It was just before children began making their appearance for the 8:30 a.m. school day start that teachers began to arrive. They huddled in the parking lot, talking in small groups, before joining together to walk into the building at 8:20 — less than five minutes before their charges began filing off school buses.
Though a subtle display to those unfamiliar with the school, it, along with a similar event at Stephen Decatur High School, marked the first time in recent memory local teachers have resorted to “work to rule.” By meeting just the minimum required by their contracts — putting in no more time than the actual school day hours — teachers are hoping to share their frustration over the salary increases Worcester County officials have cut from the coming year’s proposed budget.
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160 comments:
Ocean City is not cranking out the money it used to so everyone must take a cut just like the rest of us.Where do people get off thinking because you work for the government you don't get a wage cut.
The solution is simple. Fire them!!!! There are plenty out there who would love to have their job!! Good luck with them finding a job with the pay and benefits of a school teacher. There is very little out there in the private sector. They will be crawling back, begging for their jobs!!!
2:41 Absolutely right. Let them walk. Get in some new teachers who will be fresher and more enthusiastic and also be cheaper.
Anon 2:41 You can have my job along with my $62,000 in student loans.
I agree....Fire Them!!! What about all those "professional days" that they get off but never show up for conferences. Dear God!! The nerve of people. I am very good friends with teachers and TEACHERS BRAG ABOUT IT!!!
If their job is so bad, why do teachers stay forever and ever and ever! Maybe they should learn productivity and better use of time, actually working when they are in school. As a teacher, you are given "free period" to get your work done not "surf" the internet or text, etc etc. btw, teachers starting Salary in North Carolina is $30,000.00. Way under what teacher's salary are here. Be careful what you protest!!!
Good Riddens! Get some new blood in there!
Your predicament of student loans is NO OTHER than your problem. I chose to work while I was going to school full-time so I didn't have loans to pay off. Sounds like to me you chose loans, and school only.
Bad choice on your part! Not our problem!
The teachers aren't teaching. Cut their pay and give it to the police.
The police are doing the hard work Babysitting these animals..
3:13 PM Good Riddens??? What is that? I suspect you aren't a teacher or at least I hope you aren't.
I worked two jobs while going to school and still had student loans. I have empathy for those that do, but to attend a credited university there was no way around it. I also received two scholarships. You couldn't pay me double what I am making to be a teacher with the attitude of these kids today. techers are no less than baby sitters!
This is weird. Wicomico always claims it loses teachers to Worcester. It's a technique that has been used since the 1960's in order to continue to raise BOE employee salaries yet the quality of education has decreased immensely.
I love how everyone is critcial of someone else. Lets reverse this and see how you react when someone is critical of your job or of you being a parent. It so easy to be critical of others in todays world.
I think they are there to raise your children for you. Because your sorry behinds are failing miserably at that.
Screw them... we don't need teachers for our kids to succeed---please.. Too many teachers are lazy and incompetent... there were only 2-3 teachers i ever had that were good--the rest were losers
3:13 had to have been taught spelling by a $30,000 North Carolina teacher! Good riddens... Haha
Do you have your masters degree if so then sign on up.
As a concerned citizen had stated, 60% of Wor Co high school grads entering Wor-Wic Community College need remedial classes to get them up to speed. I wish I could demand my employer give me a raise for being mediocre and simply showing up! Not to mention they only work 10 months. What they are failing to realize is that when Common Core fully kicks in and they are rated against this garbage, good luck ever getting a raise again!
I will take their job for a 200 day a year for full pay and benefits.
When can people start applying ?
Masters Degree working in Doctorate and yes Teachers get paid way too much. Go to North Carolina and start out at 30,000.00. You don't even work year round!! Wow, the sense of entitlement is so unbelievable.
Exactly. Let them walk. They better not ever ever forget that is there is an ass for every seat. If they all left tomorrow there would be a slight inconvenience for a little while now but school would reopen next season without missing a beat.
IF teachers "got it so bad"...They why don't they act like they ever want to retire!! Come on!! They stay and stay and stay.... Must got it pretty good! Look at Ronald Willey.....He will never leave. Too Cushy of a job!
I would love to work for 9 months out of the year, get off 2 weeks for Christmas, Thanksgiving, No holidays whatsoever, no weekends.... Great benefits...no deductible on their health insurance. Wow! and they still want more!!!
Fire them? For what, showing up on time for work?
HILARIOUS
Actually, the "good Riddens" comment came from a very highly educated person and actually North Carolina are turning out college-bound students. They are the major players of higher education especially compared to Maryland.
So, take me up on the "good Riddens" advice. Apparently, touch a personal nerve with you. Scared???
4 16 you do not qualify . You need to have a college education. Now go back to flipping the burgers at Hardees So many jealous jerks on here that have no clue in life
You think your the only ones with degrees? A lot of going talent with degrees that would love to live near the beach with summers off and over four weeks off throughout the school year. Teachers make enough. This is crap! Flipping unions!
Keep acting like yalls do and I pray all you have is those loans!
Can you not comprehend English there teacher? Math teacher are you?
Seems like the only professions in the spot light are politicians, cops and the conforming teachers!
4:39 pm That's the problem with "teachers". They think they are the "elite" group when all you have is a 4 year Bachelor in Education.
