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Teachers struggle with district cuts
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It was the legislature | 10:13 a.m. July 6, 2009
The legislature cut the professional development days that it had previously
provided for teachers.
That amounted to a 5.5 days of pay cut from salaries, becuse the boards of education throughtout the state had to cut other areas just to balance the budget.
I am not a teacher, but you people who think they are overpaid are just plain nuts.
That amounted to a 5.5 days of pay cut from salaries, becuse the boards of education throughtout the state had to cut other areas just to balance the budget.
I am not a teacher, but you people who think they are overpaid are just plain nuts.
Hey Teachers | 10:19 a.m. July 6, 2009
welcome to the REAL world. Folks are losing their jobs left and right, being
forced to take furloughs and pay cuts. What makes you think, while on summer
vacation for 3 months I might add, that you are immune?
Hey, you don't like it? QUIT!!!!
I just looked at the pay of a elementary principal and she is making about $100,000.00 per year. Plus benefits etc......
Hey, you don't like it? QUIT!!!!
I just looked at the pay of a elementary principal and she is making about $100,000.00 per year. Plus benefits etc......
Comments continue below
Utexan | 10:25 a.m. July 6, 2009
Utah, be nice to your teachers! Here in Texas teachers start at 42,000.
Teachers work hard with lots of overtime. Don't your children deserve the
best?
Just a thought.......... | 10:25 a.m. July 6, 2009
Read these comments and you'll understand why many leave education or
don't choose it in the first place. Why choose a job where you are degraded
and paid a pittance for the time put in? Are there bad teachers? Yes. Just like
there are bad doctors, lawyers, accountants, politicians, etc. That doesn't
mean you pain the whole profession with the same brush. Get rid of the poor
teachers and praise the good ones. You want the "best and brightest"?
Pay a living wage. Stop treating teachers like criminals or unintelligent dolts
who couldn't do anything else so they went into teaching. You want higher
test scores? Take responsibility for you children. Look at and help with their
homework. Attend parent/teacher conferences. Volunteer at your school. When
education becomes important to you, it will become important to your child. And
stop trotting out international test scores unless you are willing to also point
out the differences which are many. Chief among these is the fact that in this
great country we educate ALL regardless of gender, ethnicity, ability, or
language barriers.
Most teachers do their best to help YOUR children to be their best. Say thanks.
Most teachers do their best to help YOUR children to be their best. Say thanks.
Anonymous | 10:25 a.m. July 6, 2009
Teachers need to do the following: One, in the secondary (high school and middle
or junior high) not do ANY after school activities. It's not part of their
contract and they are contract employees so don't do it. That means no
yearbook, no dances including prom etc., no student government, no sports etc.
Let the parents take time off their jobs to volunteer to do those items (yes,
teachers get paid for some of those things but not much). In both the secondary
and elementary level let teachers show up when they are suppose to and leave
when they are suppose. If grading doesn't get done, not a problem, no time
outside of contract. When your child doesn't have grades to submit to a
college, oh well, that's ok. The point is let them fulfill their contract
since they are then being honest with their employee and let others (parents and
administrators) figure out how to get those other things in. Pay a parent to
coach a sport for $1000 and take the time off work and away from their family.
Fulfill the contract teachers, nothing more.
In support of teachers... | 10:25 a.m. July 6, 2009
RE: Anonymous 2 - If you were as good/hard a worker as most teachers are, you
would be able to get the work 12 months of work done in 9 months like teachers.
You sound like you are whining more than teachers... but you "get paid
great and love what you do." You wouldn't last a month in a classroom.
Go back to your cubicle. I appreciate what teachers do.
Get a Life | 10:37 a.m. July 6, 2009
people. I would honestly expect nothing less than many of the ignorant comments
some have posted here. Teachers are taking this one on the back and the
legislators and the citizens who post here are happy about it. Fine. Let's
shut down public education in Utah. No more free daycare! Lets let those who can
afford to get an education pay for it in the private sector and turn charter
schools into elite schools by charging a $10,000 a year tuition to the state per
student (on top of your normal taxes). Can't afford it then you get the
opportunity to home school your children that you as a parent are responsible
for. I think it is about time we place the responsibility for educating children
where it belongs, on the parents. It's not free so let the parents figure
it out. Want kids, accept the total responsibility for them including their
education and how they will make a living when they are adults. Can't
afford it, don't have kids or as many. This will save all of us a ton of
money in the end.
