All of these school threads

[Galahad]

Hmmm, trying to dictate to the teacher what, or how they should teach? Or what special priveleges one's child should get over the other children?

Yes, I'm sure you would never do this. But some volunteers do cross the line and try to take over. Parents should be welcome and invited in into the class to "assist" but there should be boundaries.

My DD was in a montessori style classroom within the public schools for 1-3 grade and the parents had to volunteer so many hours each month. I saw many parents cross the line into demanding special favors for their kids, trying to tell the teacher how she should teach, etc. That is my definition of micromanaging.

Satisified?

Sure. I absolutely agree with all of that. I've just heard a lot of teacher get insulted at the mere notion that they have any accountability to the parents of their students. That doesn't sound like what you're saying at all.

 

[chobie]

Sure. I absolutely agree with all of that. I've just heard a lot of teacher get insulted at the mere notion that they have any accountability to the parents of their students. That doesn't sound like what you're saying at all.

Yes, but they might be reacting that way from having dealt with one too many of the micromanagers.

Otherwise, there probably are some teachers with that attitude and that is not right. I think in most cases, it is in the teacher's best interest to have parents in the classroom. Often parents change how they view the job of teaching, realize how hard it can be and become effective advocates for teachers and education after having "walked a mile in the teacher's shoes."

 

[soccerchick]

Maybe... but starting salary isn't always a fair comparison. What about a teacher with 10 years of experience compared to an engineer with the same experience

You are exactly right. A lot of the budget emphasis around here is attracting those new teachers. In our metro area getting teaches period is very competitive. The starting salaries at all the big school districts are at or slightly above $40,000. However, look at the scales 5 years, 10 years, 15 years down the line and you'll see a big gap opening up. There are also no bonuses or stock options in teaching. I have a friend whose year end bonuses are more than I make in a year (part-time).But that's okay, my family gets REALLY nice Christmas presents from him

 

[MinnieM3]

Why do all you people that are teachers do it then? You all seem so unhappy. You have to have known what it was like when you went into it.

I think it's a great job for a mother or wife that isn't a bread winner. I am our school a lot. I know many teachers in our school that think it's a great job with good pay.
Our teachers do get the 25 minute lunch break, the lunch lady walks them to back to class. They also get time when the kids are at their specials.

Personally I'm glad I never went into teaching, just because I lack the patience. I started out going for it and ended up in hospitality.

I can give you a huge list of bad things about that field too!! Once our events start, there is no bathroom break or food break or anything and it could be hours! I'm sure everyone can give a list of negatives for their job. But what about the good stuff?

Actually I think most of us *have* stated how much we love our jobs. We love what we do.....we don't love the pay and the lack of respect for our profession.

 

[disney junky]

Hang out here on the boards and you're bound to get a bit defensive.

Don't hate it, but some days I do.

I get paid fine and was the only breadwinner for a lot of years while my wife was a SAHM. Didn't go out much. Coached, worked in the summer, ran the scoreboard, anything for a couple extra bucks. Never complained either.

It was a great time for the family. We made fun. Some of the fondest memories were going to the drive-in, taking our own food and watching the movies.

Most of the kids coming out of our public schools are wonderful, respectful, hardworking kids. They will become successful. Focus on them, not the exceptions. I do. My definition of success has no bearing on theirs. If they are happy doing what they choose to do, they are successful, whether that be work, college, grad school, raising a family.

Teaching isn't rocket science. I know that. Some of the smartest kids I know did poorly in my class because it didn't matter to them. The kids that do the best are the ones who care about grades, and not what they learn. I try to teach them to get past that. Sometimes it works.

In the last 5 years I have seen two students commit suicide. One was brilliant but troubled, the other just troubled. What's my point? They don't teach us how to deal with that stuff in teacher college. Could I have done anything to help these kids? I'll never know. We don't just communicate facts. We are given what the parents send us and most of us do the best we can. How important was English class and grades to these two kids? I suspect not very.

For years people have been trying to compare industry and education, teachers to other professionals, students to the product of a company. It just doesn't work. There is no magic formula.

When I first taught, I thought I knew it all. I had all the answers. After 24 years, I don't know much at all, but I am a lot wiser. Losing a couple students offers a bit more perspective.

Work with your teachers. We are an odd bunch with our own little nuances and indiosyncrasies. But I think on a good day, the majority of us do the best we can.

Hug your kids.