Reader comments
5-10% cuts are looming for education
58 comments | Read story
Natalie | 1:04 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
The article states "that in tough times in the industry you don't give
bonuses"
ah..... Evidently in Utah you don't give bonuses in the good times either. I mean how many great economic years have you have and the bonus just came to fruition
last year.
ah..... Evidently in Utah you don't give bonuses in the good times either. I mean how many great economic years have you have and the bonus just came to fruition
last year.
Sarah Thomas | 1:23 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
How can you cut the number zero by 5 to 10%?
That's the magic number available to cut...
That's the magic number available to cut...
Comments continue below
Susan | 2:13 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Speaking of leaders.Why don't you cut administration's pay. Principals
make 50 000 more than the highest paid teacher
Cutting all govt. | 4:22 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Regardless of popular beliefs when tax funds are not there all funded
agency's must be affected, even educatuion. There are ways to make cuts in
education without affecting the quality of education and providing it for our
children. We have had an education system for a hundred years that did educate,
how do you think america got where it is as leaders in education. They just have
to think more basic in what they teach and get rid of frivolous activities that
aren't part of education. Like baby sitting the children of illegal aliens
after school hours and then taking the children of illegal aliens out of our
schools. Then drop the morning breakfast feast for elementary schools and make
the parents feed the children before sending them to school. Our education
system should not be daycare centers or be providing welfare to families. It is
the parents responsibility to feed and cloth their children and be there for
their needs. Hi-tech toys for education is not necessary, either to learn how to
add and subtract, pencil and paper work just fine. Then let business train its
employees, not our education system.
JSD | 4:48 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Spitting up Jordan School Dist. is a good idea? Better think about it!
JR | 7:21 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
How about cutting the programs that are designed specifically to non-english
speakers of illegal immigrants. That's will save millions and millions of
dollars. I know it's not popular in Utah to talk like that but it is a
clear reality that immigration is draining our education system. In turn our
own children ARE getting program cuts, while non-speaking English kids are
getting more and more funding/programs every month. THIS IS WRONG!
Is it raining yet? | 7:39 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
THIS IS WHAT THE RAINY DAY FUND IS FOR !!!!!!
What is it up to now? Over a quarter billion?
I think it is raining.
Why have the account if you don't even use it during the worst economic times the country has seen in 30 years?
Yes we should be careful about using it but that IS WHAT IT IS FOR!
What is it up to now? Over a quarter billion?
I think it is raining.
Why have the account if you don't even use it during the worst economic times the country has seen in 30 years?
Yes we should be careful about using it but that IS WHAT IT IS FOR!
"Joe the plumber" | 7:46 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
We are facing difficult economic times as a country and are seeing the effects
in our state. The education system must certainly enhances it's ability to
spend money with efficiency and diligence. However, education funding in the
state of Utah continues to linger at the bottom in comparison to the rest of our
country. The disappointment of the suggested 5-10% cuts is that you are
reducing an already inadequate system. I don't envy the burden carried by
politicians and administrators having to make these challenging decisions. I am
worried for the future of our children and our community if we cannot make
education a top priority. Make it a priority not only in rhetoric, but also in
resource allocation.
I know what to cut | 7:53 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
How about some of the salaries of the geniuses at the top of the ladder.
I'm sure they have no clue what economic hard times are really doing in
Utah.
What a Joke! | 7:58 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
"that in tough times in the industry you don't give bonuses"
Yeah, maybe the legislators should give back their raises that they gave themselves last year before asking for teachers not to be paid!
Yeah, maybe the legislators should give back their raises that they gave themselves last year before asking for teachers not to be paid!
Cuts Hurt Us All | 8:28 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
We're all going to have to tighten our belts. But, on the day of the
BYU-Utah football game, I have to say this about education:
Why is it that so much is spent on athletic programs when the academics of college life need money?
Already at the U 75% of the students work. I'm sure financial aid availability is down because of the economic crisis.
Students will now have to work and save, then go to school a little at a time.
Why is it that so much is spent on athletic programs when the academics of college life need money?
Already at the U 75% of the students work. I'm sure financial aid availability is down because of the economic crisis.
Students will now have to work and save, then go to school a little at a time.
