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Teacher trouble — School board looks for ways to prevent misconduct
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Get to the heart of it | 5:04 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Why not go to the heart of the problem? Utah is forced to hire 2nd rate
teachers because their pay is not high enough to get 1st rate teachers. If we
would prioritize our youth, we could stop selling their souls in the name of
frugality.
I read in the Deseret News a while back that Utah is looking to the Internet to hire teachers. That is the worst thing we could do. Utah needs to hire teachers with Utah's values. The teacher shortage is Utah is due to extremely low pay. A teacher has to have another source of income in the family to be able to make it on Utah teacher's pay. They have to be practically masochists to take a Utah job. Utah is becoming a magnet for teachers who can't get jobs elsewhere because of poor skills or deviant behavior.
This should be on the ballot for the next election.
I read in the Deseret News a while back that Utah is looking to the Internet to hire teachers. That is the worst thing we could do. Utah needs to hire teachers with Utah's values. The teacher shortage is Utah is due to extremely low pay. A teacher has to have another source of income in the family to be able to make it on Utah teacher's pay. They have to be practically masochists to take a Utah job. Utah is becoming a magnet for teachers who can't get jobs elsewhere because of poor skills or deviant behavior.
This should be on the ballot for the next election.
Laura | 6:31 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
The first step is to fire the Teachers Union.
Our children suffer.
Our children suffer.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 7:18 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Ignorance rearing its head again.
Fire the teachers union?
First of all there is no "Union". Look it up. Tell me when you find a "union" related to education.
Fire the teachers union?
First of all there is no "Union". Look it up. Tell me when you find a "union" related to education.
Morgan | 7:41 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Why fire the Teachers Union? Do they encourage inappropriate contact between
teachers and students? Are they asking that this teacher not be fired? Can you
please enlighten us why firing the teachers union would have prevented this
situation from occurring?
Tools | 7:46 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
To some a couch is a tool for good for others it is a tool for bad. Sometimes we
ban tools when very few can not or will not use them properly. I for one would
like to see all couches/bean bag chairs removed from classrooms for I say that
it would certainly not provide a comfortable spot for any outrageously
inappropriate behavior to occur in that location. But then again on the other
hand if a teacher is a pervert and has his heart set on ruining the life of a
student and his own life whether a couch is present in the classroom or not they
will find ways to do it.
AJ | 7:48 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
For 'Get to the Heart of It',5:04am: It is so predictable that every
time another sexually predatory teacher is nailed in UT that someone will
immediately attribute the problem to low wages. This lame reaction causes more
harm to the teachers' cause, because it makes their supporters appear
incapable of critical thinking. We want teachers to teach how to THINK, not
emote! Try to wrap your brain around these thoughts--be careful, it could
hurt.... (1)For wages to be the cause, there would be a mathematical correlation
between wages and sexual crime by teachers. Show us the proof! (2) Every state
with lower teacher salaries would have greater incidents of sexual crime. Show
us the proof! And, (3), please explain how offering more money to teachers will
discourage perverts and predators from seeking teaching jobs in UT!!! How will
paying higher salaries sort out the predators before they commit crime?
Perverts will be discouraged by lower salaries!?! Please spare us the mindless
emotion and next time provide the logic to your argument.
Logan | 8:12 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
This is such a joke. Couches are the problem now? The real problem is that if
this guy is guilty then he has much more serious problems then having a couch in
his room! Oh, I have an idea, that substitute teacher was caught with a 13 year
old in his car....I think the board should look into removing teachers cars.
They should all use public transportation, good for the environment and safer
for students.
Fredd | 8:25 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
AJ-Think now! Logic! If you pay a living wage you would have a larger pool to
pull from and in theory would have higher caliber candidates. When you scrape
the bottom of the barrel to find teachers you get the bottom of the barrel. No
offense to those dedicated teachers out there.
