teacher myths

[grafxgirl]

How would they not qualify for a 260K house? What kind of money do you think you need to make to pay for a house of that price? I only ask because we have friends who make about 70K as a household and, 2 years ago, purchased a house for about 300K. They pay their mortgage comfortably and still have plenty left over for savings.

Can we say credit card debt or interest only loan?

 

[HsvTeacher]

That was a good one! I remember asking one poster if she thought I was going to stand on the corner and sell the supplies or something What do I want with 20 bottles of hand sanitizer and 40 boxes of tissues? We go through them all too, and the kids are healthier for having those things.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

There are two going on right now on the community board....The Twinkle Toes thread and the why does my child's school assume I'm a SAHM thread.

Over on the budget board, there was a gripe session a couple of weeks ago about the teacher-led conspiracy over school supplies and how we hoard tissues to wipe our own noses and never let the kids use them.

Then, there are always the "Can I take my child out of school?" threads that turn into teacher-bashing. I have read two of those in the past few days.

Take a look around, and you'll find plenty of threads.

I haven't read the twinkle toes one for a week or so. Its just plain ridiculous.
And as far as the SAHM thread, I didn't post on that one but it does annoy me also that all PTA meetings, teacher conferences, and informational meetings are all during the day. I work too, thank goodness only part-time so I can take time off usually when I need to, but I do feel sorry for the full-time working parents whos schedules aren't as flexible.

As far as school supply hoarding, thats just plain crazy too.

And as I stated, here's another to add to the drama.

 

[MiniGirl]

Well, I did not read the thread on the Budget Board, so I can't speak to that one. I have seen the other threads though, and I didn't see them as teacher bashing threads. I see many/most of these threads more as bashing the "system" not the teachers. Let's face it. The system is not perfect and there is plenty of room for improvement. I think the vast majority of people realize that teachers are doing the best jobs they can in a flawed system. Most people realize that teachers work hard and take their jobs seriously. I also don't think people begrudge teachers the salaries they make. Even on this thread, the comments I have read about salaries are that they shouldn't continue to go up and up when the people in the tax base that pays the salaries are taking pay cuts.

And for what it is worth I have seen plenty of threads bemoaning the high cost of other services.

Also, I don't think anyone has said that teachers get all that time off with pay. Only that you get time off, and you do. Those of you who have shared your schedules are getting 2 months off in the summer and all major holidays. Not a bad deal at all. My husband hired on with his company in 1986 and still can't hold Christmas off. We'd love an unpaid vacation over the holidays, but that just isn't in the cards right now. It's okay though because there are other good things about the job that make it worth it. Just as many of my teacher friends say there are enough good things about the job that outweigh the negatives.

Also, I understand that many teachers spend their own money on supplies, etc. I also understand that there is a lot of time put in outside the classroom. (My mom taught for over 25 years, so I saw a lot of it growing up.) However, neither of those things are uncommon among professionals, and yes, I see teachers as professionals. I appreciate the money you spend and the time your job does take away from your family, but those are not exclusive to teachers. We spend money on supplies my dh needs for his job that is not reimbursed by his company, and he spends days away from home on FAA mandated recurrent training and other training which is often unpaid.

I will also say this...... I was priviledged to have some amazing teachers when I was a kid. Some of them could make the most mundane subjects just come alive, but you know what? They didn't have an education degree or any degree at all. This was quite a few years ago at a little church school. When the state started requiring all teachers to have a degree, many of these wonderful teachers lost their jobs. Also, the only teacher I had in high school with a PhD was my worst teacher ever. I love history, yet Dr, Hamilton managed to suck all the enjoyment out of that subject. Seriously. American History. Until I had him, I didn't know it was even possible to make history boring. So, while I do understand the importance of a degree, I do not think that is what makes a great teacher. I think those truly remarkable teachers are instinctive. They just know how to relate to their students. I don't think that quality can be taught. So, yeah. not everyone can step into a classroom and teach, but I also don't think you can teach ONLY if you have a degree.

 

[grafxgirl]

And you did understand that when you took the job, right?