Starting salary, 45,000.00, great benefits, no holidays, no weekends, paid weeks off around the holidays, paid "professional development" that you never attend, .... just so unbelievable as another writer/blogger commented.
The sense of entitlement is Unbelievable!
Good. Let them earn daycare wages. Daycare workers are teachers as well! And guess what. They can teach as well as teachers and have no degrees.
it continues to amaze me that the most-highly educated among us have no clue - and the media helps them along by calling this a "cut"
Keep your children at home and teach them yourselves. Good luck with that there algebra/calculus/physics/chemistry/computer science.
I just have to ask... Doesn't Worcester County have a "dressed code policy". Those clothes are awful, so unprofessional. Looks like they are doing yard work.
Start there with improving education. Be a role model and earn respect.
I can't believe as smart as these teachers are with their degrees that they didn't make better career choices. And don't give me the love for the kids crap. Unless your a barren teacher. Maybe.
Wow! There sure are a lot of nail bangers and dirt/chicken farmers chiming in today. It must really suck to have jobs with no benefits or paid time off. Dang, that stupid college degree sure looks better 30 years after passing up on it.
Funny thing is that I have family that owns a chicken farm. Their property is worth nearly 2 million and has around 80% equity. My family member earns around 30k per chicken house each year. They own 6 large chicken houses, that's 180k each year. Oh and he has a degree in agriculture. How's that compare to your salary?
Guess what they were hired to do a job by contract and guess what.....they are meeting their contract. If you want them to stay after and tutor kids, run the weight room, chaperone dances, plan, grade, meet with parents, coach mock trial, help plan the homecoming dance, etc., etc., etc........your going to have to give them a raise every other year!
Teacher are amongst the highest paid professions on the eastern shore. They are required to have a bachelors to get hired and I believe are required to obtain their masters within 10 years. I have MANY family members who are local teachers. The issue that the teachers need to understand is that budgets have to be cut, their budget is by far not the only budget that's been cut. I don't know the specifics but I'd be willing to bet that the education budget took one of the lightest cuts because after all it's the education of our youth. Everyone has to tighten their purse strings, teachers are not exempt. My wife and I both have college degrees. My wife has a masters and works for the state, I have a bachelors and work for the county and both of us are paid less than a teacher with similar tenure, and we have only gotten similar cola raises and step raise to what teachers have gotten, less in fact.
Worcester county teachers earn less than Wicomico on average but the standards of schools and test results show the quality of the teachers. Also more Governor blue ribbon rated schools and higher graduation rates. So they made the contractual minimum obligation to start day, I doubt any of the trolls posting on here ever go into work early or stay late, or spend hours doing work at home, so go back to eating cheetos on your mom's couch.
Nice English. ...or lack of....
Good ridden? Your command of the English language is appalling.
Actually, the "good Riddens" comment came from a very highly educated person and actually North Carolina are turning out college-bound students.
"...and actually North Carolina are turning out college-bound students."
You sir/maam are one 'highly educated individual' as demonstrated by your righting!
5:27 pm. Love it! You are so right. And our poultry industry is the MAIN industry here. So while, this teacher who is supposed to be so-called "educated" could make such an ignorant comments...truly shows you where their ignorance lies.
The Eastern Shore would be ghost town with the poultry industry. So for her to make such a statement goes to show you. oh...and by the way Teacher. WE know who you are! You told everyone what you commented and stated. Hope the principal doesn't call you in his office in the am.....
I would have no problems teaching any of the stated subjects,just because your an teacher, does not give you a monopoly on teaching.
6:16..."righting"... Dear God....it's "writing".... Wow!! The ignorance continues!
and 5:50 pm. I bet you work all year around. They don't calculate these benefits into their salary. It makes perfect sense to me that anyone would.
When taking any job, one has to calculate the benefits into their position.
the comment "eat cheetos". She's probably eating them right now! hahahaha. What an idiot!!
So this teacher is looking down their nose at blue collar workers,yet wants US to give THEM more money? Maybe you should stop thinking so highly of yourself and pick up a hammer and earn an HONEST dollar.
What about all the "fog delays" hours off.... how about "snow days" they are also paid days off. I hardly know of any job that you still get paid when you don't work due to "bad weather days"
If you don't like your job so-called complaining, sense of entitlement teachers...QUIT!!!
As I read I am amazed at the vitriol in many responses from citizens and teachers alike. Teachers are underappreciated. It's a thankless job as proven by many of the comments on this page. Teacher's are no longer just educators to students. In many cases they have taken on the added responsibility of raising children. Do they deserve raises absolutely! Having said that there are many of us in the workforce who also deserve raises but as in recent years none will be forthcoming. I do not begrudge teachers for wanting a raise. Let's be honest we would all like to see a bump in our salaries. Many in the workforce are suffering because wages are no longer keeping up with the cost of living. In the meantime while everyone is getting "down and dirty slinging mud," the ones paying the price will be the students.
6:32 PM Well said!! It the hard-working American paying taxes for their salary.
Has anyone calculated the "entire cost" of a teacher in State of Md. This would include salary, benefits, holidays off, etc. What is the total cost of a teacher? What does it cost Taxpayers?
Ok, $5 x hour per kid, 20 kids a teaching period, 5 classes a day for high school. $500/day.
Sure you want to pay day care wages?