Fred | 8:27 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
AJ you are correct that you cannot draw a direct line between salaries and sex
abuse. However we cannot ignore the fact that Utah is in the mist of a teacher
shortage, and the solution to attract additional teachers is not to increase the
compensation, but to lower the standards for receiving a teachers license. As
Utah continues to lower the standards, you will continue to have more teachers
who cannot function appropriately. So I would say that low salary and
dysfunctional teachers are not mutually exclusive either. It would be nice to
believe that removing couches, or increasing salary would stop this problem, but
it won't. There will be a certain segment of the population who will abuse
children, some will be teachers, police officers, bishops, some will be yours
and my family members, neighbors or friends. I think it is important to do
everything we can to make sure that teachers are not involved in these
activities. We will never prevent all abuse, but the raising of standards for
teachers, not lowering them will go along way toward lowering the number of
abuse cases. The only way you can raise the standard is to raise salaries.
not so fast | 8:45 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
I think the basic question the Board needs to answer is how having soft
furniture in the classroom enhances the teaching environment. Beyond that, the
rest is prattle. IMHO, having furniture creates an unduly informal atmosphere
not particularly conducive to teaching or learning. If the poor kid is tired,
send her to the office or tell him to buck up. Isn't school for learning,
not wiping noses or giving tired rear ends a rest?
At any rate, in a highly sexualized environment such as a high school, one would have to be naive or asking for trouble to have such furniture in the classroom.
Mr. Skordas has a number of great suggestions which should be considered, refined and implemented. The teacher needs to be appropriately disciplined (but, hey, she is 17 and said she wanted to), and the school culture needs to change back from the teacher being a student's BFF to one where the teacher is leader (and, yes, ruler) of their classroom.
At any rate, in a highly sexualized environment such as a high school, one would have to be naive or asking for trouble to have such furniture in the classroom.
Mr. Skordas has a number of great suggestions which should be considered, refined and implemented. The teacher needs to be appropriately disciplined (but, hey, she is 17 and said she wanted to), and the school culture needs to change back from the teacher being a student's BFF to one where the teacher is leader (and, yes, ruler) of their classroom.
Perception vs. Reality | 8:52 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Several years ago, after a faculty room renovation project, I had an old couch
moved into my classroom. I used it as a reward for students. They could earn a
period sitting on the couch instead of in their desk. Students really liked
it.
One day I had a parent come in after school and "You have a couch in your room?" was the first thing out of her mouth. I had never even thought of the issue of perception vs. reality until that moment.
The couch was gone the next day.
One day I had a parent come in after school and "You have a couch in your room?" was the first thing out of her mouth. I had never even thought of the issue of perception vs. reality until that moment.
The couch was gone the next day.
Interesting... | 9:16 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Why does it always seem like there are "crazy" issues happening in the
Salt Lake City District? West High has been in the news so many times the past
year or so for negative things it makes me sick! As an educator myself, I had
the chance to go in and observe all three of the high schools and some of the
junior high schools in the Salt Lake District. The quality of teachers in
general is a step down from some of the others I have been able to observe in
Jordan, Alpine, and Nebo. I realize that there are good teachers at every
school, but as a group... there is no question that the quality and calibur of
teachers is a notch below that of others I have seen. Does the Salt Lake
District screen the applicant pool and do a thorough background check like the
other districts do?
Provo parent | 10:12 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Provo district had teachers remove all "soft" furniture a year or two
ago.
Reasons given were it was a health/fire hazard.
Once again Provo seems to be ahead of the issue before it happens on a state level.
Reasons given were it was a health/fire hazard.
Once again Provo seems to be ahead of the issue before it happens on a state level.
To: not so fast | 10:25 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
I totally agree with your comments. As someone who was abused by a teacher in
high school (a very exclusive prep school I might add--nothing to do with
"scraping the bottom of the barrel for teachers.") And the REAL
problem here was teachers becoming friends with students. As a parent one must
be highly suspicious of teachers becoming too friendly. They may seem like they
are trying to be a great mentor in a difficult environment, (and many
legitimately are) but any teacher whose social life is entwined with that of the
student body needs to be evaluated. It's not worth the risk. Students at
this age are just too trusting of mentor figures that play the role of close
advocate, and I think that is why many students say it was a mutual relationship
instead of abuse--because they were FRIENDS first.
a republican | 10:32 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
AJ, you need to wake up and smell the postum. We Republicans believe in market
forces. We believe that you get what you pay for, and that higher compensation
for workers tends to drive up quality by creating competitive pressure.
You get what you pay for.
You get what you pay for.
Re: Interesting | 10:34 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
If you find the teachers in the Jordan, Alpine, and Nebo districts to be of such
a high caliber, why are none of them considered to be within the top schools in
Utah? Last time I checked West was the highest ranked school in the state.