Instereo | 8:37 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
The first things to cut would be the Legislature's pet projects thrust upon
education. Things like performance pay and bonus pay to science and math
teachers (instead of all teachers).
Maybe they could do something to encourage senior teachers to retire so younger teachers could be hired and thus save money.
Finally in tough times, cutting education is the wrong thing to do. The tough times will pass and if we continue to fund education appropriately, we'll come out better. If we cut funding, we may not have much to come out too.
Maybe they could do something to encourage senior teachers to retire so younger teachers could be hired and thus save money.
Finally in tough times, cutting education is the wrong thing to do. The tough times will pass and if we continue to fund education appropriately, we'll come out better. If we cut funding, we may not have much to come out too.
Washington County | 8:44 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Looks like the dozens of people that have cozy district office jobs may have to
step into the classroom and make a real difference over the next few years. If
they don't, they will never again get my vote for more money towards
education.
Cut Education Budget? | 8:59 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Government budgets never are cut. Give me a break. They usually are putting in
15% plus in succeeding years budgets. Then they say they are cut 5% to 10%.
Translation....The budget actually increased to 13.5% increase...a 10% decrease
of the requested 15% increase. Isn't that great. They then whine and moan
and get the public all lathered up with their foghorns blaring in the media that
their budgets are going down. These are just blatant lies, and is exactly why
there is not much honesty in talk about government and what they spend....or how
budgeting works. This is just more of the so-called transparency the liberals
talk about....and that is all it is....just talk. Don't give me this
vested interest rhetoric about budget cuts...it is just hoakum. As the article
mentioned, there are always wormholes in budgets where big vested budget
interests get their way...and still whine about how education budgets in Utah
are SO LOW. I would like to see the books, and then make my own judgement. In
the first place, there are far too many districts in the state, which causes
more unnecessary spending for overhead. In my estimation, we should have about
5 districts statewide.
great | 9:19 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Davis district already cut 1.8 million that was a bonus for each teacher. I know
now all of you are going to come out and say teachers get paid to much, they
only work 9 months a year. Now that you are out of work i bet their are a lot of
people who want to be teachers.The problem is in administration. Most secondary
principals make around 75,000 to 90,000 plus a year.
to the uninformed Susan | 9:23 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Actually, in my school district, the highest-paid teachers receive about $65,000
a year, while my principal receives about $75,000 a year--hardly a $50,000
difference. Learn the facts before you open your big mouth.
Re Instero: | 9:26 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
We need our more seasoned teachers, because they are generally the best
teachers. I am a fairly new teacher, and I can even realize how much more
experience I need to have to reach the level of some of our more veteran
teachers who are amazingly good teachers.
I think the merit pay bonus program needs to go and many teachers agree. That will save a little money, but I also think it is wrong to get too aggressive with teacher pay cuts to balance the budget, because that simply equates to making a small group of societal workers take a large financial hit in order to shield those responsible for having the children in the first place (the parents) from having to pay their share of taxes. I think a combination of cuts and tax hikes might be in order. It is not moral to balance the budget exclusively on the backs of teachers and children. We have had several consecutive years of tax cuts. The legislature might have to take some of that back as well. I have also heard the 5% flat tax is causing much of our current revenue loss.
I think the merit pay bonus program needs to go and many teachers agree. That will save a little money, but I also think it is wrong to get too aggressive with teacher pay cuts to balance the budget, because that simply equates to making a small group of societal workers take a large financial hit in order to shield those responsible for having the children in the first place (the parents) from having to pay their share of taxes. I think a combination of cuts and tax hikes might be in order. It is not moral to balance the budget exclusively on the backs of teachers and children. We have had several consecutive years of tax cuts. The legislature might have to take some of that back as well. I have also heard the 5% flat tax is causing much of our current revenue loss.
So easy to tout | 9:45 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
that you are the education governor or the legislature that spends on education
and then cut it. The legislature gave a tax cut that was ill advised so they
need to withdraw that tax cut, or perhaps it is time for education tax based on
the number of children you have. Instead of getting a tax refund for having a
ton of kids, perhaps a tax per kid for education needs to be applied in addition
to normal taxes. Normal taxes will cover the responsibility that society has to
educate the children of said society, while a tax per child would allow those
who have children to be responsible for them. They may lose their state and
federal tax refund, but they will be taking responsibility for their children. I
am open to other suggestions but for me, something like this seems to be the
most fair. Parents must assume responsibility for their children, starting
financially, and not overly place that burden on others in society.