The Problem with Utah | 10:44 a.m. July 6, 2009
The fundamental problem with the state of Utah and education - too many kids and
not enough money to go around. Simple problem but the solution is much more
difficult. You can't keep cutting teachers and programs because Utah is
bare bones right now with education so what do you do? You could raise taxes but
Utah is already one of the highest taxed states and that won't fly. Utah
BIG families get to deduct all their kids on their taxes so the biggest families
are not paying their fair share toward education. My suggestion would be to do
as Idaho did and institute a STATE RUN LOTTERY where the bulk of the proceeds go
to education. Also, limit the deductions per house hold to 5 or 6 for dependents
and thus increase the tax dollar base. Hard choices but what are the
alternatives?
Private School Teacher | 10:44 a.m. July 6, 2009
My wife left public school classrooms because of classroom size, parents that
really could care less what happens in the classroom and now works for a
wonderful private pre-school with low student to teacher ratios, private chef
for lunch, parents that want to be involved with a fair salary and benefit
package. There are options to keep teaching, be happy, and away from the
politics of public education.
Pay Scale | 10:47 a.m. July 6, 2009
Question for you? How much education do you have and how much experience in your
current field? That principal one, is not a teacher but an administrator (they
make more). Also to be that high requires at least a Masters plus 40 semester
hours or an EdD. Then add 25 years or more of experience to their career and
that is why they make $100K. It's just like people who say teachers make
$50k to $60K a year. They do, with a a Masters and 25 years or so of experience.
Teachers Understand | 10:49 a.m. July 6, 2009
Yes, most all teachers know full well what their pay will be well before coming
into the profession. And, the complaints in the past have been that they are
paid below what a professional might expect, that is not the issue here. An
agreement was made between each teacher and Jordan District that would allow pay
raises each year (steps), at least in the first 15, and compensation for
bettering themselves through education (lanes). Jordan is attempting to break
this contract in refusing to allow the inevitable pay cuts through other
methods, such as furloughing some days across the board. That is what is at
issue here. It's sad that people are losing jobs. However, for one as
demanding as teaching, Jordan District should do all it can to let teachers
choose for themselves how to make it through this crisis.
Share the burden | 10:51 a.m. July 6, 2009
Both the School Board and District Office Administrators could share the burden
of these budget cuts by offering to take a 5% salary decrease. This would not
only reflect the downsizing of the district, but it would also be a public
expression of the goods of the whole, rather than the individuals who can escape
salary cuts because teachers have taken them all.
Re Salary: | 10:52 a.m. July 6, 2009
It is hard to get a summer job when most employers don't want to hire and
train someone for such a short amount of time. Teachers do not get paid
vacations off. They do not get paid for summers. Their checks are spread over
12 months. They are laid off and the contracts renew in the fall. They do not
get comp time, nor do they get paid vacation time like most jobs in the
supposedly "real world." Teachers also have a high-profile, public
job that means they have to sacrifice some of the things they might like to do
such as having a beer at a family picnic for fear that someone will see them and
try to get them fired. As we have seen in the news lately, many teachers are
falsely accused of misconduct by immature teenagers trying to get revenge for a
bad grade or whatever. Also, don't forget that most people could never do
what teachers do. It takes a certain personality to deal patiently with
children. If we paid teachers what we paid our babysitters, they would be
making $100,000+ per year. Teachers are worth every penny in Utah.
Prospective Teacher | 11:01 a.m. July 6, 2009
Hello! I'm 19 years old and I was thinking of becoming a teacher. After
reading these comments and realizing how much teachers are hated, I've
decided to look at another career option. I had no idea that the general public
was so unappreciative of teachers. I loved my teachers in school and they
helped me get through rough times in my life. While many in my own family were
bad examples in my life, it was my teachers who provided that good example and
helped to turn me around. I wasn't looking at being a teacher for the
money, but to give back to a system that gave so much to me, but I would like
some respect while doing so and to make a living without having to work another
a second full time job at McDonalds. After reading these comments, I know I
probably won't get any respect. I'm not sure if this negativity is
just a Utah thing or if going to another state would be better if I want to
become a teacher. Can anyone help me?
realnews | 11:06 a.m. July 6, 2009
Either Mr. Barton (Kaysville Jr. History Teacher) was misquoted or misinformed.
