals exams in math, writing, English, chemistry and science pedagogy.It takes much more to be a teacher than just a BA or a BS. Add to that you must have excellent communication skills, get along with all kinds of students, be patient and be a good planner.It's not as easy as you all think!
To Joe: the person he's responding to has the wife that is a teacher!
To the OP: I have worked the non-exempt 8 - 5 for many years so I know 'your' side of the story. I decided to go back to school and am currently in my 3rd year of the Professional Education Program at SU, which requires participation in the public school system assisting teachers and teaching students. (I am also a single parent.) I have LIVED both sides of this coin and believe me, teachers, by NO means have it as easy as you think. You are sadly mistaken if you think that all teachers have that schedule or that attitude. While there are bad apples who do indeed milk the system or really shouldn't be teachers, there are many more who are truly dedicated to the children they teach. That ratio emerges in ANY career. As far as degrees - I can also vouch that the classes I am required to take are FAR more rigorous, complex, and demanding than any previous college courses I have ever taken. You mention that you both have degrees. Well, there certainly is a difference in degrees when you consider credentialed careers. Does your job require credentialing? Do YOU have to take a certain amount of continuing education to keep your job?
Furthermore, modern teaching is much more complex than when you (and I) went to school. One cannot simply stand at the front of a classroom of children and teach the way we were taught. Being a teacher is much more than books and papers. Do you have ANY idea of how much time and energy it takes to write a lesson plan? to grade papers? to prepare for the next week's or month's instruction? to contingency plan for 30 students when a field trip gets cancelled? maintain order in a classroom of 30 restless and often belligerent, sometimes violent kids? to teach ALL academic levels simultaneously? to train and retrain on software and classroom technology? to keep returning to class to get your CEUs to keep your credentials? to deal with parents who swear their child can do no wrong? to deal with the student whose parents cannot afford to purchase ADHD medicine for their child? to know what to say to a child who watched one of their parents get arrested in their home right before she boarded the bus for school? to NOT want to reach out and assist every child that you KNOW will not have anything to eat this coming weekend? Or how about the knowledge and skill it takes to meet the inclusion requirements that put students with IEPs and 504s and special needs in the same classroom as the 'traditional student'. Let's not omit being required to pass the student who is in the 4th grade that cannot read or write; he/she gets a W on his/her report card that requires a detailed written report from the teacher. Oh, and we also can't exclude the extremely disruptive students who cannot be suspended for more than 10 days in a school year. And that's just some of the experiences I've had in the classroom. There are so many more.
You deal with “Joe Public”-adults-no matter how much they act like children. Children, on the other hand, ARE children. Children have parents who sometimes act like children themselves, but teachers must deal with them just like you deal with Joe Public. You can NOT deal with a child as you would a childish adult. To even make that comparison, as one responder did, is absurd. The amount of time you spend with your childish adult might extend to an hour on any given day and it isn't necessarily face-to-face. Try dealing with 30 of those people face-to-face for 8 hours a day. What a new perspective.
To be blunt, poster, you DON'T know what you're talking about. I have a quick fix for your outrage over what you perceive are 'special bennies' for teachers. I challenge you to spend one or two weeks shadowing a teacher in a public school classroom. I'll even be kind and reduce that to a day or two. I guarantee you'll be glad to return to your County 8 - 5 average job.
more power to the teachers. what they have to put up with on any given day is worth 42K a year. Just like anywhere Wicomico County has some excellent teachers & some idiots. The thing is that the MD EDU System on every level (University included) ignores & in some cases rewards the idiots. It's not the free-market employment that the rest of us deal with. The education union needs to go & the sooner the better.
I think a lot of the problem isn't the amount of education the teacher needs to have, but the quality of what they are forced to teach through the government run BOE. Private schools seem to do a much better job with a smaller budget and no government interference. I would like to be more involved with the education my kids are receiving. It takes two incomes to make ends meet, and I am making half of what I used to make after being laid off last year. I have to work more hours with no benefits to make what I used to make in 8 hours before my job was outsourced to India! Teachers should be grateful for the jobs they have! I know I am grateful for mine, even though there are no benefits and less pay. When you are unemployed for a while, you really start to count your blessings! I think Teachers need to count theirs! Its tough out there, and good jobs are few and far between. If I could have kept my kids in private school, I would!
