When did teacher bashing become acceptable?

[swilphil]

I think that a big part of the problem is that most nonteachers don't know what the education world is really like today. Many figure that since they went to school, they know what goes on. But truthfully it is nothing like it was even 10 years ago. There is a tremendous amount of pressure put on teachers now due to NCLB. The majority of the public doesn't know all the ins and outs of that law. ALthough I am sure there are also teachers who dont understand NCLB.

The "teachers only work 10 months" garbage might be my #1 pet peeve. First, most teachers do something to better themselves or their classrooms over the summer. Second, there are many jobs out there that have more time off ( but it doesnt come all at once) and no one complains about them.

I love my job, but it is very frustrating to constantly have to defend my profession. I think we lose many wonderful teachers who get worn down by the bashing and lack of parental support.

Good post. It really is a thankless job-- and there are many others...police, nursing, social work.

Beginning teacher salary isn't really that bad. Most of the people I graduated college with 20 years ago though are in professions where their salary doubled or tripled much more quickly. And the summers off is kind of a misnomer. It's not really a "vacation." I'm paid to work 190 days a year, and then I'm essentially laid off for the summer. The school district is more than happy though to stretch my pay out over a 12 month period and earn interest on the money they owe me. Most teachers have some kind of summer job as well as taking many classes and doing work for the school district in some way.

Some people on these boards are going to bash teachers no matter what we say. I'm just glad in real life, I don't come across those people.

 

[SavvyMom]

I agree and when you throw in the guaranteed raises every year, the incredible benefits, including ridiculously low retirement age, job security-it is almost impossible to fire a teacher in a strong union state, and I'll throw in short actual work hours -our elem teachers average less than 5 hours a day of actual teaching/being with the kids. It is an excellent job. If it wasn't such a good job why is it so hard to get a teaching position except for in inner city schools?

As far as working in the summer there are 6 teachers on my street and the only one who learned anything was the one who sat in his driveway practicing the banjo!

I have to work in my profession for 30 years before I can retire with full benefits. We have no union or 'tenure' in my state. Teaching is not our only responsibility. Yes, I have children in my presence for 7 hours a day. I have dozens of responsibilities other than actually teaching children. It is a government job. We have red tape and bureaucracy that have to be satisfied on a daily basis. It is an excellent job. I get to be with rockin' kids and make a difference in our world. Awesome! Just know that, just like any other job, it is not always as it seems. BTW, we have 14 teaching positions in our district that have not been filled, and I cannot play the banjo.

 

[dogluva]

Well, why would one think that being in one profession would make one criticism-proof?

I mean, I doubt I had a single good teacher EVER. I hated school, all initial 12, then 4.5 (the extra .5 because a teacher/advisor had another job on her mind during our advising appointment, and thanks to that I ended up with courses in the wrong order and had to stay an extra semester for 2 courses), then 3.5 for chiro school (actually those were the best teachers, and maybe one of them actually had teaching credentials).

I used to work in customer service at amazon.com. CS reps get bashed all the time. Car salesmen get bashed all the time (and many for good reason). Servers at restaurants, presidents of countries, bus drivers, flight attendants...

There is no profession that should think itself as perfect. In my life, teachers were not perfect. I had a 5th grade teacher have a nervous breakdown in front of us. Raving. Then she came back and taught a mixed 5th/6th grade class the next year, when the 6th grade teacher retired. Can I even express to you how BAD it was to have her as a teacher the second year? I had a math prof in college, the head of the department, who thought it was a grand idea to put extra credit questions about the Beatles on his Linear Algebra tests. He didn't seem to like to teach, and I was not passing anyway, and I grew up with a hippie mom who HATED the Beatles, so those questions didn't help. Questions on the subject would have been a better idea. Those around me who had grades like me did better, because they just happened to know the discology of that band. Ridiculous. I took it again, had to because I failed, with another teacher in the department who actually felt the need to teach the subject, and I passed.

Actually I have to say there was ONE good teacher, at a 2 year, private college I went to for a summer in order to take Organic Chemistry. Part of it was the book (much better than the tome I used my first semester that I took at university (I drop-passed the class)), part of it was the tiny class, but a big part was b/c of him. We were going to be his last class ever. I got an A that class. Yay for that guy.