Yes, it just seems like people making the statements like "teachers make X amount of money for only working 9 months is pretty darn good money and it equals a salary of a person making X amount of money for 12 months" doesn't really understand that's not how it works. Where do they think the money comes from for those 2 or 3 months teachers are not working? From a magical tree in the back yard? I didn't become a teacher for money, I wanted the convenience of being on a similar schedule to my own 2 children.

For example this statement on another thread:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tinkermommy

But many compare their salaries to people who work a full year round job. That's why people point to the significant amount of time off that a teacher gets. You also have the opportunity during that period to earn additional income if you so choose.

So a $40,000 job that works for 186 is paid at the same daily rate as a 12 month job (260 days) that is paid at $55K.

The fact is your being paid a wage for 186 days when most people work 260. You get good benefits for the most part as well.

I don't think a teachers job is easy but it's also not the hardest job in the world either or so many wouldn't choose it.

Teachers may get paid for 10 months, but they have to stretch that salary out for an extra 2 months. They have to figure out how to make that 40,000 dollars last for an extra 2 months out of the year, not just the 10 months they are working. A person who works for 12 months gets paid the entire twelve months, they don't have to figure out how to stretch their salary, so in reality a teacher is really making less. If I use Tinkermommy's math concept, a person making 55K over a period of 260 days is making 211.53 per day. If a person making 40K over a period of 260 days is making 153.84 per day. That's actually 57.69 less per day.

 

[Scurvy]

You do understand that the money made during the 9 months of work has to stretch out for a total of 12 months, right?

The thing I always find funny is that there are lots of people who get paid for 12 months of work and get almost as much time off as teachers do. I know people who get 2 months of paid vacation time (not even including paid holidays), and I know teachers who at most get 2 months off for the summer. And I don't know any teachers who actually get that whole 2 months off; there are always mandatory school events during that time. Somehow all the people who carry on about the "9 month job" ignore that most 12 month jobs don't actually work that whole time, either. Of course teachers do get those 3 personal days, so maybe that counts as their paid vacation.

 

[HsvTeacher]

I haven't read the twinkle toes one for a week or so. Its just plain ridiculous.
And as far as the SAHM thread, I didn't post on that one but it does annoy me also that all PTA meetings, teacher conferences, and informational meetings are all during the day. I work too, thank goodness only part-time so I can take time off usually when I need to, but I do feel sorry for the full-time working parents whos schedules aren't as flexible.

As far as school supply hoarding, thats just plain crazy too.

And as I stated, here's another to add to the drama.

I think the frustration that we, as teachers, are feeling is that people "think" they know what goes on in every school across the country and make broad statements based on what they "think" are facts. Just because a person went to school when they were younger or have/had children in schools does not an expert make.

FWIW, in my school, PTA meetings, conferences, and other meetings are scheduled after school hours. I bend over backwards, often sacrificing my family time, to accommodate parents.

 

[Acklander]

The thing I always find funny is that there are lots of people who get paid for 12 months of work and get almost as much time off as teachers do. I know people who get 2 months of paid vacation time (not even including paid holidays), and I know teachers who at most get 2 months off for the summer. And I don't know any teachers who actually get that whole 2 months off; there are always mandatory school events during that time. Somehow all the people who carry on about the "9 month job" ignore that most 12 month jobs don't actually work that whole time, either. Of course teachers do get those 3 personal days, so maybe that counts as their paid vacation.

Just curious, where are the lots of people who are getting 2 months paid vacation and what do they do???? I have never heard of this, in this country and while I've always said "never say never" I can't believe there are "lots" of people out there with 2 months paid time off.

 

[DawnM]

I had something typed up, but honestly, it isn't worth it.

Parents, the truth is, I like your kids. I like them so much that I made a choice to work with them all day long every day. The only thing I don't do well with is demanding parents. Thankfully, in real life, I don't have nearly the attitudes from parents as seen here on the DIS. Most parents are great and thankful and helpful. I teach high school.

Dawn

 

[HsvTeacher]

Just curious, where are the lots of people who are getting 2 months paid vacation and what do they do???? I have never heard of this, in this country and while I've always said "never say never" I can't believe there are "lots" of people out there with 2 months paid time off.