Talk all you want about teachers. I am a teacher and I put my heart into my career to give your children the best education they deserve! I WORK MY TAIL OFF from September to June to make sure I challenge your children that are highly able and provide repitition to your children that need extra help! How dare you say that I don't deserve the salary I make! Why don't you spend a day in my kindergarten classroom to find out just what being a teacher is all about!You chose to go to college and pursue a different career. You had the same opportunity as I did to decide or not to decide to enter the profession of teaching! You chose not to do so! Don't blame me because you are now wishing you had!
A RHode Island School Super fired AN ENTIRE SCHOOL STAFF because they refused to work 25 extra minutes. Thats what the SEIU does for you. Kudos to Rhode Island!!!
wow! Most of you need to really utilize spell check.
Just to let you know -I have 15 minutes to eat everyday and there are two days I do not get planning. But I am not in it for that-it just increases the work load I have to take home. I did choose my profession because of teaching, I just wish that is what I only had to do besides change diapers, deal with screaming kids because they came in and they did not have a red hat on, biting, kicking my legs until they are bruised, or punching me in the stomach because they didn't like the bus ride into school. Yes, I chose this profession to teach and to take care of my kids during the day, however, let me tell you there is also paperwork, making your room perfect for those people who walk in that only care about presentation, data that you have to keep every minute that your friend in your class bites you or punches you in the stomach, the individualized programs and lesson plans one needs to create for each unique individual in your classroom or the minutes you have to type from all of your meetings or committee meetings, oh and the pressure you must deal with if your kids in your classroom do not perform to the higher ups liking, that may cause stress which may lead to sickness,an ulcer, extreme exhaustion so, yes, I chose this profession to teach but I did not ask for the other but it goes with the profession. You really need to walk in our shoes before you construct your blog. Sounds like you are miserable with your job so that gives you a perfect reason to wreak havoc upon others that you envy. One thing is for sure, we are big influences and set good examples and light the way for these children -I would be envious too. I desperately need volunteers in my room. Please come out and help-it would be really great for you to come so I could at least use the bathroom once during the day hence the bladder infection I have.
The only thing this topic has proven is that regardless of what side of the fence you are on, we all think "the other guy has it easier than me" and "no one works as hard as me". It's all about envy and someone having something you don't. In today's world, that is how people get what they want. Scream you are not being treated with equality.
This world is doomed!!!!!
Joe,
Got this in an email and I thought it would be good when it comes to the behavior of the students in school
The other day someone at a store in our town read that a
Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, “Why didn’t we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?
I replied I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning, drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and flowerbeds and cockleburs out of dad’s fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood and if my mother had ever known I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say or thinks. They are stronger than cocaine, crack or heroin; and if today’s children had this kind of drug problem, American would be a better place.
God bless the parents that drugged us.
To the people who aren't teachers: Shut up. If you envy them so much, become a teacher. You should be at least as good as the poor ones. And if you have talent and motivation, you should turn out to be a really good one. The decision to become a teacher is yours.
To the people who are teachers: Shut up. You make good money, have great job security, and great benefits that exceed the private sector in most respects. Some of you suck. Some of you are awesome. But most likely, you are mediocre. Think whatever you wish of yourself, but you all can't be as awesome as you claim to be.
To the parents: Shut up. Do a better raising your kids. They are your responsibility. We weren't responsible for creating your offspring, and we shouldn't be responsible for their bad behavior.
To boil it all down: We are all fortunate to live in this country. With all the problems come many more advantages and benefits. Be grateful for what you have. Stop being whiny b!tches. Suck it up. Spend more time taking care of yourself than complaining about somebody else.
