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Utah shops online for teachers
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Bob G | 5:01 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
Utah is probably looking for more illegal mexican teachers like they imported
from mexico last year. In this same edition of news is says NY is looking for
teachers from Utah, I assume because they are already used to cheap teachers
pay. But Utah wants even cheaper and less qualified teachers in our schools so
they are looking for more mexicans to put Utah at even lower on the scale of
quality of education. Utah has an abundence or qualified teachers but Utah
refuses to acknowlede and pay teachers what they deserve. Utah education system
would rather feed the corruption and fraud in its system than pay teachers their
worth. Teachers should be on the upper pay scales of society and treated with
respect and valued as a natural resource. Educators would weed out the
undesireable teachers if given the means and abilities to make their profession
one of destinction, along with doctors and lawyers. In most countries the
educators are more prized than their doctors and lawyers and businessmen and are
better paid. Teachers do the real work in the formation of a society, its laws,
and its people.
Recent College Grad | 5:29 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
What shoddy journalism. What they obviously left out was the fact that many
would-be teachers here in Utah are not accepted into education programs and are
forced to go to school out of state in order to get certified. And just to make
sure they have a monopoly, unlike many other states that actually want teachers,
they do not let those who are not certified teach. I could go to many other
states, and because they actually want teachers they would let me teach WHILE I
worked towards certification.
Quite being sheep and look into the situation, and it becomes clear that most of our so called "teacher shortage" is really the product of the unions and higher education institutions artificially restricting the supply of teachers.
Quite being sheep and look into the situation, and it becomes clear that most of our so called "teacher shortage" is really the product of the unions and higher education institutions artificially restricting the supply of teachers.
Timj | 5:49 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
The national market's great, isn't it. If teacher's are moving
to a new state to teach, where will they go? The good ones will pick Wyoming
(tiny classes, lots more pay). The worst will pick Utah (enormous classes,
crappy pay).
Utah would be better off convincing Utah natives (who are more likely to stay in-State) to teach than trying to attract good teachers from other states. No good teacher is going to move here for the job.
Utah would be better off convincing Utah natives (who are more likely to stay in-State) to teach than trying to attract good teachers from other states. No good teacher is going to move here for the job.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 5:54 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
If Wyoming is 25K more to start than Utah, we simply can't compete. At
least we are getting closer to catching Nevada.
Never | 6:17 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
Utah will never get or retain teachers with your horrific pay rates. Pay them
what they are worth and you will get what you want.
Jed Bangerter | 7:39 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
Having grown up in Utah I felt that teaching there would be great. Upon
graduation I realized that there was no way I would be able to support my family
on $26,000 a year.
After interviewing at several different school districts in three different states I decided that the best solution would be to go where the money was.
I now teach in Wyoming and am happy with the decision. My pay is $15,000 more then Utah and the class sizes are from 12-20.
Would I every go back and teach in Utah? Only when Utah is more like Wyoming. So I guess never.
After interviewing at several different school districts in three different states I decided that the best solution would be to go where the money was.
I now teach in Wyoming and am happy with the decision. My pay is $15,000 more then Utah and the class sizes are from 12-20.
Would I every go back and teach in Utah? Only when Utah is more like Wyoming. So I guess never.
Bob P | 7:45 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
Utah can get and retain teachers becaue there are thousand of teachers out there
who are LDS. They want to live where the church is big. The pay is a big
concern outweighed by many other things. Utah is a failory cheap place to live.
Clare | 7:53 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
So according to Recent College Grad, if I moved to another state to get my
teaching degree, I would be an incompetent idiot. The reason many people
aren't accepted into teaching programs is that there is usually not enough
room. Also, would you go to a doctor who wasn't certified? Although I
believe that many education classes are a complete waste of time and utterly
boring, there were some that were very valuable and it is ESSENTIAL that every
new teacher has a student teaching experience. We've had a couple at our
school that were awful and were not allowed to get their endorsement.
I can see it happening | 7:58 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
My wife and I have both been teaching about 12 years each and both of us have
masters' degrees. We have two daughters and wanted to get them closer to
their grandparents in Utah, so we uprooteded ourselves from CA and returned to
teach at Utah County Schools-- to get the grandkids home.
It cost each of us just over $30,000 per year (going from $70,000 plus per year to $40,000 plus per year.)
So, it can be done. Just get the grandparents of all the teachers to move to Utah.