Salary | 9:50 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
I looked up the average paid High School Teacher in Salt Lake City on salary dot
com. It reflected a base salary of $49,900. Then when you include the benefits
you get $71,500. Now take into account that teachers get a lot of time off (to
include all holidays) and that BASE pay is $32 per hour, twice the average wage
in Utah. I guess it's better to take a 5% to 10% cut in pay then to be laid
off.
I'm an engineer and I don't make $32 per hour with the same benefits that a teacher gets. If my company said take 10% off or lose your job, I'd be happy to take the cut. Trust me, some of the bad teachers need to leave and be replaced anyway.
The average pay in Utah is $16.35 per hour.
I'm an engineer and I don't make $32 per hour with the same benefits that a teacher gets. If my company said take 10% off or lose your job, I'd be happy to take the cut. Trust me, some of the bad teachers need to leave and be replaced anyway.
The average pay in Utah is $16.35 per hour.
Juanita | 9:58 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Time to cut the money on providing the extras for the illegals children. Send
them back to their governments for education. Time that sports was not the most
important product in the schools - for the select few that get to be on teams
let their families pay for the privilege. Lets get back to the three basic
reading, writing, and arithmatics
Maybe cut the U's presidents 3 digit income
Maybe cut the U's presidents 3 digit income
RE;Salary | 10:05 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
I'm an engineer and I makes well over $32.00 an hour..Where did you go to
school, what kind of engineer are you.. Not a smart one I'm sure..Teachers
don't make a lot of money period. so lets see you want highly educated
professionlas to be paid the average wage in Utah. Teachers understand the
situation and are not complaining, so what's your problem. I would suggest
you look for a better job, your not a smart man..
Get facts | 10:23 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Before you talk about cutting athletics you need to know that most athletic
programs are pretty much paid for by the kids playing. The kids pay a fee then
do fund raisers for the rest of the money. Our boys and girls soccer teams pay
$150 per player to play. Then we raise all our own money through selling signs
around our stadium. This is the only money we get to pay for uniforms, buses,
and hotel rooms. Our football team raised the money to build our stadium,
scoreboard, and turf field.
It would be great if cutting athletics and prinicpals pay would solve our education problems. In reality it would have zero impact. We have tons of kids and educating them well is expensive. Cutting schools budgets 5-10% will hurt. There is no easy solution to make it not hurt.
I would use the rainy day fund before 5-10% education cuts, but perhaps we will need 5-10% cuts and the rainy day fund to balance the budget. Let's hope this recession is hort.
It would be great if cutting athletics and prinicpals pay would solve our education problems. In reality it would have zero impact. We have tons of kids and educating them well is expensive. Cutting schools budgets 5-10% will hurt. There is no easy solution to make it not hurt.
I would use the rainy day fund before 5-10% education cuts, but perhaps we will need 5-10% cuts and the rainy day fund to balance the budget. Let's hope this recession is hort.
Re-Salary | 10:25 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
You distort the math, when you complain that the top level teachers are paid
more than an engineer. I know several engineers whose salary is above $100,000
a year, and I am sure that there are others that are paid even more.
If you think the teachers are over paid, why don't you switch professions. As an engineer you have a lot of experience in math and science, which is in short supply in education. Any school district would love to hire you and work out a certification program while on the job. Of course you can't be a pervert or have anything bad in your background and it will take years to reach the top level pay scale.
Even better, Utah is having a very difficult time finding elementary teachers. Can you imagine that? You could even certify as an elementary teacher. I think they give you 3 years to meet the certification requirements, which can be done on-line and when school is out for the summer break.
If the recession continues school districts will have more and better applicants to chose from next year, and even this year as replacements become necessary. NO MORE TEACHES FROM MEXICO!!
If you think the teachers are over paid, why don't you switch professions. As an engineer you have a lot of experience in math and science, which is in short supply in education. Any school district would love to hire you and work out a certification program while on the job. Of course you can't be a pervert or have anything bad in your background and it will take years to reach the top level pay scale.