Personally, I don't see what's wrong with coaches. Off the top of my head I can name atleast ten other teachers at West who have couches in their rooms. It's really not a big deal.
Thanks DN for making a mountain out of a molehill, again. It's media organizations who publish stories such as this, who make it difficult for schools like West to preserve their fragile and hard earned reputations. West, for all its, negatives, it easily the best school in the state.
Personally, I don't see what's wrong with coaches. Off the top of my head I can name atleast ten other teachers at West who have couches in their rooms. It's really not a big deal.
Thanks DN for making a mountain out of a molehill, again. It's media organizations who publish stories such as this, who make it difficult for schools like West to preserve their fragile and hard earned reputations. West, for all its, negatives, it easily the best school in the state.
DR Don | 10:49 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Dear "Interesting": I thought that you, as an educator, might like to
know that you misspelled "caliber". I agree that the quality of
teachers has declined.
Thomas de Train | 10:50 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Robin claims to have been an educator for 35 years and spells
"sentence" as "sentAnce." I doubt if it was a typo. ANother
internet fake.
educator | 11:50 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
To: not so fast | 10:25 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008
A few years back I went to pick up a blind date. The owner of the house and I started talking while I waited for her. The subject of what I do for work came up and I responded a teacher. Turned out I had two of her grandchildren in my class. Of course this dating news got back to school through one of the grandchildren. The teasing stopped after a week of it being ignored by me and I never bothered to ask for a second date.
As a teacher I want to keep my private life guarded. I don't want students to know who I am dating (or if I am) because that is none of my student's business and I don't have enough time to teach as it is anyway. I don't want them to have my telephone number, address or non-school email (which is monitored).
I am their teacher. I know where the line is and I will not cross it. Those that have make things difficult for the whole profession.
A few years back I went to pick up a blind date. The owner of the house and I started talking while I waited for her. The subject of what I do for work came up and I responded a teacher. Turned out I had two of her grandchildren in my class. Of course this dating news got back to school through one of the grandchildren. The teasing stopped after a week of it being ignored by me and I never bothered to ask for a second date.
As a teacher I want to keep my private life guarded. I don't want students to know who I am dating (or if I am) because that is none of my student's business and I don't have enough time to teach as it is anyway. I don't want them to have my telephone number, address or non-school email (which is monitored).
I am their teacher. I know where the line is and I will not cross it. Those that have make things difficult for the whole profession.
Anonymous | 12:19 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Thousands of teachers statewide and we have one problem...ridiculous. Sentence
the guy for doing wrong and move on.
Nothing to see here folks.
Nothing to see here folks.
Oh my | 12:26 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Does anyone on this planet think before they open their mouth anymore? The
HEART of the problem has nothing to do with pay. It's that we have a huge
problem in society (it's all over) with sexual abuse/inappropriateness.
Locking everyone up all the time isn't the answer, getting rid of couches
isn't the answer. Pretty soon we'll be locking up over half the
population. IT DOESN'T WORK. Education about thinking errors... (you
know, those excuses you make to yourself when you do something bad even though
you know better) and the consequences of abusing others... starting with the
freaking educators themselves, and PARENTS. Then and only then will people stop
raising sexual preditors.
Paula | 12:31 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Re:Interesting
I am a teacher with Salt Lake City School District and have issues with your comment that we are not of as high a caliber as teachers in Jordan, Alpine, and Nebo districts. There are excellent teachers in every district as well as ones who are not as proficient. Are you talking teaching caliber or similar values? Salt Lake is actually the district teachers transfer to from outlying districts. It pays better and is more progressive.
FYI I have 3 teaching certificates, a reading endorsement and an ESL endorsement and am currently working on my Master's degree. How does that tie into your vision of high caliber?
I am a teacher with Salt Lake City School District and have issues with your comment that we are not of as high a caliber as teachers in Jordan, Alpine, and Nebo districts. There are excellent teachers in every district as well as ones who are not as proficient. Are you talking teaching caliber or similar values? Salt Lake is actually the district teachers transfer to from outlying districts. It pays better and is more progressive.
FYI I have 3 teaching certificates, a reading endorsement and an ESL endorsement and am currently working on my Master's degree. How does that tie into your vision of high caliber?
Paula | 1:15 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Please just admit it. "Not so proficient" means they are horrible
teachers and shouldn't be doing it. By the way, there are plenty of those
to go around in any profession. And you can stop tooting your own horn. Having
degrees and certificates does not nec. mean anything. Another reason for
vouchers. GIVE US A CHOICE and checks and balances - I thought the gov. was
supposed to protect us from monopolies?!?!