But the rest of 'em were just horrid.

So why shouldn't I, why *wouldn't I, be wary of that profession?

This post is just sad. I think there is more to your anger than just "horrid" teachers.

 

[golfgal]

I agree and when you throw in the guaranteed raises every year, the incredible benefits, including ridiculously low retirement age, job security-it is almost impossible to fire a teacher in a strong union state, and I'll throw in short actual work hours -our elem teachers average less than 5 hours a day of actual teaching/being with the kids. It is an excellent job. If it wasn't such a good job why is it so hard to get a teaching position except for in inner city schools?

As far as working in the summer there are 6 teachers on my street and the only one who learned anything was the one who sat in his driveway practicing the banjo!

There are SO many misconceptions about teacher pay it is just amazing and this post just proves it. Teachers are NOT guaranteed a raise each year and even if they do those raises often don't match cost of living increases so in effect teachers make less each year even with a raise. My last year teaching they ratified a contract for a 1% raise, spread out over 2 years--oh boy were we buying the vacation homes after that .

 

[CheshireVal]

Well, why would one think that being in one profession would make one criticism-proof?

I mean, I doubt I had a single good teacher EVER. I hated school, all initial 12, then 4.5 (the extra .5 because a teacher/advisor had another job on her mind during our advising appointment, and thanks to that I ended up with courses in the wrong order and had to stay an extra semester for 2 courses), then 3.5 for chiro school (actually those were the best teachers, and maybe one of them actually had teaching credentials).

I used to work in customer service at amazon.com. CS reps get bashed all the time. Car salesmen get bashed all the time (and many for good reason). Servers at restaurants, presidents of countries, bus drivers, flight attendants...

There is no profession that should think itself as perfect. In my life, teachers were not perfect. I had a 5th grade teacher have a nervous breakdown in front of us. Raving. Then she came back and taught a mixed 5th/6th grade class the next year, when the 6th grade teacher retired. Can I even express to you how BAD it was to have her as a teacher the second year? I had a math prof in college, the head of the department, who thought it was a grand idea to put extra credit questions about the Beatles on his Linear Algebra tests. He didn't seem to like to teach, and I was not passing anyway, and I grew up with a hippie mom who HATED the Beatles, so those questions didn't help. Questions on the subject would have been a better idea. Those around me who had grades like me did better, because they just happened to know the discology of that band. Ridiculous. I took it again, had to because I failed, with another teacher in the department who actually felt the need to teach the subject, and I passed.

Actually I have to say there was ONE good teacher, at a 2 year, private college I went to for a summer in order to take Organic Chemistry. Part of it was the book (much better than the tome I used my first semester that I took at university (I drop-passed the class)), part of it was the tiny class, but a big part was b/c of him. We were going to be his last class ever. I got an A that class. Yay for that guy.

But the rest of 'em were just horrid.

So why shouldn't I, why *wouldn't I, be wary of that profession?

Nice. I don't even know what to say to this. So I guess I'll keep my mouth shut.

 

[dogluva]

I agree and when you throw in the guaranteed raises every year, the incredible benefits, including ridiculously low retirement age, job security-it is almost impossible to fire a teacher in a strong union state, and I'll throw in short actual work hours -our elem teachers average less than 5 hours a day of actual teaching/being with the kids. It is an excellent job. If it wasn't such a good job why is it so hard to get a teaching position except for in inner city schools?

As far as working in the summer there are 6 teachers on my street and the only one who learned anything was the one who sat in his driveway practicing the banjo!

I never complain about my job. I love it. I love the children, the hours, the pay, everything. I am so glad I made the choice to go into teaching, especially since I have a family. I worked hard and now I am enjoying my career and my children.

I think some people are a little resentful (jealous maybe). And I would be too if I wasn't a teacher myself.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

I think some people are a little resentful (jealous maybe). And I would be too if I wasn't a teacher myself.