Even better, Utah is having a very difficult time finding elementary teachers. Can you imagine that? You could even certify as an elementary teacher. I think they give you 3 years to meet the certification requirements, which can be done on-line and when school is out for the summer break.
If the recession continues school districts will have more and better applicants to chose from next year, and even this year as replacements become necessary. NO MORE TEACHES FROM MEXICO!!
to so easy to tout | 10:43 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
The Federal child tax credit, actually causes parents in Utah with children to
pay more State taxes than those who don't. So less Federal taxes, more
State. So basically a wash. It has to do with the state line item of 1/2 of
your federal tax liability. Perhaps that changed with the flat tax, but I have
not seen the forms yet.
Anonymous | 10:51 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
If you are an engineer making less than a teacher you must have gone to the
U.
Maybe you are counting on the teachers living to be 100 and then adding in their retirement package...
Maybe you are counting on the teachers living to be 100 and then adding in their retirement package...
To Salary | 10:52 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
What are you a french fry engineer at McDonalds?
No real engineer is making less than a Utah teacher!
No real engineer is making less than a Utah teacher!
Still Concerned | 11:00 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Morley voted for public education only about 30% of the time when our economy
was pretty good. Look out kids. Those looking out after your interests are not
doing too good in the education department. The economy has given our lawmakers
a good excuse to overlook public education again.
Stewart | 11:07 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Salary demonstrates a perception that causes many excellent students not to go
into education as a profession. Teachers have to go to school for just as long
to get their B.A. as do engineers. It seems that we would think that the
teachers that prepare our students to on to the university to be engineers would
be as important as the engineers themselves.
Engineers say that their education was more difficult than the teacher's, but what they don't understand is that the teaching profession is just as difficult, if not more so. If we want the best engineers we have to have the best teachers first. At present this is not the case.
As Salary demonstrates he feels that his profession is due higher pay and status than teachers. With this being the common perspective it is no wonder that our best university students are going into engineering and other professions rather than education. "Houston we have a problem."
Engineers say that their education was more difficult than the teacher's, but what they don't understand is that the teaching profession is just as difficult, if not more so. If we want the best engineers we have to have the best teachers first. At present this is not the case.
As Salary demonstrates he feels that his profession is due higher pay and status than teachers. With this being the common perspective it is no wonder that our best university students are going into engineering and other professions rather than education. "Houston we have a problem."
Paradigm shift | 11:16 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
I heard a legislator say that Utah's education system needs a
"paradigm shift" in order to accommodate the budget cuts, because
"status quo thinking" wasn't going to cut it.
OK, fair is fair. "Paradigm Shifts" for all!
Paradigm Shift #1: The first three kids get to be deducted from your income tax. There's no additional tax breaks for having extra kids.
Paradigm Shift #2: Legislators don't get _any_ health insurance or retirement. It's only a part-time job, remember?
Paradigm Shift #3: The state of Utah stop giving away public funds in the form of exemptions from taxes & fees to businesses think of coming to Utah. State's shouldn't be bribing businesses to relocate.
OK, fair is fair. "Paradigm Shifts" for all!
Paradigm Shift #1: The first three kids get to be deducted from your income tax. There's no additional tax breaks for having extra kids.
Paradigm Shift #2: Legislators don't get _any_ health insurance or retirement. It's only a part-time job, remember?
Paradigm Shift #3: The state of Utah stop giving away public funds in the form of exemptions from taxes & fees to businesses think of coming to Utah. State's shouldn't be bribing businesses to relocate.
Four Day School Week | 11:22 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Wouldn't switching to a four-day school week be an answer? It's
expensive powering these large school buildings.
Why don't we just add an extra 60 minutes on Monday through Thursday. That extra hour could function as a time for those extra-curricular activities such as sports, drama, music, etc. Other students could use that time in a study hall or other grade remediation programs.
If the state can cut budgets by going to a four-day work week, surely the schools could do the same.
Why don't we just add an extra 60 minutes on Monday through Thursday. That extra hour could function as a time for those extra-curricular activities such as sports, drama, music, etc. Other students could use that time in a study hall or other grade remediation programs.