My DH and I know several people, mostly civil servants and government/military contractors, who get weeks upon weeks of paid vacations. (And yes, some of them get eight weeks or more.) Since Scurvy lives in the same city I do, I'm sure she knows people who also work at the same places.

 

[Toad_Passenger]

]I think the frustration that we, as teachers, are feeling is that people "think" they know what goes on in every school across the country[/B] and make broad statements based on what they "think" are facts. Just because a person went to school when they were younger or have/had children in schools does not an expert make.

FWIW, in my school, PTA meetings, conferences, and other meetings are scheduled after school hours. I bend over backwards, often sacrificing my family time, to accommodate parents.

And that is why I, as a parent/taxpayer, get a little frustrated with a thread like this one.

It was started to dispel "myths" about teachers, but, in truth, what is a "myth" in one area, is the 100% "truth" in another part of the country. So there really isn't any mythbusting going on in here, as we've seen various examples from various necks of the woods showing otherwise.

A PP said it best. The teachers do take the brunt of the storms, but that is because, at this point, the public education system is broken, and, unfortunately for the teachers, they are the ones who are on the front line. Believe me, the administrators like it that way, too, so they are in no hurry to change things.

 

[DawnM]

My husband (accountant in the corporate "real" world) gets 4 full weeks of paid vacation and that doesn't include sick days. However, if he doesn't use them all, he can let them accumulate and have more weeks the next year.

He currently has about 6-7 weeks saved up.

Dawn

My DH and I know several people, mostly civil servants and government/military contractors, who get weeks upon weeks of paid vacations. (And yes, some of them get eight weeks or more.) Since Scurvy lives in the same city I do, I'm sure she knows people who also work at the same places.

 

[Acklander]

It was started to dispel "myths" about teachers, but, in truth, what is a "myth" in one area, is the 100% "truth" in another part of the country. So there really isn't any mythbusting going on in here, as we've seen various examples from various necks of the woods showing otherwise.

True enough. There's always going to be variables that are different from school to school, and state to state.

And whenever I see threads like this it makes me want to start a thread titled "Working in the private sector myths for school teachers" For example, I don't get a paid or unpaid lunch break in order to go on errands, I'm usually working from morning till night and will eat a sandwich or bag of chips or something while at my desk. I also take continuing education classes, at my own expense, on my own time, dealing with tax laws. I buy supplies, I go in early when needed, and I stay late when needed. It's part of the job, and why I'm good at it. My pay varies quite a bit from season to season, and I budget accordingly. I'm the one you make fun of at Disney World when you see me on my cell phone talking business while on vacation. I'm available 24/7 and if I didn't take the calls I wouldn't have a job. I love my job - yes, there are times of stress, or difficult clients, and challenges; but I'm able to work through them. I truly enjoy it, if I didn't, I wouldn't do it.

 

[golfgal]

Just curious, where are the lots of people who are getting 2 months paid vacation and what do they do???? I have never heard of this, in this country and while I've always said "never say never" I can't believe there are "lots" of people out there with 2 months paid time off.

My Dh got 5 weeks of paid vacation time plus 10 holidays as well as unlimited sick leave. That was for a company of about 55,000 employees, many of whom had MORE time off then he did because they had worked there longer. I would say that is a lot. Most people I know START with 2-3 weeks of paid vacation time now.

At my company we only work 200 days/year-a company of about 40,000 employees, teachers in our district work 220.

 

[Nancyg56]

Teachers get paid an upper middle-class wage.

Wu-huh? If I had a dime for every show I've seen where the father is a HS teacher and the mom is stay-at-home and they're in 2500 sf house in a really nice neighborhood and they both drive late model cars, I'd be quite comfortable. I keep thinking that TV HS teachers must all have trust funds. Even in states where teachers make a living wage, it's not that kind of living wage.

Mynephew needed to go into the private sector after years of teaching HS math once he and my niece decided to start a family. Two teachers in the same family was one too many.

Okay, back to the original topic:

Myth: The school system provides everything that a teacher needs to do his/her job.