The truth is that all employees - teachers, administrators, and classified will
not receive steps AND will lose two days of pay. With all Quality Teacher
funding being cut by the legislature, teachers immediately lost seven paid work
days. Five of those were restored through other cuts, including the loss of two
days by other employees.
Davis School District had cuts of $23 million. All employees shared in the cuts.
Davis School District had cuts of $23 million. All employees shared in the cuts.
Need balance | 11:08 a.m. July 6, 2009
I hold a degree to teach Elementary School but was not able to find a job in a
tight market in 1997. I took my ambition and left teaching for a computer
industry job, paying for my training as I went. My first computer job paid only
$32000. After 5 years I was up to $50k. Now I'm able to pull 6 figures,
but that comes with costs. My healthcare costs are around $500/mo, not to
mention a $1k deductible and 80/20 coverage. I have no pention plan nor company
supported 401k plan. My costs for earning such a high salary eat up that salary
in no time. I live a frugal life, in an affordable house, and yet still work at
least 60 hours per week. I have only 10 paid days off each year (those are used
for both vacation and sick time). I'm on-call 24x7 and am usually still
on-call during my vacation.
Teachers should be paid more, but it's all relative. I would love to go back to teach, but it needs to lure me there...it almost can do that, based on my current costs of living.
Teachers should be paid more, but it's all relative. I would love to go back to teach, but it needs to lure me there...it almost can do that, based on my current costs of living.
Anonymous | 11:11 a.m. July 6, 2009
Sometimes the people who are attracted to education like job security, summers
off, shorter days, weekends off etc. I received my education in northern Davis
County and can truthfully say that the number of teachers who really inspired
learning etc. was limited to maybe a half dozen or so. Unfortunately some
people hang out in the profession and take up space doing a mediocre job. When
I was in Utah it was hard to get bond issues funded, and support staff were
sorely needed such as art, music, and physical education teachers in the
elementary grades. When I taught in Utah, I was never evaluated by any
administrators. In order for educators to get the respect they desire, the
occupation needs a complete makeover. Obama seemed to be intimating that he was
going to help the sorry state of education, but it seems that conditions have
worsened. In Arizona where I now live some districts are going to a four day
week and all kinds of positions and programs are being eliminated.
No Way | 11:15 a.m. July 6, 2009
No way do the "extra hours put in" come close to 12 months of actual
work. Try to find a teacher in school before or after the bell rings.
That's a 6 hour work day folks. Try to find a teacher at the professional
development days. Sorry, I bump into them at the movies. How many times do your
kids have substitutes because teacher is on vacation? Multiple times a month.
How about the videos the kids watch in class the first 2 weeks of school and the
last 2 weeks of school. The job is 9 months minus roughly 2 months of wasted
professional and personal time. Don't pretend to be something you are not.
Re: realnews | 11:25 a.m. July 6, 2009
Sorry buddy your wrong most administrtors are past the step scale anyway, so
they would not get a step regardless. They can make up any pay decrease by
simply attending a few basketball or football games. In the Jordan district
Adminitrators are not sacrificing a dime.
jhvb | 11:41 a.m. July 6, 2009
Maybe instead we should be wondering how the lawyer, doctor, NFL players, NBA
players, etc. got to where they are making hundreds of thousands into the
millions. Couldn't have done it without teachers. I feel our society has
its priorities backwards.
By the way, I can also guarantee you that most teachers don't get summer vacation. I know that most are in classes or summer professional development. Or heaven forbid they work in their classrooms in preparation for the coming school year. Teachers work 12 months a year (or the hours equivalent to that).
I am grateful for the work that I have and the freedom to choose my career. I hope that teachers will realize the real reason for teaching (KIDS) and I hope that the rest of society will realize what teachers really go through and do for their children.
By the way, I can also guarantee you that most teachers don't get summer vacation. I know that most are in classes or summer professional development. Or heaven forbid they work in their classrooms in preparation for the coming school year. Teachers work 12 months a year (or the hours equivalent to that).
I am grateful for the work that I have and the freedom to choose my career. I hope that teachers will realize the real reason for teaching (KIDS) and I hope that the rest of society will realize what teachers really go through and do for their children.
Timj | 11:46 a.m. July 6, 2009
Prospective teacher--smart choice. People think teacher's benefits are
cushy--my health insurance carried a deductible so huge that I never even
considered using it (and would've used it only for a catastrophic
emergency). Some teachers are more expendable...math and science teachers are
not. I taught science, and was always able to find work because of that.