Oh get over it. First be glad you have a job with benefits. Second, thank the union for your troubles.
Actually I have a mandatory 104hrs of continuing education that I am required to do bi-annually in order to maintain my licenses to continue working in my profession. I do not get paid while attending any of these classes and I have to pay for them out of my pocket.
if Teachers aren't happy with their salary and they want to moan and groan...Quit! it's that simple
6:27 PM 'Dear God'...that was sarcasm, do you understand sarcasm?
Lol, a daycare WORKER makes less than $10/hr.
Two Points to make: classes for continuing education is over the internet. It's not something you have to go too. BUT IF YOU WANTED TO ATTEND IN PERSON FOR CONTINUING EDUCATIONAL CREDITS..try attending when you are given the "professional days" yet don't attend the conference. These conferences are actually free but guess what??? You have to attend. They just take the day off! There is your continuing educational credits. Try attending it next year!!!
This is nothing more than he has/she has. If you aren't pulling your share in society, move on. Don't blame it on entitlement.
Some chicken farmers make good money but it's hard work.
There are many jobs available in the WCBOE website. Knock yourself out
7:14 pm Apparently, you don't understand.
Seriously, is that what they wear to work! Is there no dress code??
How does students take education seriously, when their teachers dress that way??!! like they are at a backyard bbq !!
Are they wearing FLIP-FLOPS??!!!! What in the world!!!!! Oh that's a true professional! wow!
It serves no purpose, nor does it edify anyone by demeaning any person's honest profession. Far too many are just thankful to have a paying job, and a few people experience a paying job with benefits. That is what most people aspire to have. Meaningful employment and some level of security.
Can we not resort to name calling, and being so hate-filled?? Teachers I am sure are frustrated because of many factors, and other working professionals (whether the job is in the home, on the farm, or at a work complex) have just as many if not more frustrations.
The way to resolve this is to understand the economy is not good, and the long-term is not looking real good either. It is better to learn as Paul told us " I have learned to prosper in good times and in poor times". Perhaps, if we ALL would adopt this as our mantra, we might all survive and be willing to let go for now immediate gratification for a more long-term and lasting reward.
Thank you for your time.
Still NOT over the flip-flops and their choice of clothing for work!
Wasn't there an article written not too long ago about several Worcester County Board of Education employees making a ridiculous amount of money. It may have been published in the Daily Times. I was astonished that the principal of Snow Hill Elementary School made the type of salary she does. Dr or not - Mary Ann Cooper is rude, insecure, and in a position she frankly is not ready for. Dock some of her salary and hand it out to these teachers who are complaining. I'm sure you could cut some of those other big salaries and have enough to quiet the whines for a while. Stupid.
Fire them for doing their job and more? How many hours are you working on your own time for free?
If teachers have a union (locally and nationally) and they have a problem with the discipline of the students, then instead of complaining about money why don't they go on strike for the ability to have the students be made to behave.
5:27 what do you have? You state your family has this and that.... BTW, I am not teacher. You people whine and complain about every profession (cops/firemen/teachers/professors/doctors/lawyers) except when you need one. How many doctors or lawyers do you ever utilize that don't have multiple degrees? If you don't like paying taxes move to a state without them or lower ones than MD.
If this comment was made towards my comment about having a mandatory 104hr of continuing education classes bi-annually. Then you have the wrong profession. I am not a teacher, my continuing education classes are not online. They are legitimate in class only courses.
I am shocked at how they are dressed. It looks like they are going to the boardwalk or the grocery store. Flip flops, shorts and tennis shoes? Really?
Ebonics. I am black. Is that better for you? Idiot teacher. This is a blog site. Not a term paper!
Here we go. The only thing they can say is oh your spelling typing grammer blah blah...or you get a masters and apply. Your all pathetic. Did my missing comas make you cringe?
6:58
Your so smart your stupid there teach!
Every other year? Jesus Christ! The military doesn't even do that.
So do I. And I am a paramedic. Boo hoo!
You mean writing?
No we don't. Put that public official on blast!
OK. The movie the blind side was about you teachers.
Make them wear the exact uniforms their students wear.
I don't see a problem at this point , however , when that bell rings the teacher must be teaching . If the teacher is not performing the job she is paid to do , then he or she must be terminated from employment .
I fail to see that any educator in this state is under paid or over worked.
The condition of our young people going to school has dropped to an all time low. It surprises me that when they complete high school they are unable to write or talk correctly , their math skills suck also. Having said that , the people who are teaching better take a look at themselves . Your free ride is about to end !
What on earth does being black have to do with using proper English?
NREMT requires 72hrs bi-annually for paramedic, I was a paramedic for 12 years there slick.
8:45 AM
You are absolutely 100% correct! Part of the problem, Ebonics is not the solution...it was actually a big FAIL!
Still trying to figure out what 'riddens' are. :)
Better figure out why Professionals are dressed that way!! Embarrassing to say the least!!
Someone asked about "dress code" earlier in this blog!
Isn't there one, and if not, there needs to be!!!
Field Day people!
Regarding the "dress" of the teachers in the photo, did any of you scholars out there stop & consider that maybe, just maybe, the day the picture was taken was possibly an outside day, or play day for the students???
Probably not. Keep assuming...