Otherwise, it probably isn't going to happen.
It cost each of us just over $30,000 per year (going from $70,000 plus per year to $40,000 plus per year.)
So, it can be done. Just get the grandparents of all the teachers to move to Utah.
Otherwise, it probably isn't going to happen.
Terrible shame | 8:25 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
I entered the Elementary teaching market 11 years ago, fresh out of BYU and
eager to teach. I had a lot of connections in Alpine District and I'm
male, helping me think I'd be sought out and wanted. After 12 interviews I
ended up taking a PT job at a technology company. True, the job market was
different back then. Using my usual high drive to succeed I am now earning
six-figures, I've capitalized on stock option plans, and am hopefully well
on my way to early retirement...so that I CAN GO TEACH. What a shame that
teachers are not better compensated; these people are training our future and we
choose to treat them like they're baby-sitters. And yet we expect them to
outperform and overachieve usual market considerations and be underpaid while
doing it. I do not mean to say that $$ alone will solve our troubles, but I
truly feel that we are scaring potential teachers into other career paths...I
was one of them. My drive to contribute in a school setting is still with me
but is nowhere near as strong as it was upon graduation. What A Shame!
Timj | 8:28 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
BobP--
The church is big in Eastern Idaho. Teachers also get paid more there (although not much more). Classroom sizes are smaller, and the cost of living is slightly less than in Utah.
Explain to me again how teaching in Utah is better than teaching elsewhere?
The church is big in Eastern Idaho. Teachers also get paid more there (although not much more). Classroom sizes are smaller, and the cost of living is slightly less than in Utah.
Explain to me again how teaching in Utah is better than teaching elsewhere?
Babysitter | 8:47 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
IF ONLY teachers were paid like babysitters! My daughter gets $2.50/hour.
Multiply that by 30 kids in a classroom = $75/hour. Bring it on!
New Jersey | 9:02 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
I am a BYU Grad that went out of state to get certified. I am enrolled in an
excellent program that puts a lot of focus on fieldwork and am guaranteed a
teaching position after I get certified. The starting salary would be $42,000
and I may be able to get my student loans forgiven. I would love to teach in
Utah, but with what they pay right now it will never happen.
kccooper | 9:06 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
It is sad that Utah starts their recruiting in Utah universities a couple of
months AFTER the other states do their recruiting in Utah. I guess they want to
give the rest of the nation the opportunity to pick the best from Utah first.
After all, we don't want the best of the best here.
RE: Bob G | 9:09 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
Bob your comments are money $$$$$$$, to basd other s don't feel the same
way as you. Utah refuses to take care of its' own teachers and now looking
onlineto fill postions. There is a pool of teachers here in Utah to hire from.
However, if you are not a member of the "good old boys/girls"
network...no job for you! Teacher morale is at an all time low and pay is just
one of the issues. Administrators that bully and intimidate, refuse to support
teachers in time of crisis etc.. make for a miserable job. The average teaching
career now lasts 3 - 5 years. People especially young people just are not
willing to put up with the lack of respect from admin/students,parents and on
and on. Quick thinker; NEVER,EVER TEACH! Your health will decline, relationships
in your personal life will suffer due to the stress of having to work two
sometimes three jobs. It simply isn't something I would wish on anyone!!
Teacher | 9:14 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
Pay is important, without a doubt, but working conditions are even more so.
Most people will stay in a job with less than perfect pay if they're
feeling successful and valued and have a say in the way the job gets done.
However, when teachers face overcrowded classrooms where they know that they
will fail at least some of the children every day, where they will be the
scapegoat for all of society's ills, and where their every move is
scrutinized and criticized by legislators who couldn't fill a
teacher's shoes for week, teaching becomes a job many wouldn't do for
ANY amount of money. It's sad, but true. And don't blame the union,
please. If it weren't for the common voice of teachers through UEA,
we'd be in worse shape yet. Don't buy into the myth that the unions
are the problem. If you want to support the teachers in your local school,
support class size reduction, more pay for all teachers, and new faces on
Capitol Hill.
Hey New Jersey | 9:30 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
$42,000 per year! It would take you ten years to make that in Utah.
Additionally, most say that it is cheap to live in Utah...NOT! It is all
relative, very low wages for most here. Utah just does not value education as a
whole. They can't even retain their current teachers. Why is that? The lack
of support from our government, administrators on down just is not there.