I'll be practicing law in 2 years--I'm near the top of my class, and so will probably get a good job after graduation. Average pay from my law school for the first year out is around $90,000 (although with my class rank I'll probably make a bit more). I was paid $33,000/year as a teacher. I'm spending this summer with a law firm, and the attorneys I work with don't have near the stress most teachers do.
Consider going to graduate school--medical, dental, law, business, etc. before you consider teaching. Especially if you'll have a family to support and you're smart enough to make it through graduate school.
I'll be practicing law in 2 years--I'm near the top of my class, and so will probably get a good job after graduation. Average pay from my law school for the first year out is around $90,000 (although with my class rank I'll probably make a bit more). I was paid $33,000/year as a teacher. I'm spending this summer with a law firm, and the attorneys I work with don't have near the stress most teachers do.
Consider going to graduate school--medical, dental, law, business, etc. before you consider teaching. Especially if you'll have a family to support and you're smart enough to make it through graduate school.
Timj | 11:56 a.m. July 6, 2009
Most teachers do work 8 hour days. I have never known a teacher that works
less. I'm sure they exist, but they're rare.
Most teachers do get summers off (and don't spend more than a few days of that summer preparing for class). Try finding a decent summer job, though...a teacher friend of mine is working fast food this summer. $6 or $7/hour...The summer off isn't as big of a benefit as you would think, at least for teachers trying to support a family. That much money doesn't go far.
Most teachers do get summers off (and don't spend more than a few days of that summer preparing for class). Try finding a decent summer job, though...a teacher friend of mine is working fast food this summer. $6 or $7/hour...The summer off isn't as big of a benefit as you would think, at least for teachers trying to support a family. That much money doesn't go far.
Unique to Jordan | 12:16 p.m. July 6, 2009
The school board did NOT create this problem, but they are trying to solve it,
even with a larger shortfall than other school districts, thanks to its recent
divorce. As a parent, I'm glad to hear the school board is not raising
class sizes. You'd think our teachers would be happy about that too.
Teacher | 12:26 p.m. July 6, 2009
I made $66,000 last year. I am now enjoying a summer of travel and boating with
my kids. I get to work a job that actually makes the world a better place.
What I do actually matters.
I love my job and will enjoy a long, steady career.
Sounds to good to be true?
Nope. You too can be a teacher.
Look into it. It is a great career.
Just ignore the Hate Mongers on message boards.
I love my job and will enjoy a long, steady career.
Sounds to good to be true?
Nope. You too can be a teacher.
Look into it. It is a great career.
Just ignore the Hate Mongers on message boards.
Grateful to be Out! | 12:32 p.m. July 6, 2009
I taught in the school system for 27 years and was more grateful than anyone can
imagine to retire and get out of the mess!! Greed, selfishness and excessive
demands from the top to the survival of the fittest at the bottom. Rude,
disrespectful,lazy,students coming from the very kind of homes that encourage
such behavior. Teachers were once respected,honored, supported, and rewarded for
their efforts...but not anymore. Now they are treated with contempt, rudeness,
and constant complaints from parents and the public at large about everything
they do or not do. Darned if you do, darned if you don't. Anyone in their
right mind would never enter a profession that suffers from the kind of abuses
mentioned here and in comments on this topic. Think twice before becoming a
school teacher!!!
From another new teacher | 12:39 p.m. July 6, 2009
Comparing jobs and salaries is always a slippery slope. Collecting garbage is
not like being an accountant is not like being a teacher. Teachers deal with
things that those with desk jobs will NEVER have to deal with - comparing the
two is unfair. Yes I get summers and holidays away from school but that
doesn't mean I'm not working. I read, take classes, plan lessons, etc
all to benefit the kids I teach.
Also, where are all those great benefits you all keep talking about? I pay $450 a month for my health insurance and about the only thing it's good for is routine check ups. Jordan School District isn't even paying for my daughter's well child immunizations.
All we're saying is that teachers shouldn't have to take all the cuts. Administrators in Jordan School District are getting a cost of living raise. Without my husband's income, my kids would qualify for food stamps and I'M the one getting the cut. How is that fair?
Also, where are all those great benefits you all keep talking about? I pay $450 a month for my health insurance and about the only thing it's good for is routine check ups. Jordan School District isn't even paying for my daughter's well child immunizations.