12:36
Do you know that as fact or are you assuming? I checked their school calendar and nothing was mentioned. Field day looks like it is in June. So please tell me where you got your facts from.......unless you want to keep assuming....
12:36 I support you! And what does that matter. Those clothes aren't appropriate in any school setting, outing, etc. It is very, very unprofessional looking. You are on the clock ladies. T-shirts with advertisements on that, sloppy appearing. Where is that ever acceptable in a work place, let along a leadership position?!
I would hope to NEVER see a professional that way. It looks like they are going to a "Beer Fest" or something. Sloppy appearing is correct!!
And these are school teachers?? Hard to believe this. My teachers would NEVER let me see them in that attire. Lack of respect for the profession in my opinion.
In Schools, the usual world is nothing shorter than your hands by your side. Those shorts are awful short for any school setting or any professional setting.
instead of sitting in the parking lot until 8:20 am, maybe they should of spent that time grooming and wearing proper attire in our school systems.
So sloppy!!
Joe can you move this story back to the top. It is very hard to find.
5:50, I'm sorry but you are wrong. My work starts at 8:00 am each day, I arrive between 5:30 and 5:45 each day. My day ends at 5:00 pm but I'm lucky to get out by 5:30. I've been working at this job for 14 months and if I've taken 10 lunch breaks I'm overstating it. Yes, this is my choice and only my choice. I'm not complaining nor am I bragging, its just the facts. If I don't like what I'm doing I know the door swings both ways. Based on the minimum school days in MD (180) and the salary of a starting teacher in Worcester County ($42,433) based on a required 8 hour day this equals $29.47 per hour if it's a 7 hour day the hourly rate goes to $33.67. I'm sorry but this is a great stating wage for any college degreed person. Most don't start at this rate because they have to work a full 2080 hours annually (8 x 5 x 52) so even if they received a salary of $42,433 the hourly rate will only be $20.40. Makes no sense teachers complaining when they start right out of school making over 40% more then other newly college grads.
After reading...only one word comes to mind, hypocrite. The very same people that want their children to have a high quality education, yet bitching about how much they are over paid and lead such a great work/home life. My wife is an educator in Worcester County (highly respected and known by many) and quite honestly I've told her the pay is nowhere near the demands. All I can say is this...after not receiving a raise for many years, but the demands keep piling up, i think there's something to be said here. People should be embarrassed with their comments.
Spoiled babies!!!!!!!
No wonder the quality of education is lower than it could be. Maybe if the community actually supported education and the teachers our children would excel to higher levels. All if these negative comments are a disgrace. Quit bitching and get involved. There is nothing wrong with holding BOEs accountable for budgets and spending, but don't blame teachers for the decisions of the higher ups. The biggest mistakes teachers make is supporting the union.
12:08 What do you mean by "No wonder the quality of education is lower than it could be."
Worcester County has one of the highest rated systems in Maryland which is one of the highest rated states in the country. People have been supporting the system for years but at some point you have to support your own family and lifestyle and not worry about someone else.
11:15 If you think the pay doesn't equal the demands you should talk to some military members to realize how good you and your wife have it. Talk about high demands and long hours at low pay. Brings one word to my mind HYPOCRITE!!!
If we want our children to succeed they need proper education. To obtain this desired education we need qualified teachers. To have better teachers we need to pay for such accordingly. Its not hard to understand but hey I'm just a successful small businesses owner with no kids and republican so what do I know.
Let's stay on topic. The topic being teachers.
That is incorrect 12:08 pm. Community certainly does support education. You stating support education by increasing their salary, will make "kids smarter". That is basically what you are stating/saying. Speaking the truth is not negativism, it is speaking the facts that offends you!
The pay is certainly in the appropriate range. 180 days of work, great benefits for themselves and their families, no Summers, no weekends, fog delays, 6 sick days, personal days, etc etc.
To say that "work to rule" is justified is up to them. An enormous amount of Americans are "salaried" and they get paid x amount of money for the job. It is up to them to "be productive on the clock and use their time wisely". Time mangement is key to any salary position.
I'm still very upset that Teachers get "professional days" through out the year, but NEVER ATTEND these seminars. WHY IS THIS GIVEN. Yet, another day off paid!!
Why Mr. Frederickson, aren't teachers held accountable for "professional days". WCBOE should mandate attendance for these days!
Another point, in my high schools, we never had "Teacher's Assistants". Now, it seems that MAJORITY of teachers have them. Wow!!
1:26 pm. Are you saying the current teachers are not high quality teachers due to their pay?
1:26 How did the world make it to the 20th century without any of those things? Knowledge and success comes from the desire to learn not the ability to teach.
I think the decision has been made. Enough said! I truly believe if our children's current education was so great, a raise would have been given. Every day salary and sales employees have to meet their "quota". I believe the quota wasn't and hasn't been met.
We should pay (somewhat form of consideration) of the outcomes. Not entirely, but outcomes certainly should be a part of the raises.
And I believe when raises are given for performance, that doesn't mean ALL teachers. Only the teachers that have met their performance, meaning children are performing at a higher than average level.
Maybe these incentives, would give teachers more encouragement to teach accordingly. Sales personnel are paid for their performances.
And you should work on your own time. Your on a salary and all the time off you get we deserve our moneys worth.
A good teacher with a degree would know that Ebonics is considered proper English.