Oh God no. That's definitely not it. Teaching is definitely a calling that some people aren't cut out for. I'd want to throttle most of the little darlings. I'm in law enforcement and would much rather deal with criminals on a daily basis. They try my patience less.

It's the martyrdom that gets to me. "Look at all of the sacrifices that teachers have to make." Nah, I can't get with that.

 

[dogluva]

Oh God no. That's definitely not it. Teaching is definitely a calling that some people aren't cut out for. I'd want to throttle most of the little darlings. I'm in law enforcement and would much rather deal with criminals on a daily basis. They try my patience less.

It's the martyrdom that gets to me. "Look at all of the sacrifices that teachers have to make." Nah, I can't get with that.

I just know that if I wasn't a teacher, I could not have worked and raise my six children correctly. I am grateful that I am a teacher and find everything about it just lovely. Even when I bring home a severe case of headlice.

 

[Pop Daddy]

when I flunked 9th grade Science

 

[Pembo]

OP, I have a profession that is bashed even worse...ministers. The stories I can tell about Rev Dh. Low pay, never-ending hours, and everybody thinks they are his boss. Don't get me started....

Keep doing what you're doing. You sound like an awesome teacher and I wish my kids could be in your class.

I chose to teach so I could make a difference. I meet my students next Tuesday....

 

[Daxx]

Let's see ... from memory, I can recall threads on:

teacher bashing (lots of them!)
mailman bashing
doctor bashing
lawyer bashing
stay-at-home mom bashing
working mom bashing
customer service bashing
waitstaff bashing
bridezilla bashing (ok - not a career, but some brides make it one)
police bashing
nurse bashing

I wonder which job has more "bashing threads" in the archives? Wouldn't it be interesting to find out?!

I have yet to see the following careers being bashed on the Dis boards:
actor/actress
ballerina
butcher
firefighter
vet
dental hygenist
EMT
pharmacist
funeral director

With that said, I am a teacher and always try to do my best. Just like any other profession, I'm bound to get bashed (not only me, but those in my field).

 

[littleteapot]

OP, I have a profession that is bashed even worse...ministers. The stories I can tell about Rev Dh. Low pay, never-ending hours, and everybody thinks they are his boss. Don't get me started....

This is immediately what I thought about. If you think teaching is bad, try being in ministry. No only does everyone feel they have a right to tear you down, everone has an opinion of your spouse and kids too. You were "called", you must want low pay, long hours, no privacy, etc.

 

[KathyTX]

No teacher bashing here!

DS is starting 8th grade next week, and we've been blessed with many wonderful, talented and dedicated teachers. In his entire school experience, including Pre-K and daycare, there's only one teacher we encountered who didn't really have a passion and talent for teaching. That year was a pretty neutral experience, all the rest have been wonderful!

I am truly grateful for the caring and patient and involved teachers we've encountered, and blessed by the positive impact they've had on my son and my family.

Thank you for what you do for all of our children.

 

[daisyduck123]

There are a lot of people who work tremendously long hours in this world, and some of them don't get summers off with week long breaks for Christmas and Easter too.

I'll give you Christmas...but Easter...Hah!!! In my county only get 3 school days off at Easter.

 

[daisyduck123]

sorry, but you sound like you enjoy being a martyr. i find it hard to believe that you didn't have a single break all day. the kids go to lunch don't they? in second grade you won't have to be holding their hands in line or opening their milk. even though you don't have "duty free" lunch, i still consider that a break. how about while the kids are at art/pe/music?

i can see working 9 1/2 hour days right before/after school starts. what are you doing at home that takes 2-3 hours every night?

You're obviously not a teacher.

 

[surfergrl31]

I was talked out of being a teacher by friends and family, but I am happy to say that I have a semester to go before I join the ranks. Now I have taught in preschools, but not the same thing. I think the general public at large will never understand the nature of NCLB act and the pressure we are under to get test scores up which leaves little time to actually teach and spark these little minds (somehow good teachers still get it done). I will agree that there are some people in this profession that shouldn't be, but that is with any profession.