All we're saying is that teachers shouldn't have to take all the cuts. Administrators in Jordan School District are getting a cost of living raise. Without my husband's income, my kids would qualify for food stamps and I'M the one getting the cut. How is that fair?
Hatuletoh | 12:58 p.m. July 6, 2009
Why should we taxpayers being paying out for teachers? I pay the babysitter two
bucks an hour, and I can plop the kids in front of the TeeVee for free.
Anonymous | 1:53 p.m. July 6, 2009
I wish every teacher in Utah would quit. We are just cheap babysitters.
Parents do not respect teachers; therefore, students do not respect teachers.
We receive a salary 12 months of the year which makes our monthly paycheck
smaller. We are required to be to workshops throughout the summer, after
school, and on Saturdays. We have to teach children manners because parents
don't! We need to teach them to come to school clean because parents
don't! We need to teach them the importance of homework because parents
don't. Many parents in this day and age are only worried about one person
"themselves". As I said, I wish every teacher in Utah could
quit----maybe then the public could see that we are a vital part of
society!!!!!!
Concerned Educator | 2:04 p.m. July 6, 2009
To Hatuletoh,
First of all, check your grammar…”being paying out” is not correct. Did you learn that from being plopped down in front of a T.V.? Second, you are a cheap-skate! Two bucks an hour for a sitter? Are they playing with your children or just sending text messages to their friends? And since when is T.V. free? Do you have cable? Oops! Not free! Or,do you sponge off those who DONATE to Public Television to educate your children? I have a better idea, why don’t you get off the couch where you are watching “quality T.V.” with your children and volunteer in the classroom? Don’t like schools? How about the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters or any number of other organizations in need of assistance. Yes, I am a teacher and a parent, so please don’t let your opinion rub off on your children…our job is difficult enough.
First of all, check your grammar…”being paying out” is not correct. Did you learn that from being plopped down in front of a T.V.? Second, you are a cheap-skate! Two bucks an hour for a sitter? Are they playing with your children or just sending text messages to their friends? And since when is T.V. free? Do you have cable? Oops! Not free! Or,do you sponge off those who DONATE to Public Television to educate your children? I have a better idea, why don’t you get off the couch where you are watching “quality T.V.” with your children and volunteer in the classroom? Don’t like schools? How about the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters or any number of other organizations in need of assistance. Yes, I am a teacher and a parent, so please don’t let your opinion rub off on your children…our job is difficult enough.
ABS | 2:49 p.m. July 6, 2009
Go to UtahsRight.com, punch in a teacher you know, check their salary...divide
that by 9, as they do not work 12 months, they get a three month break,
something the rest of us don't get with our careers. Is it really that
bad? No, not at all, they do better than most. Administrators are WAY over
paid, I do agree, they should take a cut as well, to compensate more, but
teachers don't do as poorly financially as they lead the public to think.
what about administrators | 3:22 p.m. July 6, 2009
so what about school administrators (principals , etc..). I was considering
getting a Masters in Administration for the purpose of becoming a principal.
Does anyone have thoughts on this??? Interested.
Re Hatuletoh: | 3:45 p.m. July 6, 2009
So teachers aren't taxpayers either? That is a new one. If teachers
don't pay taxes, then who is the "we" taxpayers? By the way, how
many kids do you have and what is your income? I bet you don't even pay
enough in taxes that educates a half of a child. People that use the system the
most usually pay the least into it and whine about it. I say get rid of the
child tax credit and start making people pay the full cost of educating their
children. Also, I bet any teacher would love to have $2.00 per hour per child.
With Utah's high classes they would make close to $100K per year. I bet
they would even throw in a few educational activities for free--something that
sticking your kids in front of the telly won't do.
Re No Way: | 3:56 p.m. July 6, 2009
It is quite obvious you have never taught school before. I'm sure that any
teachers reading your post are laughing hysterically. First of all,
professional development days are optional. You don't attend, you
don't get paid. I'm sure you run into a teacher here and there, but
the vast majority of teachers need the pay and attend those days. Of course you
may not find teachers in their classroom before or after school. Did you bother
to make an appointment with the teacher or just show up expecting them to be
there. They might be running copies, at faculty meetings or district meetings,
sick, on a field trip, meeting with parents, or counselors, or other myriad
reasons. You people really need to get a life and start living in the real
world. It is funny how you tell teachers to get a so-called "real
world" job when most of the teachers have worked such jobs at one time or
another, but on the flip side people who make such naive critical comments about
teachers and the profession have never worked in the education profession. Oh,
the hypocrisy.