I am jealous. If I fail making burgers as required so many times I'd lose my job. Only people in the world that can suck at their jobs and keep them.
The comment was geared towards paying for my own recerts there bud. I work for a private company. Slick enough for ya?
And requires 24/7 a week. When birds in house. And have a better success rate of raising chickens then you teachers do educating children.
No teacher is in school at 5:45 am. Never happened. I quit reading after your lie.
Boohoo!
Going to have to live off 55g instead of 56
Entitlement ... since when does a Bachelors in Education provide the hubris to do as one desires?
Their Labor Unions are trying to get Waiters and Fry cooks 15$ an hour
So a teacher making $30K for 30 hours work a week for 36 weeks a year...
By my crude non Common-Core Math that is almost 28$ an hour.
They should work at Burger King the other 16 weeks a year to gain a sense of relativity regarding both their true worth and the people they produce
3:00 PM
When did Ebonics become 'proper English'?? Just curious
So true 3:11pm. Never ever Have ever seen that either! Do teachers understand "salary"???
Makes you wonder if they understand that term! It is purely a self-motivated, time management position. Maybe instead of taking the day off for "professional days", actually should be made to attend a Seminar instead of staying home!
I hear this all the time from my teacher friends that they get "professional days" but never show up. They use this day for leisure!
Its not about appreciation of teachers its about tax dollars not coming in because workers are coming up short out here.
I used to be one of you guys. The ones who argue that teachers get paid for working only 9 months a year, etc.. But now that I have had an opportunity to see first hand the fact that they work until 8:00 most nights developing lesson plans, grading papers, going shopping for their students and buying supplies with their own money......I don't bitch any more. I keep my mouth shut and am thankful there are ppl who are dedicated enough to do such a thankless job for a lot less per hour than most think.
Teachers should choose that profession because they WANT to teach.
After that, the problems I see are Common Core and No Child Left Behind.
Teachers should plan lessons and teach, not do paperwork for administrators and the State and Federal government. And if students are a problem, get them out of the classroom and into a special school that can exercise discipline or send them to jail if parents oppose consequences for bad behavior.
Remember when teachers actually had to work a job in the summer to make ends meet? Teachers are in a much better position pay wise now then they were in the 60's and 70's and the work was just as hard then and you didn't see or hear the teachers bellyaching and crying the blues.
I don't think any actual teachers commented thus far.Just people pretending to be teachers for some unknown reason.
Everyone is missing the point. When is it acceptable for these people to get a pay raise? It's been years.
Like Obama told you, "elections have consequences".
The economy is not good Obama did build that.
3:11, I never said I was a teacher I said "my work starts" at 8:00 am. I work a regular job just like most people. Teachers are high paid babysitters, fortunately it isn't of their being. It's the federal government, the state government and the BOE who are at fault. I truly believe teachers became teachers to teach our kids to be prepared for what's ahead of them in life. But "we" yes I said we; have allowed our government to dictate to us how the kids will be taught. Shame on us!! Not the teachers, they just follow what they are told. I personally would be happy to give all teachers a 25% raise if they were really allowed to teach and not have to deal with the disruptive kids they have, the kids that have no respect for their elders (parents have allowed these kids to be this way) and the kids who don't want to learn. Get rid of all this and the teachers can and will teach the kids who want to learn.
And what would you do with your kids for 6 months home school them and quit your job.
Work 180 days a year, SALARIED position. No weekends, no holidays, Monday thru Friday only, no evening, no nights. 2 weeks off for Christmas, fog delays, 6 days paid sick leave, plus personal days off, professional days off paid in full, Off ALLLLLLLLL SUMMER LONG!!!
HEALTH benefits for the employee and family!! No deductible (which is unheard of in today's Obama Care)........... Starting salary 45,000 a year. That's just starting salary, new graduate.
Sign us all up!!!!!!
Teachers are complaining about not getting a rise. I find that ridiculous, if they want to earn money then why do they become teachers. If they wanted to educate others with good pay becoming a professor is the better choice. Also have they looked at some of the pay in this area for teachers because they are way higher than the quality of some of them. I probably had 60 different teachers and I actually liked around 16 of them. Most of them doesn't even care to teach and that was before the 2008 recession. It was not fun learning algebra by filling out packets without being taught anything and getting Cs in there while the teacher is literary eating cookies. For those people who says I wouldn't understand how hard it's to be a teacher I have at least 8 close family members who are/were teachers.
Last twenty years. Wake up!
For those of you focused on fashion - the teachers in question are dressed for a field trip to the zoo.
Teachers in Worcester county have a 188 day school year.
In the case of insurance, there is a deductible. Some teachers choose to use their spouse's insurance, as it is better.
Teachers will be "making up" snow days with students.
In Worcester County, attendance is taken for professional days. It would be challenging to skip out, as most sessions are small group. A lesson plan is also left for the substitute during the teacher's absence. This plan can take up to two hours to prepare, and is usually done in the evenings.
There are some evenings involved. Did you enjoy all of the proms, high school graduations, after school information programs for parents? Those were all things completed during volunteer hours by teachers.
How many of you buy books for your office? Staplers, tape, construction paper, posters, etc?
No, these teachers aren't wanting more...they are asking for what was promised.
10:56 pm.
