Why the "Martyr" Perception Amongst Teachers?

[SDFgirl]

I know this is a sensitive topic here on the DISBoards - but the other thread made me want to comment....

I'm a teacher, and I don't understand why this is such a controversial profession. I feel like lightening is going to strike me down right now, but...I'll say it: I get so tired of hearing teachers complain about their jobs! I mean, a little mumbling and grumbling is one thing - everyone does that. But I get sick of the "suffering martyr" role that a lot of (not ALL) teachers take on.

I don't just mean here on the DISBoards, I mean everywhere out in the real world too.

I like my job. Some days I work long hours, some days I work shorter hours. I think it all shakes out in the end. I work hard, but so do a lot of people.

I've had a few crazy parents, but most parents I deal with are pretty supportive and respectful. And guess what - every other job I've ever had? There are crazies there too. Everyone deals with crazy people.

Yes, I would like more money but overall I'm satisfied with my salary. And yes, summer break is a great perk, even though I do some work over summer break. I also spend a lot of time at the pool.

I guess I'm saying, I don't understand why teaching is perceived to be this thankless, misunderstood, disrespected profession. For me, it is challenging, sometimes difficult, but rewarding work - just like so many other jobs. I don't feel any different from any other hard workers out there.

 

[WDWBarb]

 

[Ember]

Every job has this. But most jobs aren't talked about so frequently by the general public. From scientists to nurses to those in customer service, each job has people who feel they aren't getting what they feel they deserve. (The threads about tipping come to mind...)

I think the combination of education being talked about more both by those who teach and those who don't, and the fact the we don't tend to talk about the good things leads to a skewed perspective. I don't talk about the awesome lesson on building a bridge I did and how each child just got it and it was great. But I do talk about that child who picks their nose and the one whose parents won't agree to testing, because those are the issues that are causing me concern. This can lead to people thinking I hate my job, even though that's simply not true.

There are teachers who don't enjoy what they do, there are people in every profession who hate what they do. But I look forward to going to work (almost) every day.

I also think teaching is one of those jobs that everyone has opinions on. Our jobs are open to criticism at a level not really experienced by other professionals. Which can lead to getting defensive. We are professionals, yet there are a lot of people who don't treat us as such - from parents, to the general public, to other teachers.

Anyway, I don't feel persecuted or misunderstood. But then I also consider teaching a job and not a calling, a lifestyle, or "the most important job in the world."

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I'll admit I've started some venting threads this year. I was placed in a very tough classroom and was not at all prepared for some of the things I have encountered. Things I was not aware of in advance. It's been a stressful year. I love my job and my kids, and most of the time things are fine. I don't post when that's the case. I tend to post when I'm really frustrated and just need to vent.

I do see some teacher bashing on here, or people talking about education who don't necessarily know what goes into it. I will try to give them my perspective as a teacher. It doesn't mean that we're saying woe is me, we're simply showing them why something may sound good on paper but may not translate to real life.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

My mother has been a teacher most of her life, I never once heard her complain that it's a "thankless" job. She really cares about her kids. Sure, she's 2-3 years away from retirement, so she's ready to get out, but aside from a little grumbling here and there, she's happy with her job. Sure, 10-15 years ago she had a LOT less work to do, but all in all it's a great job.

I personally don't think I could do it, kudos to all of you that do.

 

[gina2000]

I'll tell you what I think. And you can take it for what it's worth....probably two cents.

I believe teachers deal with an incredible amount of criticism from numerous sources. I know that parents tend to blame teachers for everything that goes wrong within a classroom that may involved their child. It's a natural inclination. Mama and Papa Bear see their children as perfect. Quite frankly, teachers are very often the first line of attack. Try having 75 bosses criticizing everything you do. It ain't fun and it ain't pretty.

Teachers tend not to have public support. When I was a kid, the teacher was all-knowing. If I got into trouble at school, I got in even more trouble at home. Now parents are on the offensive. Sometimes it is warrented and sometimes it is not. A child does not change if a parent approves of their behavior. And by implicitly telling the school that they are wrong, a child is receiving parental approval.