I'd like for you to walk a day in my shoes. Let me tell you.. I get up at 5:30 in the morning and arrive at school at 6:30. School does not start until 7:55. When the students arrive, my easy job as a worthless teacher is exhausting. I am a babysitter, an educator, a psychologist, etc. I have to manage a classroom of students who do not always get along and who come to school with baggage that even I can not understand. I teach fifth grade which means I plan and teach reading, math, interventions, guided reading, and social studies. I have to plan at least five lessons for every day. My lessons have to be engaging for each child. I also have to differentiate my instruction so that I am meeting the needs of every child in my classroom. I have students in my room with emotional problems and students who are reading on a second grade level. I am not just teaching fifth grade, but I am teaching 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. This is not including my students who are advanced whose parents expect me to challenge their kids. I have about 40 minutes to myself from 7:55 am until 3:30 pm when my last student leaves. After school I can be found planning and getting ready for the following day. I did not leave school this evening until 7pm. Count the hours. I am not working a simple 9-5 job. I get home around 7:30 pm which gives me enough time to unwind, watch a tv show, eat a quick salad, and then go to bed and start another day. I have to deal with my students, their parents, administration, people coming in to do professional development, people from the state, etc. By Friday night, you can find me at home around 9 o'clock pm, passed out. I am too exhausted to go out and do anything with any friends of mine because of the emotional and physical toll that the week has on me. I am extremely offended that people judge me or any teacher and assume that we have it easy. I have worked in the restaurant industry for years. Waiting tables can be stressful, but not half as stressful as teaching. I worked half as many hours and made more as a waitress than I make as a teacher. Don't get me wrong. I DO love my job and I know that I am a great teacher. If it weren't for the children who need me, I would walk away in a heart beat. They make my job worth it. It's not the money or the summers or the holidays, it is all about the kids. Before you judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes.
Wicomico county gets the education it deserves.
Where would all of you be without teachers?
oh they cry about their long days up at 5:30 not home until after 7...boo hoo hoo. Umm your off in the summer when the people of other professions work year round! Not counting the Christmas break and spring break teachers get off. Those people in other professions, if they want those breaks they have to take paid time off they have accrued. Oh and not to mention the "mental health" days that are built into teachers contracts.
7:08.... I am most certainly not putting all "County Workers" in the same category. I was only refering to the previous comments (all posted before 5 o'clock) of those who said they worked for the county (not BOE)and put in 8-5 every day. No, I was not at work when I posted this comment and yes I do have a full-time job.
As far as anyone who bashes another profession out there... If you are not in that particular profession there isn't any credibility or validity behind your criticisms. How would you feel if someone claimed everyone in your profession was a worthless slacker who was overpaid and not worthy of their salary? You would probably be a little defensive... let's be nicer to each other because nobody knows what one endures completely in their job day to day. Criticism is ok when it is backed with facts... and you don't know all the facts about every teacher, administrator or classroom.
I spent 6 years getting my chemistry degree. I make less now than I did 2 years ago at the same job, by 20K - why are the only jobs growing in salary and benefits - government jobs?
10:04 Do furlows mean anything to you?
40 more comments posted but not mine...my response must to truthful and honest (that doesn't get your attention) Quit throwing teachers under the bus, in some cases we are the only one's that love and care for these children. It's not about money...wake up and see the truth.We care!!!!!
anonymous 10:10, the curse words and personal attacks will not fly here and that's the ONLY comments I've been rejecting.
10:04 Do furloughs mean anything to you?
10:08 The average federal employee salary is $73,000. Private sector is $41,000. Federal government employment is the fastest growing in the nation. There's something to be said about having a large portion of the population suckling off the public teat: they're unlikely to vote the people extending that teat out of office. Makes you wonder why only 1/3 of the stimulus money has been spent to date.
10:08 - are you serious?? I work for the local govt and we haven't seen a raise in over 2 years and are being told we will not be getting anything for the next several years....sounds good huh?
10:12.... yes furloughs mean something to me as my husband has had to take several furlough days this year. What does that have to do with my post that people should be nicer to each other? This post and most comments are just pure hateful and it is just sad....
8:03, what's the deal with spelling boy as bxx?? What's that mean, boy is a cuss word now? Also, what do you mean 'what it sounds like to you?' Seems to me you're looking for things that aren't there or maybe it touched a nerve only because you view yourself as a 'boy.'
Well Mr. JOEALBERO you obviously have no idea what you are talking about. First of all, I'm a special education teacher and people who AREN'T teachers have no idea what we have to go through. Saying it's "easy enough as it is" makes me sick. I put in 10+ hours a day and yes Joe, that includes "planning time." Not only that, I spend countless hours on weekends doing work as well. I love how you try to say how teachers "dilly dally" around on professional days because last time I checked, we had a full schedule with no time to spare. We work our butts off each and every day and sometimes have to do all we can not to pull our hair out by the end of the day. I am obtaining my Masters degree so yes maybe I do make more then you do but I sure worked my ass butt for it. It is unbelievably disrespectful to undermine all teachers. You need to keep your untrue thoughts to yourself.