1. How many days are you off for Christmas?
2. How many days are you off for Thanksgiving?
3. How many days (weeks in a row)are you off for the Summer?
4. Your retirement? Full retirement?
5. Does all teachers now have Assistants?
6. What is deductible? Pretty sure you don't have one. Hospital RN first year (people lives on in their hands just in case you didn't know that) They have 2000.00 deductible with starting salary lower than teachers.
Fact: They work weekends, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc. And all Summers. NOT A SALARY POSITION. They have to drive in Blizzards, fogs, etc... This is not an option for them
Looking at the comparison, pretty sure you all better be careful of your belly aching.
And, as far as the dress code. That sloppiness should NEVER BE ALLOWED IN A PROFESSIONAL SETTTING. It looks like all that is left that is needed is a couple of kegs of beer. Looks like going to a beer, drunk fest.
SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED THAT ENTIRE IN A WORK SETTING rather If it was or wasn't a field day. Which I don't believe it was.
10:56 get in line with the empty promises of Government. No revenue- no raises. While the average salary has been distorted - this is a public issue and the public has every right to weigh in.
The hyperbole of projecting a Teacher's career as some sort of sacrifice is laughable. Tenured teachers and obviously these Teachers are the first to tell you what their job is not. That is what happens, it's the cost of diminishing risk for Job Security. A 10% raise for all means a lot more for the entrenched than the entry level.. tell the truth.
Instead of yearly pay raises and step increases there should be a set standard pay table with longevity increases with yearly bonuses based on performance.
you people are nuts. these are the people who teach your children. these are step raises that are in there contract. you bunch of uneducated losers could not last 5 mins in a classroom with your disrespectful brats. We make them behave and get good grades.
why do people use children as a "pawn". I see it all around, using children as a pawn to get what they selfishly want. AS far as 1:05 pm, if you mam or sir is a school teacher with that tone, you should be reported. "uneducated losers" and "disrespectful brats". What is that type of language and tone, no wonder why you dress the way you do to go to work. You seem to be the uneducated and low class one. And you want a raise??? No wonder they didn't give it to you.
1:05
I sure hope you are not teaching any children. While you call others uneducated you seem to not know how to start a sentence or the difference between there and their.
I agree 1:05 pm!! Very uneducated. Maybe that's why our children are failing to meet the basic standards!
For clarification, no one is asking for a "raise." The proposal is simply for a "salary step." A raise would indicate that salaries are being increased at a particular step, this is not the case. Teachers in Worcester County are simply requesting a salary step in recognition for their additional year(s) of teaching experience. The steps are mapped out over a teacher's career in the teaching contract. Most Worcester County teachers will be 4 steps behind at the start of the next school year. County employees do have a deductible with their insurance. Many teachers work upwards of 60 hours per week. Many teachers teach the merits of "blue collar" and agricultural careers. MD teacher retirement is FAR from "full retirement" and is funded largely from mandatory contributions of 7%.
P.S. Many teachers wear a shirt and tie every day.
10:56 pm. Is this misunderstood?? Snow days that counties are making up are not "full work days". They are only half days...Wow, that must be a struggle for you to get paid for a whole day that you didn't work.
I would love that job!!! Yet another benefit for Teachers!
You knew that when you signed up to educate. If the funds allow, then it happens... If there are no funds, then it doesn't happen!
That part of the great benefits. Would you rather work 260 days a year, rather then 188? That's what Americans do! Salaried employees know this that you do what it takes to get the job done. Yet, most salaried employees aren't off 2 weeks for Christmas, every holiday, no weekends, no call, Straight 2-3 months off in the Summer, etc etc.
You knew that when you signed up to educate. If the funds allow, then it happens... If there are no funds, then it doesn't happen!
That part of the great benefits. Would you rather work 260 days a year, rather then 188? That's what Americans do! Salaried employees know this that you do what it takes to get the job done. Yet, most salaried employees aren't off 2 weeks for Christmas, every holiday, no weekends, no call, Straight 2-3 months off in the Summer, etc etc.
Correct, that is part of a salaried position, no one is denying that. The point is that it is wrong to assume that teachers simply work 8:00-3:00 and call it a day. Most employees, whether in the public or private sector, would expect a slight increase in pay over time, as work loads, demands, and expectations increase, even if that were simply a cost of living adjustment. There are justifiable opinions on both sides, but attacking an entire profession is folly. Teachers are justified to be disgruntled when these moderate salary steps have not been honored 4 out of the last 6 years. As for working 260 days per year as "Americans" do,I am well aware of the American work ethic. Many teachers work evening and weekend jobs, not to mention summer employment, as a means to offset reduced incomes. I don't understand your anger towards Christmas and summer breaks. Would you prefer year-round schooling with its increased associated costs and tax requirements?
No one is angry regarding Teachers having off All those Holidays. Merely stating the facts and that counts for benefits. That has to be attractive to anyone, so one must consider that as a HUGE benefit. There is a monumental factor for that. That has to be worth alot NOT to have to work major holidays, let alone off weeks for holidays and months for the Summer. Plus, benefit that snow days, fog delays, dangerous weather, school is either postponed or canceled. Another great benefit, when most Americans still have to travel in harmful weather. For example, employees of a hospital. The sick still needs to be taken care of and they must report to do so.
Anyone should factor all that into any position. Why are there still sour grapes for teachers, you should be very thankful for GREAT benefits that you are afforded.