Teachers are zigging and zagging all day. That's a common problem in every profession but it's difficult to get a classroom of students to buy into every zig and zag a teacher is expected to perform.

Teachers are expected to produce students who can pass tests. How can a teacher force a student to perform? Yet, that's what the state, the feds, and parents expect. I always tell parents that I can't force a child to do homework but they can oversee and help a child do what is expected of him.

Teachers are non-revenue producing employees. They are the first on the unemployment line every time there is a budget cut. They have absolutely no one to go to bat for them. When is the last time a parents' group protested a teacher being laid off? I know it's the same way in the real world but a teacher's performance is never considered when layoffs occur. It's a numbers game. And before you tell me that it's tenure that causes this, consider what a teaching position would be like without it. Everytime a teacher reached a certain pay scale, they will be laid off in favor of cheap, inexperienced labor.

I love teaching. I'm new at it but I'm an old dog. I've been in the private sector and the public sector and I can honestly say that my job teaching rivals the most difficult time I've every had in the private sector. And I have always had difficult circumstances to deal with in both jobs. But I get very few 'atta boys from anyone in the public sector. Maybe that's why teachers are so sensitive. I have a damned thick skin and I pretty much can blow off anything. But that comes from working in sales for many, many years.

 

[SDFgirl]

I'll admit I've started some venting threads this year. I was placed in a very tough classroom and was not at all prepared for some of the things I have encountered. Things I was not aware of in advance. It's been a stressful year. I love my job and my kids, and most of the time things are fine. I don't post when that's the case. I tend to post when I'm really frustrated and just need to vent.

I do see some teacher bashing on here, or people talking about education who don't necessarily know what goes into it. I will try to give them my perspective as a teacher. It doesn't mean that we're saying woe is me, we're simply showing them why something may sound good on paper but may not translate to real life.

I'm not really talking about starting threads - to me, that's the "mumbling and grumbling" that everyone does about every job. Teaching IS difficult and venting is normal.

I guess I just mean that, the teaching profession in particular seems to have this stigma that makes it seem MORE difficult and MORE under-appreciated than all other jobs, and I just don't think it's true.

Oh and Ember - I've read your stories about the nose-picker and I have to admit, I encourage my kids to eat their boogers as well...It's very healthy and they think they're tasty.



















KIDDING!!!

 

[Ember]

Oh and Ember - I've read your stories about the nose-picker and I have to admit, I encourage my kids to eat their boogers as well...It's very healthy and they think they're tasty.

GAH! *runs away and hides in the closet, refusing to come out until everyone around her agrees to not eat their boogies*

 

[sunnyday123]

I'm not really talking about starting threads - to me, that's the "mumbling and grumbling" that everyone does about every job. Teaching IS difficult and venting is normal.

I guess I just mean that, the teaching profession in particular seems to have this stigma that makes it seem MORE difficult and MORE under-appreciated than all other jobs, and I just don't think it's true.

Oh and Ember - I've read your stories about the nose-picker and I have to admit, I encourage my kids to eat their boogers as well...It's very healthy and they think they're tasty.



















KIDDING!!!

Ok, you seriously needed to move that "Just Kidding!" up a few lines, because I was honestly too shocked to scroll!!!

 

[PatsGirl]

I like my job. Some days I work long hours, some days I work shorter hours. I think it all shakes out in the end. I work hard, but so do a lot of people.

Yes, I would like more money but overall I'm satisfied with my salary. And yes, summer break is a great perk, even though I do some work over summer break. I also spend a lot of time at the pool.

I am not a teacher but have often thought about it. I've been in restaurant work, management, supervisory positions, business jobs, and have been a purchasing manager for a healthcare company that treats us like a number for the last 18 years When I compare the stress, hours, salary, and perks I'm not seeing an astronomical difference between many of the jobs I've held and that of teaching.