Reality: The out of pocket expenses for classroom supplies can be really overwhelming. Two years ago, our teachers were given $180 for classroom supplies. Last year it was $80, and this year will be even less. I can't even imagine.

One of my nieves was a behaviorist in an inner city and was given not on epenny for her classroom. The chhildren who came to her needed teh tools she would provide the most so we all got together and supplemented her supplies. This was her first year out of school and there was not way she could supply her classroom on that salary.

To lighten the thread a little, the myth that teachers live in closets is not true.

I had a little boy in my class once who thought I lived in the closet, lol.

I am not a teacher, but I find this comment derogatory & degrading to educators.

There is much more than "crowd control" when teaching children - regardless of age. Lesson planning........you may think it's stupid, but a well prepared teacher is doing more for her students than the teacher that thinks planning something is a complete waste of time.
.

We entrust our children to teachers for a large part of the day and then think that anyone could take that position?

And you did understand that when you took the job, right?

THere is a big difference between challenging myths that some folks continue to spew as fact and complaining about the job. I have seen most teachers trying to explain how the salaries work and the service that they are providing for that salary. I really am not seeing teachers complaining about their professions. i also find it a little unfair that if someone in teh insurance industry discusses issues at work most posters jump on and support that poster. A teacher has a problem and Whoa Nellie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The thing I always find funny is that there are lots of people who get paid for 12 months of work and get almost as much time off as teachers do. I know people who get 2 months of paid vacation time.

Me too! Paid vacation is considered a good thing in most jobs A friend is a school pschologist is a neighboring town. She was required to attend a conference out of town so she missed several days of the work week. Well, she got sick and needed to take two days off with the flu. SHe was written up for attendance because someone decided that the mandatory days she was awy for the conference should be counted as part of her attendance. Really? SHe has a little girl and leaving her for several days would never have been a choice.

This town also has exchange students from the city and they are not always prepared for the day. She provides food and supplies out of her own pocket becasue she knows the challenges that they face. There is now a small budget but it does not cover what the children need adn it si only to be used for the exchange kids. She will not refuse a child who is not part of the program so she makes up the difference.

 

[Mimi1965]

Most people I know START with 2-3 weeks of paid vacation time now.

.

One week is the average vacation time of a beginning employee for most Americans. Now granted, Minnesota seems to be the land of honey , so maybe things are different there.

2 weeks after 2 years-many Americans cap at 2 weeks a year

3 weeks after 10(DH got this at only one company)

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Good Lord, we don't work nine months. My calendar year is beginning of August to beginning of June.

A lot of the teachers in my district were busy all summer as well. We just switched from a block system to a 7 period day. The high school teachers had to convert all of their lectures/lessons from 82 minutes down to 35-40!

The majority of them were working all summer on this to get the time frame right. Our system has NEVER done 7 periods in one day - it used to be 6, but that was 15 years ago.

All I do is work as a student aide preparing worksheets and other materials in a Braille format. My student this year is taking identical classes to the ones his sister took last year. We keep everything so we can use it again, but this year we had to start everything over again, especially the AP classes. It's been a tough start for everyone!

 

[TinklednPants]

Didn;t read the whole thread but my good friend is a teacher,makes 80K a year, and NO WAY IN HECK does she work 8 hrs a day or weekends. She has like 4 or 5 classes a day. Everything else is free periods or lunch. Leaves the house close to 8AM and is home just after 3PM.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Didn;t read the whole thread but my good friend is a teacher,makes 80K a year, and NO WAY IN HECK does she work 8 hrs a day or weekends. She has like 4 or 5 classes a day. Everything else is free periods or lunch. Leaves the house close to 8AM and is home just after 3PM.

Let me guess, a curriculum supervisor????

 

[DawnM]

For most Americans doing what sort of work?

Dawn

One week is the average vacation time of a beginning employee for most Americans. Now granted, Minnesota seems to be the land of honey , so maybe things are different there.

2 weeks after 2 years-many Americans cap at 2 weeks a year

3 weeks after 10(DH got this at only one company)