Teaching in Utah is a joke, everyone in the "job" knows it. When it
comes to fixing the problems it is all lip service with no implementation.
Thanks to the Union at least teachers have a small voice in the process.
Anonymous | 9:47 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
We need to start at $50,000 a year in UTah
Two sense worth | 10:08 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
Less is more. Better late than early. Eliminate pre-school and kindergarten as
a beginning to a common sense approach to teach children when they are more
capable of learning around age eight. That will save the necessary money to use
where it counts and pay teachers more.
Leaving! | 10:19 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
After 9 years of successful teaching I can't do it anymore. My years have
been extremely successful. But I can't sacrifice the needs of m family
anymore. Utah ignored the problem for 30 years. LOW PAY, Utah parents who will
jump on a dime for their church but won't pitch in to help the school
programs for their child's education (thank you 7% who do and try), did I
mention parents! Today's parents want their child coddled and cuddled and
told how great they are. 75% of parents are jerks. Blame everyone else but
yourself and your own kid. Well good luck when your kid goes on to college!
And heaven forbid the work force- I'm sure your boss will coddle you and
care for you.
Anonymous | 10:37 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
I quit teaching last year too, 'Leaving'. I saw the exact same
problems. I grew up out of state where if people moved in from UT they failed
because they were not used to a challenge at school. Utah might have
"high" test scores, but when put against other states they don't
do well!
Jordan District teacher | 11:12 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
What kind of bothers me, and I noticed no one commented on this, is the bonuses
being given to math, science and special ed teachers. I realize they are in
short supply, but I spent just as much time getting my degree as the math majors
in my student teaching group, and I work just as hard as any science teacher. I
think if incentive bonuses are being doled out, they should apply to all
teachers, regardless of the subject being taught.
Reply to Others | 11:40 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
To Recent Grad---Utah allows teaching waivers.
To Hey New Jersey---You will NEVER make $40,000 in ten years in Utah.
To Teacher---Right on EXCEPT the UEA isn't so helpful as you suggest and isn't so powerful as others suggest.
To Lazy Parents Everywhere---Do your job and you will suddenly find your children improving dramatically in school and elsewhere.
Re:Bullying Administrators---Odd how unrighteous dominion is sooo alive and well in our schools and in our communities, and in our goverments and in our homes, and ... .
To Hey New Jersey---You will NEVER make $40,000 in ten years in Utah.
To Teacher---Right on EXCEPT the UEA isn't so helpful as you suggest and isn't so powerful as others suggest.
To Lazy Parents Everywhere---Do your job and you will suddenly find your children improving dramatically in school and elsewhere.
Re:Bullying Administrators---Odd how unrighteous dominion is sooo alive and well in our schools and in our communities, and in our goverments and in our homes, and ... .
Additional Information | 11:55 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
To Recent Grad---Utah DOES allow teaching waivers.
To Hey New Jersey---You will NEVER make $40,000 in ten years in Utah.
To Teacher---You are exactly correct EXCEPT the UEA isn't so helpful as you suggest and isn't so powerful as others suggest.
To Lazy Parents Everywhere---Do your job and you will suddenly find your children improving dramatically in school and elsewhere.
Re:Bullying Administrators---Odd how unrighteous dominion is sooo alive and well in our schools and in our communities, and in our goverments and in our homes, and ... . Welcome to Utah!
To Jordan District Teacher---What? There are no bonuses to Special Ed teachers. In other states they sometimes get signing bonus and ususlly get compensated for the time spent on IEPs but NOT in Utah.
To Hey New Jersey---You will NEVER make $40,000 in ten years in Utah.
To Teacher---You are exactly correct EXCEPT the UEA isn't so helpful as you suggest and isn't so powerful as others suggest.
To Lazy Parents Everywhere---Do your job and you will suddenly find your children improving dramatically in school and elsewhere.
Re:Bullying Administrators---Odd how unrighteous dominion is sooo alive and well in our schools and in our communities, and in our goverments and in our homes, and ... . Welcome to Utah!
To Jordan District Teacher---What? There are no bonuses to Special Ed teachers. In other states they sometimes get signing bonus and ususlly get compensated for the time spent on IEPs but NOT in Utah.