8 to 3 is only 7 hours, plus they eat lunch during this time. So, are they only working 7 or 6.5 hours a day. That's only 35 hours a week max, and if you take 1/2 hour out for lunch, it's only 32.5 hours a week.
So, it's not a full 40 hour work week?
I ask the teachers, would you rather have a pay increase and work thru the Summer and Holidays?
I leave my house at 6:10 and arrive home between 5:30 and 6 on average, often times later, and I get 22 minutes for lunch. All of these things are separate issues. If you're advocating that teachers are overpaid, then sobeit. The issue at hand is that teachers in Worcester County are disgruntled that they are not receiving a step for a 4th year in the last 6, yet the demands of their job continue to increase. I suppose everyone is entitled to their opinion, but unless you are a Worcester resident, this doesn't affect you since 90% of the Worcester County school budget is locally funded. Wicomico County receives much larger state and federal subsidies and teachers in Wicomico County have continued to receive salary steps. Does your animosity towards the benefits and salaries of teachers extend to them as well?
P.S. snow days are made up as full days, they are not paid days off.
9:51.....
1. How many days are you off for Christmas? Me,personally, or teachers? It depends on the calendar year for teachers.
2. How many days are you off for Thanksgiving? Teachers have 2-3
3. How many days (weeks in a row)are you off for the Summer? Depends on summer school and continuing education. Professional development in the summer is paid, but just a percentage of a school day. Sometimes credits for continued certification are received instead of money. Are you asking off from teaching, or additional jobs to make ends meet?
4. Your retirement? Full retirement? Retirement is deducted from pay, not a full ride as many think.
5. Does all teachers now have Assistants? No, absolutely not.
6. What is deductible? Pretty sure you don't have one. Hospital RN first year (people lives on in their hands just in case you didn't know that) They have 2000.00 deductible with starting salary lower than teachers. Me, personally, or teachers?
Fact: They work weekends, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc. And all Summers. NOT A SALARY POSITION. They have to drive in Blizzards, fogs, etc... This is not an option for them
Looking at the comparison, pretty sure you all better be careful of your belly aching.
And I hope a nurse would stand up, too, if a nurse was given a plan over six years of how their salary will increase, but the employer only grants one year. Not sure anyone is asking for a nurses salary, just the pay scale agreed upon when hired.
And, as far as the dress code. That sloppiness should NEVER BE ALLOWED IN A PROFESSIONAL SETTTING. It looks like all that is left that is needed is a couple of kegs of beer. Looks like going to a beer, drunk fest.
SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED THAT ENTIRE IN A WORK SETTING rather If it was or wasn't a field day. Which I don't believe it
Many parents do not have issue with teachers dressed to move for a field trip to a zoo with kindergarteners.
2:39
Half days are half days for students. Teachers remain at school for the full day (and then some).
The hypocrisy on this website is ridiculous. First of all if you think a teacher works 8-3 everyday, punches the clock, and goes home then you do not live in the real world. How about grading papers, tests, continuing education, after school programs so your child does not have to go home with no one to watch them until you get off work. There is also a thing called "summer school", where teachers actually help watch your kids during the summer so you can work while educating them. There are also conferences to go to, so the list doesn't end at 3pm on any given day. To think this is to be completely naïve. They also have to deal with being harassed because your child does not know how to behave, then having to deal with lawsuits because of it. You ask a teacher to mold your child's mind, to help them become a better human being then you want to act as if its ridiculous to want a raise that THEY ARE DUE, yet the school can not find the budget. It is funny they can continue to pop out new schools left and right meanwhile. but I will go back to sipping on my tea, read a book people.
None of you would go home and complain if your boss promised you a raise and when that time came they said, "Sorry can't find the money." Yep, all of you great Samaritans would love that.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
IF teachers "got it so bad"...They why don't they act like they ever want to retire!! Come on!! They stay and stay and stay.... Must got it pretty good! Look at Ronald Willey.....He will never leave. Too Cushy of a job!
I would love to work for 9 months out of the year, get off 2 weeks for Christmas, Thanksgiving, No holidays whatsoever, no weekends.... Great benefits...no deductible on their health insurance. Wow! and they still want more!!!
May 27, 2015 at 4:30 PM
That is probably because they can not afford to idiot.
Again, there is no "raise" being proposed, simply a salary step. If a 1% cost of living adjustment is too much to ask for, a raise would be beyond their wildest dreams.
"...but unless you are a Worcester resident, this doesn't affect you since 90% of the Worcester County school budget is locally funded."
This is not a very intelligent comment. Since the majority of the schools budget comes from property tax and a majority of the property tax money comes from property in OC then obviously your statement is a blatant lie since most of the property in OC is not owned by residents of the county.
wicomico teachers will work to rule. Schools would fall apart, parents would cry, nothing would get done
Can you tell me Joe... Why Teachers are asking students to return their books in ??? We still have 3 weeks of school left. They have already asked my child to turn his books in as "we won't be needing them".
I hope they do stop working. Honestly, Teachers do not get the respect they are due. When you start having to worry about where your child is while you are at work, then maybe you will take them more seriously. Its absolutely ridiculous to think they should just keep their heads down and work while they get stiffed every year on an increase in income. It is a contractual agreement, therefore it is not a raise. yes, but please teachers keep taking on more responsibilities without any compensation, isn't it the right thing to do? You people are a joke.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
"...but unless you are a Worcester resident, this doesn't affect you since 90% of the Worcester County school budget is locally funded."
