Deseret News | Panel brainstorming benefits to keep teachers in classroom

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Panel brainstorming benefits to keep teachers in classroom

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Anonymous | 2:46 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

A very interesting idea, tell the just graduated teachers that they can start at $47,000, but they have to work year-round. Then look at Wyoming where the same teacher can start at $42,000 teaching a regular school year. I think it is a no-brainer.

Okay... | 3:09 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

But then you would have to live in Wyoming.

Angela | 3:51 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

As a prospective teacher (I'm currently in school for my licensure) the problem isn't money. All teachers know that the pay isn't the main pull, its the chance to make a difference in the lives of your students. The school system in Utah has a habit of constricting too much what a teacher can and cannot teach. For me the issue all boils down to the right to teach the students more than what is on a test. Teachers need more freedom of speech in the classroom. That being said, a few extra dollars in the bank wouldn't hurt either ;-)

Comments continue below

olias | 4:20 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

Considering the fact that teachers are not just teachers any more, (they are responsible for much more than just the education of their students),and they have to teach to such a wide array of students (mainstream students as well as those with exceptionalities),and teach to government bench marks (NCLB), teachers should be admired and respected, and paid accordingly. People who teach should teach for the passion of molding young minds more than teaching for money, however,making a living is paramount. Current circumstances (teacher shortages, etc...) and the numerous demands that have been placed upon them, pay is hugley in need of increase to retain and attract teachers. Utah is one of the worst in the pay category, so it is no wonder it is having the problems it is having in this field. Being able to live in Utah is a major benefit, but not a strong enough argument to keep those fresh out of college from going elsewhere to teach, and enjoying a better standard of living because of better pay and benefits. Beauty can only take a person so far, the rest is income and income potential, both of which Utah is lacking.

future broke teacher | 4:29 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

Raises will help, but to keep the graduating classes to stay and teach perhaps we hsould work something out to forgive loans. I live in Washington county, grew up here, but can't aford to stay and teach, beacause of living expenses. Other states address living situations, helping getting into homes, maybe we should look out of the great state of UTAH for an answer or two.

Future science teacher | 4:38 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

I am currently a student at Southern Utah University studying physical science to teach high school science. Sometimes I wonder why I am taking organic chemistry, calculus, physics for scientists and engineers, quantum physics and a number of other like classes to make $27,000 a year. Iï¿½m doing it because I think there is a lack of good teachers today. It was a tough decision for me but It might not have been as tough if it werenï¿½t for the low salary.

Camie | 4:59 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

I believe greatly in raises for educators. I am going to school to be a teacher and as I pay for 4 years of schooling my husband only has a high school diploma and is already making $37,000 a year. I also believe there should be more pay to those teachers in the areas of higher demand.

Charles H | 5:45 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

Lots of comments supporting pay raises. Not a one I can see supporting elimination of the per child deduction on State income tax. I guess PARENTS just don't value education the way they should.

art teacher wannabe | 6:11 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

Teachers do need more money especially in Utah. Obviously some get by like my mother and brother-in-law, however if that is the only income, it is very hard to support your family.

Some are saying that teachers are whining but why can't Utah pay as much money to their teachers as other states?

Sound Logic | 7:29 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

A simple solution is Vouchers. With vouchers we don't need certified teachers (goodbye Union), just those with the desire to work with children. We have plenty who want to practically work for free but can't get in the door as anything more than substitutes. If we just pass vouchers they can realize the dream of being a real teacher without having to be bothered by college.

oldy but goody | 7:36 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

In our society today, sports are the most important thing! Isn't that why the university coaches get some hideously high salary? They make at least 25 times most teachers' salaries. Disgusting!!!

laborer | 8:36 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

There are three groups of people that seems to need the most validation.
Movies stars
professional athletes
teachers
There are many hard working people that do their job.
If teachers think their job is hard without great benefits then I suggest they join the real world.

Lacey | 8:49 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

I think the trimester idea is a good solution, but it also scares me. I am going to be a future teacher and the idea of cutting the amount of teaching jobs makes me nervous. I think this idea can be altered to allow a pay raise without taking too many jobs away.

Anonymous | 9:31 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

Response to laborer,

The real world is a whole lot easier than teaching. Think of all those times that you have come home from your job to your family and can only play with your kids for a few minutes until they exhaust you. The difference is that teachers work with your child and often more than two dozen other children at the same time and do it for more than six hours.

This all goes back to the respect issue. The truth is most who don't respect teachers would not last a full day. Some would probably flip out at the kids. Fortunately I have felt respected by my parents, but I all too often see the demeaning nature that some heap on teachers.

Shaun | 11:52 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

I am currently a student at Southern Utah University and I'm two years away to geting my teaching degree. I obviously didn't choose this profession for the money, but for the rewarding satisfaction from making a difference in someone else's life. Although, I did not choose this profession based on the salary, but I will choose where I teach based on the money. It just seems impossible to live anywhere in Utah on teacher's salary. If Utah's schools want to have professional teachers, they need to provide them with professional's pay. I think it would be a great idea to raise the starting salary to $47,000.

Makaela | 12:01 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Because I am studying to be a math teacher, I love the idea of creating a bigger budget for all teachers in general, and also offering to pay for year round work. I want to be a teacher because of the non monetary benefits that I have already experienced just being in a few classrooms, but living is still necessary. My motives, I believe, are in a good place, but we need to get serious about how important education is, and how it can make an impact in our countries future. I say yes to finding a way to pay teachers more.

Tom | 12:36 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

No one can argue the effectiveness of private education, for the most part. Rowland Hall, Waterford, Judge Memorial, Juan Diego are all examples of good, successful private schools.

However, good private schools do not negate the need for good public schools. Regardless of how many private schools are successful they will not take the place of public schools for most of children and our children's children lives. It is important that we find ways to bring in and keep great teachers.

Individually, we would be wise to be participants in our children's education. If we turn over that responsibility to any institution of learning, we are truly handicapping our children from what they could do and what they could become.

Kitenoa | 4:29 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

The old saying: "WHAT GETS REWARDED GETS DONE!"

Having said that, I have concluded that 50% of all teachers leave the schools simply because it is unrewarding on all fronts(economically, personlly, etc.).

First and foremost, the low wages mentioned above. If you cannot feed your family, all of the lofty ideals you aspired to in college seem to fly out the door, and reality hits you square between the eyes. Naturally you look elsewhere to meet your financial obligations, another state maybe?

Second, the degrading environment that may exist around schools. For example, there is no respect for the position of teacher. Parents use them as daily babysitters. Students behave badly in their presence. Desciplinary problems occupy much of the teachers' time and efforts. Learning needs amongst students are so "diversed" as to dilute any meaningful teaching to occur in the class room. And increasingly, there are confusing standards, unending assessments, token support, and low academic performances.

Under such working conditions, being a new teacher is not sustainable. It's only a matter of time (average 5 years) before a good teacher is beyond repair.

What gets rewarded gets rewarded! How??

You Gotta Be Kidding | 12:42 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Sound Logic:

Pass vouchers so people can be real teachers without being bothered by college? Are you serious?

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