RE:Reply to Others | 11:59 a.m. Jan. 14, 2008
Check the pay scale for most school districts. Step 10 with a bachelors degree;
it is over 40K. How sad that it takes nearly 10 years to make 40K. I think what
you mean is that most will not make it to ten years to recieve 40K. Simply not
worth it, look at the responses from Leaving and Anonymous. Additionally, people
continually state that teachers should start at a higher rate. What they fail to
say is; we need to look for ways to compensate veteran teachers. Not
happening!! Low pay is just one piece/problem to a very comples puzzle!
Anonymous | 12:14 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
Science and math majors are much harder than p.e. or art. They should be paid
more.
Supply and demand in action.
Supply and demand in action.
RE:REPLY TO OTHERS | 12:16 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
Check the pay scale and you will find that on step 9 and in some disticts step
10 teachers start making 40K give or take. Think about that though, ten years
and once you get there you are paying off your first ten years. 40K is nothing
in todays' society!
Johnson | 12:19 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
Yes Sience and Math is Hard on the brain, I would like you to do my job as a
physical educator all day. Not only do you need smarts your body needs to keep
up with the demands. I am not talking about the roll out the ball program, I am
talking about a top notch program. Going online to find teachers is a joke, who
wants to come here and make garbage pay
It's simple really | 1:01 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
You get what you pay for. Utah needs to get past the Wal-Mart mentality of
lower prices. Start charging a head tax per child and use it for education.
Also, get rid of the $500.00/child tax credit and send that money into
education. You have them, you pay for them. Your kids aren't getting the
education you want, put them into private school. This whole situation is one
where the parents REALLY need to step up and be willing to make sacrifices if
needed.
It's simple really | 2:28 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
You get my vote!!
Math, science, and special ed | 2:56 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
Although when you first think about it, it seems unfair to pay math, science,
and special ed more, it makes sense from a supply and demand perspective. A
math or science teacher can make much more money in the non-teaching workforce
than they will as a teacher- this is part of the shortage problem, as it is easy
to leave the teaching force and get another job. Any teacher in English,
History, Physical Ed, Art, etc. is not going to make as much money in the
"real world" as a mathematician or scientist. So to make more
incentive to teach instead of take a job in business or industry, some areas pay
math and science teachers more. The special ed teachers are in such high demand
and have an even higher turnover rate, so it makes sense to pay them more. I
don't think it's unfair, it's just practical. I don't think
school districts who do this are suggesting that it is easier to teach other
subjects.
To Jordan District Teacher | 3:07 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
The bonus for math and science teachers has nothing to do with how hard the
majors are. (Although in my opinion I do think they're typically harder
majors, but I recognize and respect that others disagree.) It is all about
simple economics, supply and demand. There is a much smaller supply of math and
science teachers out there.
I am a math teacher in Washington. When I was looking for my first job a few years ago, I had many job offers in many states. As soon as I said I was a math teacher, and the interviewer saw that I was qualified, I was offered a job. But I had many friends who are enlish or social studies teachers who were not so lucky, and were often competing with several other people for a single position. That is the reason for the bonus.
I am a math teacher in Washington. When I was looking for my first job a few years ago, I had many job offers in many states. As soon as I said I was a math teacher, and the interviewer saw that I was qualified, I was offered a job. But I had many friends who are enlish or social studies teachers who were not so lucky, and were often competing with several other people for a single position. That is the reason for the bonus.
BYU Grad Science Teacher | 3:47 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
I graduated from BYU in 2004 and interviewed with a number of school districts
in Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Colorado, and Utah. It took one interview with a
Wyoming school district to convince me that there was no competition in the
western U.S.. I took that job and am so glad. I can't believe anyone
stays in Utah and teaches. You guys have no idea what you are missing. I
started my first year at 31K and now in my 4th year my base is over 38K. And
don't even tell me about cost of living. The house my wife and I bought
last year would have cost us 40-50k more in Utah than it did here. We will keep
taking your teachers away until you drastically change the way you pay teachers.
Taxpayer | 4:57 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
Two questions: 1)If it is so bad here for teachers why are very well qualified,
experienced teacher candidates, who would dearly like to live and teach in Utah,
not even able to get an interview? (Known from experience), 2) When corrected
for the actual number of days worked, compared to most jobs (180 vs 220) is the
pay still really that bad for Utah? Plenty of teachers in my neighborhood have
nice cars, nice homes, good (and often early) retirement benefits. How are they
able to do it?
to: Taxpayer | 6:48 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
I don't want to kick anyone when they are down but if you can't get an
interview, there is some reason. Maybe a bad report or past evaluation.