Anonymous | 2:29 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Vouchers did not even require a background check Paula. I don't see how
taking away safety precautions will keep children safe.
Enlightened. | 2:32 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
do you think the guy was actually a predator or someone who got caught in an
emotional relationship first and which inappropriate behavior. I can tell you
first hand that the students flirt and put themselves out there for love and
attention. They have feelings that they are trying to control themselves. If a
lonely child meets a lonely adult things can happen.
I am not saying that what happened was right, but calling the guy a predator means that he constantly was trying to find some student for a romp in the hay. We need to give even him some understanding. The teenager was asking for something but unaware of the fullness of what could happen. Do you think she is totally innocent? I think as parents we need to be extremely open with our children and tell them the full impact of their decisions. Tell them the signs to look for in others behavior and their own. Many like to toy with the idea and need to learn the difference between infatuation and love. Where were her friends? They must have known how she felt.
It could happen to anyone given the right circumstances.
I am not saying that what happened was right, but calling the guy a predator means that he constantly was trying to find some student for a romp in the hay. We need to give even him some understanding. The teenager was asking for something but unaware of the fullness of what could happen. Do you think she is totally innocent? I think as parents we need to be extremely open with our children and tell them the full impact of their decisions. Tell them the signs to look for in others behavior and their own. Many like to toy with the idea and need to learn the difference between infatuation and love. Where were her friends? They must have known how she felt.
It could happen to anyone given the right circumstances.
Anonymous | 2:57 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Why not get out of victim mode? I made an observation. I grew up hearing women
didn't need men to raise a family. I noticed girls with good father grew up
with higher expectations of men.
Some schools are using student tip lines. Kids can e-mail their concerns.
Some schools are using student tip lines. Kids can e-mail their concerns.
Anonymous | 3:03 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Enlightened
If I recall it was the same girl in both instances at West High. If that IS true, who then is the predator?
It doesn't matter in the eyes of the law though. If you are over 18 and engage in inappropriate conduct with someone under 18 expect consequences. Teachers and school employees have additional consequences because they are in a position of trust.
Yep girls flirt. Some do so just out of habit. Others have intent. Again, it doesn't matter in the eyes of the court. Only age does.
If I recall it was the same girl in both instances at West High. If that IS true, who then is the predator?
It doesn't matter in the eyes of the law though. If you are over 18 and engage in inappropriate conduct with someone under 18 expect consequences. Teachers and school employees have additional consequences because they are in a position of trust.
Yep girls flirt. Some do so just out of habit. Others have intent. Again, it doesn't matter in the eyes of the court. Only age does.
on my way out | 3:54 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
after teaching in jordan district for 5 years my base salary with my bachelor
degree is 33,868!!! wow! that will draw in the best people! give teachers a
decent salary similar to other states!
June | 3:58 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
AMEN to "Not so Fast" and "Enlightened".
Teachers have lost a lot of control in the classroom. I have had friends quit from teaching because they have not been supported by the administration on items such as discipline in the classroom and dress standards.
I have taught children for years and had a group of three year olds who practically ran their parents lives. They tried to run mine until I told them that there was a nice "time out" chair they could sit on if they didn't behave. As soon as they realized who was really the "boss" they became children again and we all had fun. To this day they are some of my favorite students.
Teachers have lost a lot of control in the classroom. I have had friends quit from teaching because they have not been supported by the administration on items such as discipline in the classroom and dress standards.
I have taught children for years and had a group of three year olds who practically ran their parents lives. They tried to run mine until I told them that there was a nice "time out" chair they could sit on if they didn't behave. As soon as they realized who was really the "boss" they became children again and we all had fun. To this day they are some of my favorite students.
K | 4:00 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Okay, so you are saying that people who aren't being paid as much as think
they are worth are disposed to child abuse? Honestly, then 99% of the country
needs a raise.
I don't know why there are couches in a classroom? Kids did fine for decades without them. But a predator doesn't need soft comfortable surfaces to behave like a criminal. I still can see them in the library or cafeteria.
Sex offenders come from every occupation in society where people are working. People are capable of sin and crime so it will always be there.