Wow....I am a 1st grade teacher and I LOVE my job. I take pride in my job. I look forward to each day and the challenges it brings. I hope that those parents who have posted negative things refrain from bashing teachers in front of their children. Many of your children want to be teachers someday. Don't bash their dreams or bash the love and care I give your children each and every day.
First, let me start off by saying that I am not in public ed so when I piss off everyone reading this, know that I have no vested interest in any of this - I have no kids, am single, and privately employed. It seems to me that the local educators must be just laughing themselves silly about all the crying about how hard/easy their jobs are. They are being paid really well, have great bennys, and obviously made terrific career decisions for themselves. Compared to the vast majority of people complaining on this post, they are pretty well off, and could really care less what anyone else thinks (Including good Ole Dr. F, who really doesn;t care what any of you think - he has all of the power to pretty much do whatever he wants and you can't do anything about it). They knew EXACTLY what they were doing when they got into their jobs, and I'm pretty sure they really don't give a crap about everyone else whining about their lot in life. It simply isn't their fault that some of you never took your schooling seriously, or picked a career path that you worked your butt off for a degree, only to find out that it didn't pay too well. Seems to me they are the really smart ones to have picked a recession proof career that will always have longevity and career security. Furthermore, they are plenty smart enough to band together to always insure that they get their raises and step increases through their negotiating unitsat the expense of just about everyone else. Seems pretty smart to me, and of course they are going to keep at it making as much as they can. The state is pretty powerless to stop them, and they are laughing all the way to the bank. Maybe all of you complaining about them should just shut up and join up with them so that your life can be all bliss once you become a teacher. :) Have a nice day!
Anonymous 6:16 PM, wow you have no idea what you are talking about saying teachers work "around 7 hrs a day" try 55-60 hours a week. Get real and get your facts straight (coming from a teacher who KNOWS what shes talking about).
7:06. The person who wrote this says they work every day 8-5. It was posted at 4:13. You map. I am not a teacher, but, I do respect them
Anonymous 10:00PM, I am a teacher and not anywhere in my contract is there a "mental health day." We get two personal days a year so basically you look like an idiot for having no idea what your talking about.
I'm sick to my stomach right now. Joe, I really can't believe you posted this. Ok I know this math is going to be difficult for a lot of you but the poster (x) works 248 days a year. The teacher (y) works 210 days a year. So x-y=38 days or y=x+38. Work weeks are 5 days so....38/5 leaves us with 7 3/5 weeks. Just under two months. But teachers aren't paid for those 2 months. So what are you complaining about again?
I appreciate everything that teachers do, and I commend them for the work they do in the environment that they work in. My only problem is last I checked they are the only public employees that aren't taking a pay cut or being furloughed. How is it that don't have to wear the burden of reduced revenue on their backs like every other public employee and the schools continue to spend like they have an unlimited budget. But don't worry I will continue to have my pay reduced and face not being able to pay my bills so that the school system can buy worthless equipment and go on "business trips". Sorry teachers I don't believe people have a beef with you it is just becoming very apparent there is no accountability in the school systems in this state. Some day maybe this will change. Until then I will continue to hope the biggest expense to the tax payers in this state actually gets looked at!
12:07am, since we r all so stupid, please stop sending two hours of homework home every night for me to help my kid through! Am I the teacher, or you? I don't have all those degrees so why am I the one tutoring in the evening after working my own 8 hr job?
7:46 Because teaching should begin at home = because you can help your child 1 on 1 = because your child is not utilizing time at school to work on homework = because you can spend some quality time with your child = because your child perhaps needs to be taught better work habits = because you take pride in knowing your child is doing the best he/she can = because it helps to keep you up to date on what your child is being taught = because a teacher has many many children during a day to teach and if the child has a problem with a subject than the parent has the option to tutor or hire one = because all children do not learn at the same level - to name just a few
7:46am...AMEN!!! I started this debate supporting the teachers, but after some of the smug comments posted by teachers I am sliding to the other side fairly quickly! I believe no one is entitled to being above others regardless of your college level or career path. You should have to EARN the right to bring in a higher income.