If the state can cut budgets by going to a four-day work week, surely the schools could do the same.
What about your benefits? | 11:35 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Hey Salary,
You failed to add in YOUR benefits. Why didn't you add in all of the holidays YOU are PAID to have off? Why didn't you add in YOUR retirement, health insurance, and other benefits?
If you include those "great" teacher benefits to the overall salary picture please make sure you include the same in the salary schedule of other professions!
Otherwise, your comparisons are just delusions.
You failed to add in YOUR benefits. Why didn't you add in all of the holidays YOU are PAID to have off? Why didn't you add in YOUR retirement, health insurance, and other benefits?
If you include those "great" teacher benefits to the overall salary picture please make sure you include the same in the salary schedule of other professions!
Otherwise, your comparisons are just delusions.
to Mr. Engineer | 11:44 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
I don't know how the sight you went to came up with a $49k base wage for SL
teachers. Was this for all teachers, regardless of the number of years worked,
or new teachers? I am in the last pay lane (masters + 30 credits) and I only
make in the mid 30's.
Teacher | 11:52 a.m. Nov. 22, 2008
To Four Day School Week: In case you have never taught a class of 30 ten-year
olds, let me fill you in on something: I am not an assembly line worker,
cranking out "students" or a corporate worker who can casually surf
the internet, grab a coke, go to lunch when I like, and then put in extra hours
to get the work done. Cramming another hour onto an already long school day
will not educate our children. They are done after 7 hours of studying. Most
classrooms are busy with work from the moment the bell rings until the buses
come in the afternoon. Our children will not retain new material by cramming in
another hour. They are children, not adults. If cuts need to be made, it
should be to other industries: let the legislators "donate" their time
and save some money there. Our schools are already on shoestring budgets as it
is. And, by the way, Utah is ranked 46th in the nation for teacher pay. If it
gets bad enough, Utah teachers will go to other states to make more money. They
already do.
Utah Teacher | 12:03 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
re: Instereo
I have to shake my head at someone who is advocating that we encourage all of our experienced teachers to quit so that we can hire all new teachers. The fact is that many new teachers only teach about three years before they leave the teaching profession either because of burnout or other issues. If we only hired new teachers, most faculties would completely turn over every five years or so. Is that what we want for our students?
I have to shake my head at someone who is advocating that we encourage all of our experienced teachers to quit so that we can hire all new teachers. The fact is that many new teachers only teach about three years before they leave the teaching profession either because of burnout or other issues. If we only hired new teachers, most faculties would completely turn over every five years or so. Is that what we want for our students?
oldman | 12:31 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Everyone but the poor underpaid - constantly complaining - teachers should take
cuts.
Good Idea | 12:51 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Utah doesn't need good teachers we need cheap teachers. The good teachers
spend too much time teaching. If we don't pay teachers very much money we
can just have a rotation of young straight out of college teachers showing
videos.
Steviejee | 12:52 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
I suggest that legislators spend some time in the average classroom. There is a
thinking out there that believes teachers sit around all day twiddling their
thumbs. I know our governor has an ad about teachers volunteering, every time I
hear it I realize he just doesn't have a clue. Volunteer, volunteer, I
already volunteer time and materials, everyday. What we could use is a sense of
being appreciated. What we could use is an income comparable to other states
similar to our cost of living and a wage that reflects the service we give.
Ironically, in a state that values the family so highly, we sure don't
think much of education. Or is it that we put it right there along side of being
a good mom or serving at church, hey they don't get paid, why should
teachers?
To Salary From Teacher | 1:31 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
There is no way you are a real engineer. You are a teacher basher that must have
struggled in school and of course, blamed it on the system or the bad teacher.
Toughen up whimp. If you are a real engineer, get out there and get an
engineer's job. By the way . . . ever taught? Ever tried it? It is not easy
to be an excellent teacher. As for the time off? When I am not teaching, I am
workng a part-time job for $15 an hour so I can stay in the profession I love.
Cuts Likely Inevitable | 2:36 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Utah legislators are very reluctant to use any of the "rainy day fund"
because having it is how Utah gets such a high bond rating.
Education will likely face some cuts. I would estimate 5% based upon the economy right now. Maybe even more if the economy gets worse.