I don't know why there are couches in a classroom? Kids did fine for decades without them. But a predator doesn't need soft comfortable surfaces to behave like a criminal. I still can see them in the library or cafeteria.
Sex offenders come from every occupation in society where people are working. People are capable of sin and crime so it will always be there.
Former teacher | 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
As a former teacher, I would like to weigh in on this discussion, if for no
other reason to let everyone know what it was like for me to be a teacher (not
in Utah).
#1: Undisciplined, rude,foul mouthed, out of control "students". If you doubt this, go walk the halls of a high school near you and watch and listen.
#2: Government control of schools. Who can teach with the laws that control schools? Johnny and Mary can't read, write or do basic math but they sure know about sex and drugs. We can't hold them back, discipline them or teach them values or violate their "rights". We are not educating some of these children, we are corrupting their minds with permissiveness and "tolerance".
#3: Lack of parental involvement in their children's education.This is the the real problem, the rest are just smyptoms.
#4: Administration is out of touch and liberal ideals dominate the education system (see item #2).
#5: Low salaries,abuse and stress.
I left the teaching profession and am now a successful businessman. I honestly feel sorry for those who stay. My advice to young people in college: don't go into teaching!
#1: Undisciplined, rude,foul mouthed, out of control "students". If you doubt this, go walk the halls of a high school near you and watch and listen.
#2: Government control of schools. Who can teach with the laws that control schools? Johnny and Mary can't read, write or do basic math but they sure know about sex and drugs. We can't hold them back, discipline them or teach them values or violate their "rights". We are not educating some of these children, we are corrupting their minds with permissiveness and "tolerance".
#3: Lack of parental involvement in their children's education.This is the the real problem, the rest are just smyptoms.
#4: Administration is out of touch and liberal ideals dominate the education system (see item #2).
#5: Low salaries,abuse and stress.
I left the teaching profession and am now a successful businessman. I honestly feel sorry for those who stay. My advice to young people in college: don't go into teaching!
re: Former Teacher | 7:43 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Totally agree, left the teaching profession as well because of those reasons.
Students need to learn basics at home but parents expect the teachers to teach
them. Children don't have a secure base anymore, read "Hold on to your
kids" by Gordon Neufeld. That's why teaching is almost impossible. I
homeschool because I do not want my children influenced with all the worldly
media stuff and just want them to enjoy learning, which they do.
Even in Utah all those points brought up by Former Teacher are true. Some of my students scared me and I am big city street smart. Schools aren't a safe environment for learning anymore.
Even in Utah all those points brought up by Former Teacher are true. Some of my students scared me and I am big city street smart. Schools aren't a safe environment for learning anymore.
re:on my way out | 8:29 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
what you are not including in your pay is the 20,000 in benefits.
Plus this is 33,000 for nine months of work.
Your pay all things made equal is far higher then most public employees.
Plus this is 33,000 for nine months of work.
Your pay all things made equal is far higher then most public employees.
Re: Former Teacher | 9:16 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Very astute observations.
Too bad that people like "Former Teacher" are no longer in the profession.
It makes you wonder if those left teaching are either saints dedicated to helping our kids, or those unable to find a different job. Kudos to the former and too bad the teachers union makes it so hard to fire the latter.
Too bad that people like "Former Teacher" are no longer in the profession.
It makes you wonder if those left teaching are either saints dedicated to helping our kids, or those unable to find a different job. Kudos to the former and too bad the teachers union makes it so hard to fire the latter.
A Teacher | 10:22 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Why are we dodging the REAL problems of society? We keep trying to come up with
solutions like "remove the soft furniture?" C'mon!!!! We all know
that there are other things in our daily lives like popular media and acceptance
of evil that contributes to the thoughts and actions of perons who act them out.
Also a Teacher | 10:51 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Removing furniture from a classroom seems like a public relations move (like
keeping airline passengers away from those dangerous plastic knives). It's
a lot easier to pretend to solve the problem than to actually do anything about
it.
Couches could serve a useful purpose in some classrooms (for example, in classes where students have free reading time or frequently work on small group projects). It's a fallacy that real learning takes place only in straight rows of desks with hard surface seats.
Perverts will be perverts without special furniture. They don't need couches or bean bag chairs.
Couches could serve a useful purpose in some classrooms (for example, in classes where students have free reading time or frequently work on small group projects). It's a fallacy that real learning takes place only in straight rows of desks with hard surface seats.