Thank you for such an unbiased peek at your profession. BTW, I have several friends who work in the school systems, from para-pro to professional to business office and not ONE of them would change their jobs. Although they vent like every working person does on some days, I have NEVER heard them talk about changing professions and going into the non-education sector so that's very telling as well, isn't it?

 

[pearlieq]

Thank you!

I don't get all the grumbling and complaining out in my neck of the woods either. I feel for inner city and rural teachers. I think they have an honest beef and need our full support.

I do not, however, feel compelled to pull out my violin for the many, many classroom teachers around here to make $75,000+. Six figures it not AT ALL unusual here. They have a professional job with robust benefits and a powerful union and they work 185 days per year.

I'm not saying it's easy, but it's not like working in the salt mines, either. I have no patience for the complaining or the martyr complex. My job sucked some days too.

 

[TheZue]

I think it's because they are constantly on the defensive. For whatever reason they are the one profession that people think is overpaid (I completely disagree) so it puts them in the position of trying to explain why they make what they do and explain why teaching is hard. It's not like they are making a huge amount of money either. It's a living wage. People really need to get over complaining about their salary.

 

[Disney Doll]

I think teaching is a lightning rod type of discussion because the discussion involves an important topic...someone's children.

 

[taylor1293]

I work at a high poverty/inner city school and I can honestly say I have never heard one of my co-workers do more than the normal "mumbling and grumbling" that any person does at any job. Also, no one thinks they are a martyr.

My husband, on the other hand, is a manager of a small business and the guys who work for him complain nonstop about how bad they have it, how little they make (they make a very nice salary), their hours, and so on and so on. He has to deal with it continuously.

Ultimately, I think you'll find heavy complainers at almost every job. Teachers have a public job and are often criticized more often than other positions. Therefore, you'll find more of them defending the profession.

Like you, I LOVE my job. My students are AWESOME! I also love having summers off, with the exception of all the classes I take to further my learning! However, I am still stunned by how many misconceptions I encounter and I will correct people when I hear them. Personally, I think the greatest misconceptions are paid time off (doesn't exist with the exception of a few days) and salary. I realize this varies from district to district, but where I am, my masters degree allows me to earn $42,000 a year and I think we get 4 paid holiday's. Not exactly sure though . However, while I'd like to earn more, I'm not complaining, I'm just stating the facts!

 

[SpecialK]

I think it's because they are constantly on the defensive. For whatever reason they are the one profession that people think is overpaid (I completely disagree) so it puts them in the position of trying to explain why they make what they do and explain why teaching is hard. It's not like they are making a huge amount of money either. It's a living wage. People really need to get over complaining about their salary.

I agree. I just finished reading an article about all the teacher layoffs that are happening in our area, and some of the comments from other readers were unbelievably nasty.

I also think that a lot of people think they know what it's like to teach based on the fact that they were once students. They don't realize that life on the other side of the desk is completely different.

 

[lillygator]

I think mainly (well, on the DIS) it's the attitude and defensiveness that is pretty much always conveyed in "teacher" threads. Yes, you are helping turn out future leaders, but no, it isn't just you doing that, there are more factors in kids lives. The woe's of planning lessons, grading papers, etc, um...ok, everyone has things they have to get done in a job. Non teachers get that you have other things or added work to do, but big deal, it's part of your job as it would be if you were an accountant during month end, covering for a cashier who called in, staying late waitressing as a large party is still at their table. I think in general...the teaching profession has it pretty good...at least the local teachers here.

There are many more jobs with equal or more stress, longer hours, less pay and year round.

eta - when I say has it pretty good, I mean, most teachers I have dealt with love their job, they have great benefits and seem to enjoy the school they are in. They do not fit the bill of what I have read from teachers here on the DIS.

 

[MM27]

I also think that a lot of people think they know what it's like to teach based on the fact that they were once students. They don't realize that life on the other side of the desk is completely different.

 

[turkeymama]

I think I understand what OP is saying.