I appreciate seeing all of these wonderful comments. I AM a teacher... and, as you write your comments, all of you are using the skills a TEACHER taught you. :-)
We won't mention the holidays, salaries and hours of nurses...
Sorry 8:14 but I didn't get an education in a public setting. My parents sat down with me every day to teach me. They taught me right from wrong, to respect others, the value of a dollar, and to have compassion for others. They also taught me not to judge someone because of the family that person comes from and to be on the look out for dishonesty. They threw in some reading, writing, and arithmetic. For the most part though the most vaulable lessons I have ever learned were taught to me by a family of support, love, and understanding.
This blog proves everyday that the self proclamation of a "high quality of life" and "everyone on the shore is friendly" is one of the biggest farce statements ever. The constant bickering by local ppl around here is pathetic. There are WAAAYYYYY to many chiefs around here.
I know, I know if you dont like it then leave..... Typical small minds.
Joe , off subject a little. This post has the most comments I have ever seen , is it the highest ?? I think the people commenting have taken your view " Either you love teachers or you hate them " WOW
What ever happened to "thank you"?
well written, well thought out, I agree with the professional days over the summer and on the extended break. So sorry didn't have time to read the 110 comments, this post is well thought out, I blame the BOE more then the teachers. The BOE does have way tooo much PORK.
well let just say wow. This person has never been around the educational environment. my wife has taught for 10 yrs.. Teacher of the year twice.She is so grocely underpaid it should be a crime..She has made such an impact on so many kids that really need a good role model..How many lives have you impacted??Yer an ass.
I know a few policemen who volunteer their time, are great role models and have made an impact on alot of kids. I'll bet your wife makes more money than they do. Again, teachers are very well compensated for what they do.
All I know is I have 5 friends that are teachers-3 on the western shore and 2 in Worcester county. I know better than to call any of them Mon-Thurs. Even in the evenings they are tied up grading papers, doing report cards, etc. Teachers just can't leave the job at 5-lots and lots of "take home work."
Anonymous 1:03 AM, I am a teacher and we received a 3% tax cut this year so I'm not sure where you get your information from. Also, we are being furloughed... Thanks
to annoy. 12:07am, actually i understood your math. What I think you failed to understand from the poster is this. X and Y make equally the same money on an annual bases. So X is working 7-3/4 week longer then y(you0. Y has the choice of a 10 month pay or 12 month pay. X and y are = in pay.
The fact that 12:07am wrote "Ok I know this math is going to be difficult for a lot of you" proves that she feels superior to the rest of us dim-witted fools. I have to tell you 12:07am, I only have a high school education but I even I can see that you have totally mistaken with your "equation". You say that the poster is (X) and the teacher is (Y) and your little math challenge you say "So x-y=38 days or y=x+38". The first part of your problem is correct, however, the second part of your problem is WRONG! y=x+38 would be 210=248+38 and I realize I don't have all those degrees but I'm pretty sure that 248+38 does not equal 210, but I could be wrong. Maybe if you would stop looking down your nose at the rest of us, you would have picked up on your mistake. Good thing teacing begins at home!
Citygoer,
Pretty much everything you post on this blog is on point, including the comment @ 8:59.
Jealousy is a terrible thing! If you've never worked in a school system, you have no idea what you are talking about.
I just know that if my husband were writing a comment bashing me and my job (he said "he will bash teachers" and since his wife is one, he is in fact bashing her) I wouldn't be too happy. What a peach of a husband this guy is.
5:28....no sex for that couple!
Teachers are hot when they are mad LOL.
Oh excuse me 11:45, "personal days" how idiotic of me. You got the point though :) I'm sure you're a parent favorite!
10:30- The only time I have seen teachers use "personal days" is when we have emergencys..recently theres been a teacher with a husband in the hospital or a parent in the hospital..we do not use them to hang out at home. "I'm sure you're a parent favorite" actually I am because I love my kids and I do everything I possibly can for them. I respect the parents and they respect me. This whole conversation and blog burns me up.
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