This is not a very intelligent comment. Since the majority of the schools budget comes from property tax and a majority of the property tax money comes from property in OC then obviously your statement is a blatant lie since most of the property in OC is not owned by residents of the county.
June 1, 2015 at 6:17 PM
And this would be a classic "over-generalization", which is also not a very intelligent argument...
As I said, LOCAL taxes. County property taxes would be considered local taxes. Worcester County gets only about 15% of its budget from state and federal sources. MUCH less than Wicomico. Perhaps I should have said "Worcester County property owner" instead of resident. So, this is in fact an accurate statement.
And by local property taxes I mean county taxes, last I checked Ocean City lies within Worcester County. This, I do not believe is a lie. Again, point being, if you aren't a Wor. Co. property owner, this really doesn't affect you.
2:17 said: "And this would be a classic "over-generalization", which is also not a very intelligent argument..."
Well here are some facts not generalizations for you.
From various Official County sources:
Percentage of budget from property tax - 69.8%
Percentage of budget for BOE - 51.1%
Total County assessable tax base $15.5 billion total $12.7 billion residential
OC assessable tax base $8.4 billion
Baskerville said there are 2,417 homeowners who now take advantage of the Homestead Property Tax Credit, for which they must apply through the state. Tax rolls as of July 1 show a total of about 32,600 properties in Ocean City. Roughly 90 percent of resort homes are not owner-occupied.
So lets look at my statement:
Since the majority of the schools budget comes from property tax (TRUE - 69%) and a majority of the property tax money comes from property in OC (TRUE - $8.4B of $15.5B or 54%) then obviously your statement is a blatant lie since most of the property in OC is not owned by residents of the county (TRUE - 90 percent of resort homes are not owner-occupied). Although I don't have a breakdown of how many homes in OC are owned by Worcester County residents, from my own experience it can't be more than 10-15%. After all they don't call the Little Salisbury subdivision that because the owners are from Snow Hill.
If any one was over generalizing it is you. Next time bring a real argument.
3:39 You sound like Clinton or Obama. What you are saying is "I really didn't mean what I said, I meant to say this instead, so you can't say that I'm wrong just because I can't accurately state what I mean to say."
No wonder this generation is pathetic. Now that is truly a generalization.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
And by local property taxes I mean county taxes, last I checked Ocean City lies within Worcester County. This, I do not believe is a lie. Again, point being, if you aren't a Wor. Co. property owner, this really doesn't affect you.
June 2, 2015 at 3:41 PM
Anonymous Anonymous said...
2:17 said: "And this would be a classic "over-generalization", which is also not a very intelligent argument..."
Well here are some facts not generalizations for you.
From various Official County sources:
Percentage of budget from property tax - 69.8%
Percentage of budget for BOE - 51.1%
Total County assessable tax base $15.5 billion total $12.7 billion residential
OC assessable tax base $8.4 billion
Baskerville said there are 2,417 homeowners who now take advantage of the Homestead Property Tax Credit, for which they must apply through the state. Tax rolls as of July 1 show a total of about 32,600 properties in Ocean City. Roughly 90 percent of resort homes are not owner-occupied.
So lets look at my statement:
Since the majority of the schools budget comes from property tax (TRUE - 69%) and a majority of the property tax money comes from property in OC (TRUE - $8.4B of $15.5B or 54%) then obviously your statement is a blatant lie since most of the property in OC is not owned by residents of the county (TRUE - 90 percent of resort homes are not owner-occupied). Although I don't have a breakdown of how many homes in OC are owned by Worcester County residents, from my own experience it can't be more than 10-15%. After all they don't call the Little Salisbury subdivision that because the owners are from Snow Hill.
If any one was over generalizing it is you. Next time bring a real argument.
So you post all of those statistics only to base your argument that 90% of the properties non-owner occupied have to owned by people that do not live in Worcester County because "in your own experience only 10-15 % are owned by Worcester County residents." I guess we will just have to take your word for that, huh?
11:49 No you don't have to believe me. If you don't then do your own research and prove me wrong. Come back with a real argument instead of blathering on.
Lacking actual data one can use other data to reasonably calculate the probability of ownership.
As noted above OC has around 32,000 residences with a population around according to the 2010 census 7500 people. Less than 3,000 residences are owner occupied. Worcester County has a population around 51,500. This means there are 44,000 non OC residents in WC broken down into less than 20,000 households. Using a very generous rate of 25% of those households owning a 2nd home in OC would equal 5,000 OC residences non owner occupied owned by WC residents. Added to the 3000 owner occupied residences equals 8,000 residences or 25% of OC properties owned by WC residents.
So IRT your question ," I guess we will just have to take your word for that, huh?", my answer is YES. Unless you can provide evidence that my calculations and assumptions (yes I know what it means to assume) are incorrect. My original statement said that the majority of OC residences were not owned by WC residents. For me to be wrong in that statement over half of the households in WC would have to own a second residence in OC. Personally I don't know even 30 people in Pocomoke that own a place in OC.
By the way this is an example of critical thinking that is supposed to be taught in schools now.
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