This mentality seems to be rampant in the third grade at my daughter's school right now. It seems that any time a parent questions anything, the teachers' first line of defense is "well I've been really stressed and overworked, you know we have standardized testing this year, we are all so stressed, third grade is really a tough transitional year". As a result, the kids are really stressed because they hear the teachers complaining about this all time. Blah! I'll start teaching next year (crossing fingers that I find a job) and I hope I never fall into this trap.

Teaching is a tough job and much is expected. I know there is a lack of support in many areas. It chaps me to no end when I hear someone make a snide comment that equates teaching to glorified babysitting (and yes, we have a little of that going on around town.) But for the most part, we get into education because that's what we want to do and hopefully we have passion for it. It isn't for the money or the time off. We are adults and, hopefully, we know what we're signing up for ahead of time.

 

[ilovejack02]

In the district I live in , teachers are appreciated , and given all the credit they are due. I am sure there are a few nutty parents, but for the most part out here parents support our teachers and the job they are doing and help out all we can.

In Baton Rouge, the teachers work in a horrible environment, parents don't support or care, wont send supplies, allow their children to act like heathens and all around have this attitude of entitlement . Kids throw chairs, bring weapons to school and all the parents care about is making sure their kids aren't disrespected ( what does that mean? ) and screaming about suing if someone looks wrong at their child.

My best friend had a parent call her last week to let her know little Johnny would not have his home work the next day because she didn't send a pencil home with him to do it. Mom sent 10 pencils at the beginning of the year .. she wasn't buying anymore ! Little Johnny broke all those pencils in half by the end of the first month as has most of the kids in the class, friend has been buying the kids pencils and other things out of her pocket since Oct.

My friend doesn't complain or moan and groan all the time, she is happy to have a job and does what she can to get these kids to learn even the simplest things, but yes some days she does throw her hands up in the air and has a melt down, as I am sure we all would.

I can see where some of the complaining comes from .. it comes from being frustrated by a district who can't or won't get it together and by being frustrated and threatened , called names etc by parents who just want everything handed to them , their kids passed and don't want to ever be told no or their kids are discipline problems.

 

[MM27]

I think I understand what OP is saying.

This mentality seems to be rampant in the third grade at my daughter's school right now. It seems that any time a parent questions anything, the teachers' first line of defense is "well I've been really stressed and overworked, you know we have standardized testing this year, we are all so stressed, third grade is really a tough transitional year". As a result, the kids are really stressed because they hear the teachers complaining about this all time. Blah! I'll start teaching next year (crossing fingers that I find a job) and I hope I never fall into this trap.

Teaching is a tough job and much is expected. I know there is a lack of support in many areas. It chaps me to no end when I hear someone make a snide comment that equates teaching to glorified babysitting (and yes, we have a little of that going on around town.) But for the most part, we get into education because that's what we want to do and hopefully we have passion for it. It isn't for the money or the time off. We are adults and, hopefully, we know what we're signing up for ahead of time.

And see, this is an issue in YOUR school but it doesn't mean it's an issue in every school. What I find a lot here on the DIS is that people see how it is in their child's school and they decide that all schools and all teachers must be like that.


I get stressed, but I would never use it as line to parents to excuse something I said or did. I also think it's wrong to have those kinds of conversations in front of kids. I hate standardized tests as much as the next person, but if you asked my students how I felt about them, they wouldn't know.


I've posted about staying at school late and someone comes along and says 'All the teachers at my kids school leave when the kids leave' or 'you must not manage your time well'. There are teachers at my school that leave exactly 5 minutes after the kids, which is when we can leave, but I many days stay until 5 or 6. Sometimes when I leave, my principal is already gone. I don't do it because I want to be praised or think I deserve a raise because of it. I do it because I take my job seriously and I want to make sure that I have everything in place and ready to go for the following days instruction. If I only did work on my preps or during class time (which some teachers do) it would have a very negative impact on my students and I'm not willing to do that to them.