At our school we interview just about every teacher that applies.
Except English teachers because we get 50 applying for every opening.
Math, Science, or special ed and you are in without much problem.
Last science opening we had, four people applied. Two didn't even have a degree but said they would like to teach science if we got desperate.
One had one more year of college left.
One was wanting to transfer from another district. Had the degree, and experience.
Guess who we HAD to take?
At our school we interview just about every teacher that applies.
Except English teachers because we get 50 applying for every opening.
Math, Science, or special ed and you are in without much problem.
Last science opening we had, four people applied. Two didn't even have a degree but said they would like to teach science if we got desperate.
One had one more year of college left.
One was wanting to transfer from another district. Had the degree, and experience.
Guess who we HAD to take?
uskiwi | 7:47 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
I retired from special education and was disgusted with the lack of support of
the adminstration in Alpine.
Our school was on extended day pay and special education was not give the same salary because we did not have enough student. I had what qualified for extended day pay because I had over the amount to qualify. The other teacher was part time and this was their excuse for cheating me out of thousands of dollars. In order to complete all the paperwork, I worked longer hours than the regulary teachers for free. There were so many adminstrators in the department that they did not think special education teachers have a heavy burden dealing with special needs students.
Utah needs to wake and up treat all teachers as professionals. My son without a degree earns more than I did at the end of my career. I would never tell anyone to be a teacher because the politicians and adminstration in Utah do not respect teachers. Cut the salaries at the top adminstrators and new teachers could have a liveable living.
Our school was on extended day pay and special education was not give the same salary because we did not have enough student. I had what qualified for extended day pay because I had over the amount to qualify. The other teacher was part time and this was their excuse for cheating me out of thousands of dollars. In order to complete all the paperwork, I worked longer hours than the regulary teachers for free. There were so many adminstrators in the department that they did not think special education teachers have a heavy burden dealing with special needs students.
Utah needs to wake and up treat all teachers as professionals. My son without a degree earns more than I did at the end of my career. I would never tell anyone to be a teacher because the politicians and adminstration in Utah do not respect teachers. Cut the salaries at the top adminstrators and new teachers could have a liveable living.
Transplant | 8:23 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
I'm a recent transplant from Taxachusett. If you want to pay teachers
more, it's going to raise property taxes. I doubt Utah politicians are any
different from anywhere else--they're not going to sacrifice pet projects
to pay teachers what they deserve.
Bottom line, if you want them paid better, it's going to come out of your pocket. Write your representative.
Bottom line, if you want them paid better, it's going to come out of your pocket. Write your representative.
East Mill Creek | 9:01 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
After reading all the above I feel that Educators need to become more active
politically.
They need to join organizations that will represent them and lobby for them.
If you do not think that other professions do not have lobbyists you are foolish.
Agricultural, home building, mining, manufacturing,
transportion, medical, insurance and many more have lobbyists that waltz the legislature here in Utah.
They need to join organizations that will represent them and lobby for them.
If you do not think that other professions do not have lobbyists you are foolish.
Agricultural, home building, mining, manufacturing,
transportion, medical, insurance and many more have lobbyists that waltz the legislature here in Utah.
Priorities | 9:36 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
I have a teaching certificate and graduated at the top of my class. I am
certified to teach critical needs area and taught out of state and overseas. But
I refuse to teach in Utah. Why? Pay. I got a job at a call center after moving
back to the US and thought it would be a temporary summer job, but as a
supervisor I make more money then I would teaching. I only work 40 hours a week,
and I don't have to bring work home with me. I don't have to spend
countless hours grading papers and tests, and working on and improving lesson
plans. When I am home I am home.
Sure we get the summer off, but many teachers are attending conventions, improving their curriculum, or even working a summer job.
Teachers not only need better pay, but more administrative and parental support in and outside the classroom. Districts need to identify reasons new teachers get burned out and tackle those problems.
Education is a matter of priority.
Sure we get the summer off, but many teachers are attending conventions, improving their curriculum, or even working a summer job.
Teachers not only need better pay, but more administrative and parental support in and outside the classroom. Districts need to identify reasons new teachers get burned out and tackle those problems.
Education is a matter of priority.