Anonymous | 4:01 p.m. July 6, 2009
Utah needs the lotery! Pay teachers more with the lotery
Facts behind the data? | 4:11 p.m. July 6, 2009
Re ABS: Nice spin job. Teachers actually work quite hard during that 9 month
time period. I teach and work at least 60 hours per week. Unlike most jobs, we
do get laid off for 2 1/2 months of the year. (I start contract days in the
middle of August and teach through the last week of May or first week of June).
Because our paychecks are divided over 12 months, I am not eligible for
unemployment in the layoff season. I started teaching 16 years ago and my salary
was $19,000. It took me seven years to save enough money to buy a house and I
had to move 25 minutes away from my place of employment in order to afford one.
I currently make $64,000 on Utah's Right, but it doesn't tell you that
I've stuck with the job for 16 years, teach summer school, mentor other
teachers, teach an extra class period instead of having an unpaid prep, do
outside maintenance work for the school, and help administer a federal grant in
which I get paid. I'm not complaining about my job or salary, just the
teacher-bashers.
Teacher in J.S.D. | 4:20 p.m. July 6, 2009
I would resign and find another job but I like the 186 day-a-year contract.
That equates to only six months a year I have to work. If I could find another
job with all the benefits and six months of work I will resign immeadiatly.
falcon's beak | 4:41 p.m. July 6, 2009
THere is just so much money to go around and the so called stimulus bill of Mr.
Obama is a Keynsian initiative and they do not only not work they make things
worse. I would think a pay cut or maybe just no raise better than no job. Sure
teachers do not get enough neither does anyone else.
Anonymous | 4:52 p.m. July 6, 2009
Why teach in a state full of people who see no value in your work?
Complain | 4:59 p.m. July 6, 2009
Jordan school teachers should get more money,but thanks to the people on the
east side, there will be all kinds of cuts to every district but theirs. Yea, I
know they got tired of paying for all the west siders new schools, but take a
look at the new facilities they have. It just proves that life is not fair. If
it were, we would have nothing to complain about!
Chemist | 5:06 p.m. July 6, 2009
what about administrators | 3:22 p.m. July 6, 2009
Unless you are in the good old boys network BIG TIME...you will never get a job.
That is the truth...I hope it helps!!
Unless you are in the good old boys network BIG TIME...you will never get a job.
That is the truth...I hope it helps!!
Sweet Laughter | 5:10 p.m. July 6, 2009
Define harmless | 9:57 a.m. July 6, 2009
Awesome comment dude...Awesome!!!
Awesome comment dude...Awesome!!!
Timj | 5:20 p.m. July 6, 2009
186 days is six months?
Sure, if you work every single Sunday, Saturday, and holiday.
Nice try there.
Sure, if you work every single Sunday, Saturday, and holiday.
Nice try there.
jo jo | 5:28 p.m. July 6, 2009
RE: TEACHER | 8:34 a.m. July 6, 2009
If you work so much how are you finding the time to make so many comments.
Not buying it!!!
If you work so much how are you finding the time to make so many comments.
Not buying it!!!
Jordan teacher | 5:29 p.m. July 6, 2009
I teach in Jordan, and we are getting hammered because of the recession AND the
district split that we didn't want. Thanks to the Legislature for shoving
that one through. For those of you who complain that only the people in the
"real world" (outside of teaching) are the ones who work hard: I have
a relative who works for IHC, and she talks constantly about co-workers who
spend their time on the Internet, shop online, talk to family members on the
phone constantly, and take 2-hour lunches. As an elementary teacher, I teach all
subjects, get 25 minutes for lunch only if the kids are outside, and do most of
my computer work/grading at home using my own equipment. I work at least 10-11
hours per day during the school year, and several weeks extra during the summer
at no pay. I also subsidize my classroom to the tune of hundreds of dollars per
year (that has to end - I'm getting a pay cut of at least $3,000 this
coming year). I am grateful for a job, but like others have said the
administrators should also take some of the hit.
Anom | 5:44 p.m. July 6, 2009
I am a teacher and would not work for the JSD. they just do not value their
teachers. I had a job with them last year and quit when I got a better teaching
job. Their top administrators should be taking a hit in the wallet not the
teachers.
Happy Teacher | 6:08 p.m. July 6, 2009
Yes I work 9 1/2 month or 188 school days during a year.
