Opening today, the new documentary "American Teacher" follows the lives of four teachers who struggle to remain in a profession they love, despite the heavy toll exacted on their lives by the grueling hours and low-salaries. The documentary is a rebuttal of sorts to pundits who portray public school educators as cushioned recipients of tax-payer supported benefits, extended summer vacations and low accountability. We speak with the film’s Academy Award-winning director, Vanessa Roth, and with Brooklyn first-grade public school teacher, Jamie Fidler, who is featured in the film.
Go Here to see video.
As a retired teacher, I thank the producers of this movie. Too many in the public really believe that teachers are overpaid. While they may earn a fairly comfortable living, the hours away from school that they put in and the tremendous stress they're under cause many very good teachers to leave the profession and potential teachers to think twice.
ReplyDeleteI think most are referring to 'union' teachers.
ReplyDeleteThey is a love-hate relationship with unions in this country.
I am anti-union as is most in this area.
BUT, in light of recent events involving corporate policies and greed, and even abuse, I am now changing my stance somewhat.
It is time to break the 'for use in an emergency' glass and let loose the monster called unions.
Trouble is, it's so hard to get it back into the container when it has served its purpose.
It can grow and become corrupt and bite the hand that it is conceived to serve.
But right now, judging from current actions of most companies, it is the lessor of two evils. And needed.
Sick of hearing about poor teachers. what about poor (truly) nurses. now there's underpaid!
ReplyDelete