Veteran | 11:05 p.m. Jan. 14, 2008
Teachers who are losing out big time in Utah are the veteran teachers. With 26
years of experience, my district benefits were stripped away and retirement
benefits frozen 2 years ago (Jordan School District). I am self-supporting and
do not have the luxury of going back to school to get retrained, nor would
anyone likely hire me since I'm in my 50's. I really have no good
options except to stick it out. Along with the pay issues, the kids are getting
harder, the parents are nearly impossible, and there is little support from
administrators. No matter what problems the kids come with or how inept the
parents are, blame is always put on the teachers if anything goes wrong. A
parent came in and pulled a child from my class this week because I
couldn't "meet the emotional needs of this child" who came from a
dysfunctional, drug-infested home. But it was still "my fault." It is
very wearing to work in conditions such as these.
RE: TAXPAYER | 11:03 a.m. Jan. 15, 2008
Did you say plenty of teachers in your neighborhood have nice things. Show me
where plenty of teachers live in a single Utah neighborhood; is one or two
plenty? I'm a teacher have lived in the same big neighborhood for some time
now and I am the only teacher that I know of in the area. I doubt your
statements carry any merit. People simply are not willling to go through all
that schooling for the misery that comes after college (read Veterans comments)
What your saying about teachers livelihood simply is not true. Some teachers
have had financial help from family etc. However, most rely on their spouses to
work in order to make ends meet...that's how they do it. Major sacrifice
and going with out. I came from another state to teach in Utah. I had no family,
friends etc...it was rough but I made alot of sacrificies. Teaching comes with a
price. There is a shortage for a reason and pay is just the tip of the iceberg.
I wouldn't advise my worst enemy to teach. It is a pathetic job and an
impossible way to make a living.
RE: RE: To Taxpayer | 11:19 a.m. Jan. 15, 2008
Anyone can get an interview. Don't you know that they are required by law
to post all job openings. It is predetermined who is hired long before the
process even begins. Typically, looking for conformist type people that go with
the flow. Nothing new ever gets implemented in education or say something in a
meeting and get labled as a rebel. From there your toast, hate to kick you when
your down but your illadvised in this area or you have only been teaching a
short time. Give you self a a while and you will bail!!
Student Teacher | 11:39 p.m. Jan. 15, 2008
Man...the comments on this article are exhausting! I am in my final year of
college and have begun student teaching. I know I won't make a lot of
money, but that's not why I'm going into the profession. I hear so
many teachers complain about the money...you knew you would be broke going into
it, right? As far as the stress of being a teacher- I'm expecting that too.
(I can already hear you bitter teachers: "just wait and see")... Maybe
all this "other stuff" will be too much to handle and I'll quit
within 5 years. Or maybe I won't listen to the constant whining and
complaining of fellow teachers, parents, and students and just have fun at a job
that allows me to lead, perform, think, challenge, inspire, and TEACH. Maybe
I'll be one of those grizzly vets who actually seems to enjoy his job and
won't meet you in the teacher's lounge to complain about everything
that's wrong with the teaching profession. I'm sure I'm just
being naive...but I'd rather be naive and happy than bitter, annoying, and
disappointed. And yes, I plan on teaching here in Utah...
Sincerely, Mr. Naive
Sincerely, Mr. Naive
RE: STUDENT TEACHER | 10:23 a.m. Jan. 16, 2008
Maybe this and maybe that, the problems in Utah�s'
education system are real!! Additionally, you state you know going in to
teaching what the "job" will be like. Your clueless...I have seen
tough talking student teachers' like yourself come and go. Teaching and all
the politics that go with it will bring you to your begging knees. The pay is
just one tiny component. You say you will just TEACH; thanks for the laugh. It
will get me through the next month. I am setting the over under for you at four
years; I'll bet the house on the under.
RE: RE: STUDENT TEACHER | 4:15 p.m. Jan. 16, 2008
Hey, I didn't say I know what the job will be like. I don't. I know I
will be poor. I'm expecting to be stressed. I'm sure there will be
frustration- just like any profession. And please don't confuse my optimism
with "tough talking"-- there is a difference. I recognize that you
experienced teachers will think I'm being naive. But think back to why you
decided to become a teacher. Whatever it was, you've obviously lost it now.
I'm just trying to focus on what I'm excited about instead of the
problems. Any job will bring you to your knees if all you focus on is
what's wrong with it.