I made $66,000 last year.
I get to school 30 minutes before the bell and leave 30 minutes to 60 minutes after the bell for an 8 to 8.5 hr day.
I refuse to take work home to grade because I'm not paid for it.
I have won several teaching awards.
I make a difference in my students' lives.
Plus I get to be home not longer after my kids get home and I get to spend all summer fishing, camping, traveling, boating etc. with the family.
I could make more in other fields but I have a great life and I will have a great retirement.
Life is good.
Sorry Hate Mongers.
I made $66,000 last year.
I get to school 30 minutes before the bell and leave 30 minutes to 60 minutes after the bell for an 8 to 8.5 hr day.
I refuse to take work home to grade because I'm not paid for it.
I have won several teaching awards.
I make a difference in my students' lives.
Plus I get to be home not longer after my kids get home and I get to spend all summer fishing, camping, traveling, boating etc. with the family.
I could make more in other fields but I have a great life and I will have a great retirement.
Life is good.
Sorry Hate Mongers.
To Jordan teacher | 6:25 p.m. July 6, 2009
You are being sold a bill of goods if you think Jordan's massive tax hike,
layoffs and salary freeze are the result of the district split. To the contrary,
JSD is in better shape as a result of the split. It has $12 million in
equalization money that no other district has, a $94 million fund balance, lower
costs because of its newer buildings, and hundreds of millions of dollars of
debt paid courtesy the other district. Fact is Jordan District is using the
split to do what it wants. Anything goes at this point.
emo | 6:32 p.m. July 6, 2009
My first of teaching I made 15K and I was both an assistant and head coach.
Additionally, I worked in the evenings with community education for twenty
years.
My point is this if you teach you will suffer your entire life and no one cares.
Now with three years left until retirement I find myself having wished my life away waiting for that big raise that never came.
You can do it but not just on a teachers salary expect to work more than a day job. Unless of course you can get into administration (you best know someone or forget about it!!)
Teachers in Utah are set up to fail. It isn't aall about the pay. It is many other things starting with respect or a lack there of. Just read the comments posted here. HATERS.
My best friend is a doctor he makes ten times what I make. I am proud of him because I understand the amount and intensity of his education. Those writing here ripping on teachers don't get it because they more than likely do not understand what it takes to get through college!!
Soldier on dude..you have no choice.
My point is this if you teach you will suffer your entire life and no one cares.
Now with three years left until retirement I find myself having wished my life away waiting for that big raise that never came.
You can do it but not just on a teachers salary expect to work more than a day job. Unless of course you can get into administration (you best know someone or forget about it!!)
Teachers in Utah are set up to fail. It isn't aall about the pay. It is many other things starting with respect or a lack there of. Just read the comments posted here. HATERS.
My best friend is a doctor he makes ten times what I make. I am proud of him because I understand the amount and intensity of his education. Those writing here ripping on teachers don't get it because they more than likely do not understand what it takes to get through college!!
Soldier on dude..you have no choice.
A bit of logical perspective | 7:00 p.m. July 6, 2009
Re JSD in Jordan: I work in finance for 52 weeks of the year. I get all the
federal and state holidays off and work five days a week I also get three weeks
paid vacation per year. I'm also making six figures. When I figured the
number of actual days worked it was about 224 days or 7.5 months of the year if
you worked every day in the month. That is only 1.5 more months than teachers
for a lot more pay, yet again I don't have to do much work at home either
but can usually leave my job at my job. My wife would kill me if I brought my
work home with me every night.
With that said, most jobs have a five day work week which is 260 days of the year or about 3.5 months off total. I think teachers are definitely undervalued and work harder than most jobs. Only a small percentage of the population could do what teachers do. Most people I know can't stand being around their own kids for more than a few hours a day. Teachers are around hundreds.
With that said, most jobs have a five day work week which is 260 days of the year or about 3.5 months off total. I think teachers are definitely undervalued and work harder than most jobs. Only a small percentage of the population could do what teachers do. Most people I know can't stand being around their own kids for more than a few hours a day. Teachers are around hundreds.
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Bingham High School teacher Vince Merrell holds his daughter, Brooke, along with wife Meagan at their home.
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I enjoy my job and hopefully will teach again next year. The money was fine for me, my wife does not work and we found a way to make it work-you just need to make the right lifestyle choices. Teaching is a great job with a lot of security, at least I thought so.