Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2012 09:26:01 -0400
From: Leah
Subject: Re:Teacher Salaries
Tom and Michael,
Let me start be saying I have been an elementary school teacher since 2006. I make less than 25,000 (after taxes) a year because I haven’t had a raise since I started. That goes for all new teachers hired in the last 6 years.. I agree that the money for public education could be spent better, including raises for teachers.
Michael…
The teachers at my school arrive by 7:15am at the latest and usually do not leave until about 6pm. That’s almost 11 hours. Lunch break consists of 15 minutes to scarf down our food while either supervising or preparing for the next lesson. I have about 40 min of planning time that is usually spent in meetings or filling out paperwork. After school I am working on lesson plans or in meetings and on the weekend I spend at least 4 hours working. That’s about 55 hours a week. I am not including time spent at school functions and in parent-teacher conferences.
There is a terrible misconception that when school lets out at 3pm then our job is done.
It’s summer now so I should be relaxing since teachers don’t work during the summer. Yet, I have put in at least 20 hours of planning and meeting so far and it’s only July. I also work a summer job to help supplement my salary. Most teachers I know do the same.
Yes we get benefits but the cost from our pockets has increased each year, still with no raise. It’s even worse for teachers who have children or spouses on their benefits with the cost at about $400 a month.
Tom…
Comparing the 21st century education system to military battles from the 1940s has got to be one of the most backwards (and comical) comparisons I have ever come across.
A large portion of the teachers that I know (including myself) are some of the most dedicated and hardworking people you’ll find. We are obviously not in it for the money.
Maybe you both should consider volunteering at your local elementary school to see what it is really like, instead of basing your opinions on so called “stats” and “figures.”
You both are WAY off the mark.
It is disappointing that there are people out there who are not more supportive of teachers.
Sincerely,
Leah