Now for the part about salary, yes we get paid better than some professions. We work for more than the 180 days, but we are only paid for teaching days. I will spend my summers working toward a Masters Degree to work toward National Cert. and you know how much more money I will make? Starting salary in our school district is 31,386 for BA and no experience and the raise that I will get for completing a Master degree? $4553 that won't even cover tuition for me getting the degree. I do it because I like it. It sounds corny but I like PTA's, meeting parents, being silly with the kids, showing them things that they have never seen before, and most things about teaching.

That being said everyone needs to vent about their jobs, even stay at home mom's catch flack from people. In the end, most teachers are doing their job the best they can. If you have a problem talk to your politicians, they are the ones telling us what to teach and how to teach.

Here is a little poem that I have for all teachers out there
I am a counslor and psychologist to a problem-filled child,
I am a police officer to a child gone wild.

I am a travel agent scheduling our trip for the year;
I am a confidante that wipes a crying childs tear.

I am a banker collecting money for a ton of different things;
I am a librarian showing adventures that a story book brings.

I am a custodian that has to clean certain little messes;
I am a psychic to learns to know all that everybody only guesses.

I am a photographer keeping pictures of a child's yearly growth;
When the mother and father are gone for the day, I become both.

I am a doctor that detects when a child is feeling sick;
I am a politician that must know the laws and recognize a trick.

I am a party planner for the holidays to celebrate with all;
I am a decorator of room, filling every wall.

I am a news reporter updating on our nations current events;
I am a detective solving all mysteries and ending suspense.

I am a clown and comedian that make the children laugh;
I am a dietician assuring they have lunch or from mine I give them.

When we seem to stray from values, I become a preacher
But I'm proud to have to be these people because...

I'm proud to say, "I am a teacher."

 

[lovingthemouse]

double post

 

[Daxx]

My best friend is a teacher. In her first year she made $31,000.

If I told you what teachers around here made, you would def. say many could justly cry poverty. At my school, incoming teachers start at around $12K. So don't freaking tell me that is amazing cash!!!!! Do you resent that teacher for crying poverty at earning $12K a year!? Even in the burbs and inner-city public schools, most teachers don't start above $20K. Yeah, they're rolling in the dough.

In my area, teaching jobs that pay that much are few and far between! And, you have to have put in many years to get $31K! Even in the burbs!

I make a lot less than your teacher friend. I teach in an inner-city parochial school. Not by choice but b/c it's not easy getting a suburb job (esp. at my age -- they want 'em right out of college). We've had big teacher layoffs and school closings in the past 2 yrs. We had several parochial schools close and a charter school lose its charter. A few other public schools have closed as well. That puts a lot of teachers back on the job market. Add in the new grads and that makes for more teachers than jobs. The teacher job market is just rough here.

Last year, we did not get a pay raise. Enrollment was down and there wasn't enough money coming into the school to afford raises. I think that, this year, we got a 3% raise. Wooo hooo -- better than nothing, so I'm not complaining. Still doesn't put me anywhere near the $30K mark!

Not all teachers make great money. Don't base everyone on what your friend earned in her first year. There are loads of teachers who have worked many years and don't earn that kind of money.

 

[pearlieq]

and the raise that I will get for completing a Master degree? $4553 that won't even cover tuition for me getting the degree.

I think that's an unrealisitc expectation. Do you think someone who gets their MBA immediately gets a raise equivalent to the amount of their tuition? Not bloody likely! In fact, in almost no career is there a guaranteed increase for completing higher education.

And there's absolutely no bad poetry commemorating database restatement consultants either!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Having been a teacher now for 30 years, I have experienced every type of reaction. I continue to teach because I believe I make a difference in my students' lives and because I still love what I do. My DH just retired after teaching for 34 years, and 1 of our five daughters is in her second year of teaching. In the past 20 summers, I have taken 2 off. Unfortunately, as with many professions, my summer bills do not stop.

Yes, there are many in our profession who should have chosen a different career as a number of you have had less memorable experiences. On the other hand, there are many of who demonstrate dedication. We chose this profession and work diligently at perfecting it on a daily basis.

Our first priority should be/ is your children! Thanks to the OP - bet you are a very good teacher!!