The issue I have is that they often cut teachers first. In the Davis District, the FIRST place they chose to cut was teacher salaries. All teachers are getting a $250 pay cut in December. It is also likely that they will cut the "performance pay" approved last session. Teachers have already submitted their "plans" and have been working for the $300. That will, in all probability, be cut as well. So, that is $550 -- which is a 1-2% overall salary cut.
I wish they would cut programs, equipment, administration, or other areas FIRST before they just cut salaries of classroom teachers. The Davis District told teachers that "there is NO fat" in the district budget. Baloney!
They need to prioritize and cut first those things that have less impact on the classroom and on teachers and children.
Education will likely face some cuts. I would estimate 5% based upon the economy right now. Maybe even more if the economy gets worse.
The issue I have is that they often cut teachers first. In the Davis District, the FIRST place they chose to cut was teacher salaries. All teachers are getting a $250 pay cut in December. It is also likely that they will cut the "performance pay" approved last session. Teachers have already submitted their "plans" and have been working for the $300. That will, in all probability, be cut as well. So, that is $550 -- which is a 1-2% overall salary cut.
I wish they would cut programs, equipment, administration, or other areas FIRST before they just cut salaries of classroom teachers. The Davis District told teachers that "there is NO fat" in the district budget. Baloney!
They need to prioritize and cut first those things that have less impact on the classroom and on teachers and children.
Re Salary: | 3:25 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Teachers are not paid for holidays or summer break. They do not get comp time,
vacation time, or forced sick leave. (You forgot about that in your
calculations) In fact, they must still prepare lessons and grade papers despite
being ill. They are only paid for 182 days in the year, and most teachers
work well beyond the time they are at school. Most teachers spend countless
hours at home planning lessons and grading papers. In addition to that,
teachers are required to spend a considerable amount of time and money taking
college courses in order to stay certified. I have to laugh at how so many out
there are sudden experts in education without ever having spent any time in the
profession. Yes, teachers who have stuck with the profession do make more money
if they stay in the profession long enough. That is deservedly so. Don't
forget that there is no path to promotion for teachers. Administration is a
separate career path. Unless you give an incentive for teachers to stay in the
profession and make it a career, nobody will enter the profession and it will be
a mere stepping stone to other careers.
Teacher | 3:34 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
I teach. I don't work a part time job in the summer. I have a nice house
(We built it in 2004 before things got crazy). My kids love having me home at
4:00 when they get home. I am going to have a nice retirement in 13 years. My
family loves the time we get to spend together all summer long minus a few days
of inservice I always have to attend.
It is a great job once you get passed the crud of the first 5 years.
Please give it a try. You'll look like a genius when the economy goes in the tank. Wait it already has? Geniuses.
It is a great job once you get passed the crud of the first 5 years.
Please give it a try. You'll look like a genius when the economy goes in the tank. Wait it already has? Geniuses.
John | 4:26 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Every time I mention this my neighbors think I'm crazy, but it is high time
we raised property taxes in UT to pay for education adequately.
In both CA & OH, my house was smaller than in UT yet my property taxes were much higher.
In both CA & OH, my house was smaller than in UT yet my property taxes were much higher.
To: Teacher 3:34 | 4:27 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
You make teaching sound like the perfect job. I would bet that you actually have
a great family life and have done will with your skills. To listen to these
other teacher's comments, makes me wonder why I send my kids to school.
They have a chip on their shoulder and seem to literally hate their jobs. Thanks
for your uplifting comment. I hope my kids will have teachers like you.
Sometimes people take jobs because they are lacking something in confidence. While others take the job to actually help someone else become the best they can be. I get the feeling that you have inspired many people.
Sometimes people take jobs because they are lacking something in confidence. While others take the job to actually help someone else become the best they can be. I get the feeling that you have inspired many people.
going down | 5:54 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Obama needs to cut taxes on everything big corporations, small business,
personal taxes. All taxes must be cut, every way and fast. If we don't
give American companies that have fled from our punitive tax burden a reason to
come home with their estimated 13 trillion dollors, and provide incentive for
investment and new inovation this country is in big trouble.