And I'm glad my optimism made you laugh. Do you know what makes me laugh? Your use (or misuse) of apostrophes. MAYBE if you went back to school you'd be a better teacher.
Have a good month.
And I'm glad my optimism made you laugh. Do you know what makes me laugh? Your use (or misuse) of apostrophes. MAYBE if you went back to school you'd be a better teacher.
Have a good month.
Special Education | 6:47 p.m. Jan. 16, 2008
I'm a special education teacher - and I have never seen my $5,000 - $10,000
bonus. Let's not even begin to talk about loan forgiveness for working in
at-risk schools. It's a joke. Where do we tap into these funds? Where does
this information come from? I'd like to know so I can research why they
promise these things in the newspapers and then teachers actually never see a
dime. On that note - the federal government paid 17% of their promised funding
for special education last year. I just don't trust the system.
Furthermore, who would want to teach when all people do is make idol promises
and make excuses for why they idiotically made mistakes in their calculations
and can never follow through? Teaching is a joke.
psherman | 7:49 p.m. Jan. 16, 2008
I have taught in Nebraska, New York, California and Texas. I have been blessed
by being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 25
years. I was first attracted to the church by the education materials and
research of BYU and Utah State. I am appalled that a group of people who value
education so much in their faith would allow their state to fair so pitifully in
the arena of public education. I am sure there are other programs that can be
cut to place the future of America the due importance of funding they should
deserve. I am embarressed that my adopted state of faith would rank so poorly
in respect to this issue. How does Mitt Romney expect to be elected when his
churches state does so little for this institution. I will be very interested
to hear what he has to say on these issues, not only for Utah, but for the
nation as a whole.
Shoutout to student teacher | 11:05 p.m. Jan. 16, 2008
So sad not even done with student teaching and running smack on those
"grizzly vets". You state you do not want to get drawn into the
negativity, you have already lost with your inexperienced and misguided comments
posted here. I would love to see how you handle real problems in your classroom
if you get hired. You have alot to learn in the game of life let alone teaching.
Student teaching ahh yes the good old days but in the larger scope of things
means and prepares you for nothing. Just a taste of what's to come before
you get fed to the dogs. Wait until reality sets in around year ten, then you
will know broke and stress times fifty. Please read the comments posted here.
The problems in teaching that you seek to ignore will find you. That is called
reality, I agree with RE:STUDENT TEACHERS comments, you really should give
standup a go! However, that person is wrong about your over/under I'm
betting two years on Mr. Optimistic.
Student Teacher signing off | 9:16 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008
You're right. I should've gone off on how student teaching is a joke.
How they try to create the experience of having your own classroom in vain,
because you're a guest until you really have your own classroom. I
should've gone off about the price of tuition and how after completing a
major, a minor, and getting a certificate, I have too many credit hours to even
apply for financial aid. I should've gone off about the rumors of free
tuition for students who plan to teach in Utah- I applied for this scholarship
twice- and even with a 3.8 GPA I couldn't get it. Thanks. Now I see that
the most important thing is understanding how horrible my life is going to be.
The sooner the better, right?
See, the problem is that I have been wasting my time reading all of the comments posted here.
I hated bitter teachers when I was a student. It looks like I'm going to hate them even more when I become a teacher. If I have even half of your bitterness, I hope I am out within two years. It's better than sticking around and complaining about how horrible everything is.
See, the problem is that I have been wasting my time reading all of the comments posted here.
I hated bitter teachers when I was a student. It looks like I'm going to hate them even more when I become a teacher. If I have even half of your bitterness, I hope I am out within two years. It's better than sticking around and complaining about how horrible everything is.
Youth Movement | 10:04 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008
I was very idealistic about teaching when I was doing my student teaching at a
local high school. I really felt after I was hired into the profession that I
could make a real difference with todays students. After two years the politics,
lack of administrative support, large class size, parents, threats and low pay
have become too overwhelming. I am not bitter nor do I feel those that have
posted here are bitter. I think their experiences are real and they feel both
frustrated and defeated. The veteran teachers I work with have come to grips
with the fact that the education system here in Utah is badly broken and that
they can't fix it due to lack of support from the top down. Sadly I am
leaving teaching, it simply is to stressful and making me old before my time. I
honestly don't know how teachers last that long in such poor working
conditions. I wish those going into teaching the best but I would strongly
advise against it.
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