Perverts will be perverts without special furniture. They don't need couches or bean bag chairs.
To: re: on my way out | 11:19 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008
Those "$20,000 in benefits" that you tout have a price tag that Jordan
District teachers have to pay for. Health insurance is $4686.88 a year,
optional optical insurance is $166.30 a year, and optional dental insurance is
$538.50 a year. So, really teachers in Jordan District at best have $14,608.32
in benefits. Get your facts before you start running your fingers.
offended teacher | 12:32 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
re:re: on my way out
Do you figure your benefits into your pay? I am so sick of people comparing teacher salary plus benefits to other employees' salary alone. It's apples to oranges.
Everyone:
I think teachers deserve more money due to the value of the service provided. The reason it is not up to what teachers deserve is because we are paid out of tax dollars. And sadly, mostly women are teachers and we all know how women only make $.77 on the dollar compared to men.
It is highly offensive on here that you all assume that teachers are below par because they are forced to be paid less than they deserve. Shame on you all.
Do you figure your benefits into your pay? I am so sick of people comparing teacher salary plus benefits to other employees' salary alone. It's apples to oranges.
Everyone:
I think teachers deserve more money due to the value of the service provided. The reason it is not up to what teachers deserve is because we are paid out of tax dollars. And sadly, mostly women are teachers and we all know how women only make $.77 on the dollar compared to men.
It is highly offensive on here that you all assume that teachers are below par because they are forced to be paid less than they deserve. Shame on you all.
VET | 2:09 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
RE:on my way out | 3:54 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
Wait until you get to twenty years and you red line. That's right no pay increases for the last ten years of your precious career. Now that's motivation!!!
Wait until you get to twenty years and you red line. That's right no pay increases for the last ten years of your precious career. Now that's motivation!!!
OB 1 | 2:21 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
RE:re:on my way out | 8:29 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008
"Your pay all things made equal is far higher then most public employees".
All things made equal? Lets have those other public employees go back to school and obtain a degree or two or three. Now that's equal.. Right!!
Problem is it's not, teachers benefits package are average at best (see above To: re: on my way out | 11:19 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008)
"Your pay all things made equal is far higher then most public employees".
All things made equal? Lets have those other public employees go back to school and obtain a degree or two or three. Now that's equal.. Right!!
Problem is it's not, teachers benefits package are average at best (see above To: re: on my way out | 11:19 a.m. Nov. 10, 2008)
Satisfied | 10:38 p.m. Nov. 10, 2008
While my children are only in elementary school (in the granite district) I have
been very lucky to get incredible teachers. I believe they are not paid what
they are worth, so I volunteer in the classroom regularly to give them support.
I am incredibly thankful that the teachers my kids have had haven't left
for higher paying jobs. They have touched my children's lives for good.
Kudos to all the great teachers out there who stick it out despite the
challenges. Parents like me will always be grateful!!
re:offended teacher | 6:46 a.m. Nov. 11, 2008
I am pointing out that "benefits" are NOT benefits if they are paid
for out of my paycheck. That base salary that is public knowledge is not what
teacher make, they have to pay for their benefits out of it. And while I am on
the subject the teaching contract is 10 months and in that 2 months off we are
not paid for work or for our time spent in college classes or other workshops to
improve our skills, keep up with changes, and keep our licenses current!!!!!@
Anonymous | 7:33 a.m. Nov. 11, 2008
Teachers will never be paid what they are worth as many parents view them as
priceless.
The benefits aren't all monetarily. If they were, no one would teach. Yes woman dominate the profession, and that has led to overall lower pay. I blame that one more on the UEA negotiations, than on gender over the past twenty years. They settled for a pittance rather than raise a stink and be vilified by the anti-education leaders in the legislature. They also lack support to strike.
The benefits aren't all monetarily. If they were, no one would teach. Yes woman dominate the profession, and that has led to overall lower pay. I blame that one more on the UEA negotiations, than on gender over the past twenty years. They settled for a pittance rather than raise a stink and be vilified by the anti-education leaders in the legislature. They also lack support to strike.
c | 8:55 a.m. Nov. 14, 2008
Getting rid of couches will not solve the problem...that will not stop people
from conducting sexual abuse. There is always the floor right? It's like
guns. If guns were taken away, there would still murder. People just find
another way.
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I think the greatest lesson to be learned is to sentance the teacher for a seriously long time.