6 months from now a 5 to 10% pay cut for not just teachers, may seem like a blessing, and who knows how many millions of jobs are at stake right now? IMHO we already in big big trouble and it's not because of teachers or any other american that pays his taxes. It's because of in incredibly corrupt government. Both parties have been destroying this country bit by bit for decades. And they have the nerve to tell us it's our fault.
6 months from now a 5 to 10% pay cut for not just teachers, may seem like a blessing, and who knows how many millions of jobs are at stake right now? IMHO we already in big big trouble and it's not because of teachers or any other american that pays his taxes. It's because of in incredibly corrupt government. Both parties have been destroying this country bit by bit for decades. And they have the nerve to tell us it's our fault.
Salary | 7:39 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
I've been teaching in Utah 10 years and my base salary before taxes is 34K.
If I could afford to get back into school I would. I love teaching. It is
VERY hard work. And I do teach year round.
Parents, administrators, and community expect you to work overtime without pay. The government depends upon the kindness of teachers to pay for your child's education. Last year I contributed $4700 to my program because equipment problems. Students pay more fees than ever. There is no such thing as a free education.
Students are forced to pay countless fees because there is no budget for to educate your child.
There is no easy answer to Utah's education funding problems. Utah's legislators, including Howard Stephenson, continue to prove how out of touch they are with Utah's children. When is the last time you saw a politician issue the "Friend of Education," card. Yet for 30 years it has been status quo.
Utah is in trouble. I hope that we can find solutions and not slogans. New funding ideas and thinking instead of non-productive accusations and slander.
Parents, administrators, and community expect you to work overtime without pay. The government depends upon the kindness of teachers to pay for your child's education. Last year I contributed $4700 to my program because equipment problems. Students pay more fees than ever. There is no such thing as a free education.
Students are forced to pay countless fees because there is no budget for to educate your child.
There is no easy answer to Utah's education funding problems. Utah's legislators, including Howard Stephenson, continue to prove how out of touch they are with Utah's children. When is the last time you saw a politician issue the "Friend of Education," card. Yet for 30 years it has been status quo.
Utah is in trouble. I hope that we can find solutions and not slogans. New funding ideas and thinking instead of non-productive accusations and slander.
Kindergarten | 8:25 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
I have spent a total of 12 unpaid hours just to prepare lessons for my classroom
and Friday I had a child puke in my classroom. I have spend $200 of my own money
beyond the money allowed just to have my classroom function. I gladly give up my
$250 to help save a few jobs. If you think I really get paid $22 an hour...your
kidding! Factor in the extra time and money teachers spend! But I don't
teach for the money or the glory. I teach because I love those children. It
hurts the teachers to cut budgets but it hurts the children more. Think of the
class sizes and the amount of individual instruction each child will miss out
on. We need to think of the children and the future, NOT ourselves!!
Anonymous | 8:54 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Four day school week. I am a teacher and did go to a four day schoo week for
four years in elementary and Jr. High. It was great. We went from 55min-65
min. There are schools in Utah that have been doing this for year and have
documentation that shows that four day school weeks work. Less misses classes,
most sports on Friday. We may want to visit this. Most schools have the A-B
schedule. If you do the math. The actual minutes in class have been redused. I
don't know what the aswer is but its worth a look.
Anonymous | 9:04 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
I say let the Education system and industry die. We parent's will work out
how to educate our own children at our own expense.
We Utahn's aren't helpless, you know!
We Utahn's aren't helpless, you know!
Unconcerned Jr. High teacher | 9:55 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
If we thought education could survive budget cuts with the state of our economy,
we were sadly mistaken. I agree with Salary...our kids education is not free
anymore. As a 1st-3rd year teacher I am glad the legislature has given us
additional money to get our classroom up and running.
I guess we just have to learn how to do things differently with less money. Let's be resourceful. We don't need to get greedy and ask for lots of money. There are ways to do things cheaply! Lets be professionals and have some initiative and be able to problem solve. We can do it and we will get through this.
I guess we just have to learn how to do things differently with less money. Let's be resourceful. We don't need to get greedy and ask for lots of money. There are ways to do things cheaply! Lets be professionals and have some initiative and be able to problem solve. We can do it and we will get through this.
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Education is an investment in our community's and state's future. Don't cut education to save a couple of bucks this year. Too short-sighted.