<p>I don’t think it is money that deters people from teaching.
I know in some areas the pay is pathetic, but in others, teachers are well compensated with solid benefits & have a much more dependable income than others with comparable education. Engineers or geologists that work for the state for example.</p>
<p>I think it is the crap work- the jumping through hoops for the district/state/federal.
The not having control over the curriculum you teach or even what subject.
Districts treat teachers like they are interchangable, instead of a valuable resource.
Like " if only" they had enough " teacher training" they would be able to produce stellar test scores out of a sows ear.</p>
<p>Districts are in place to provide employment for adults.
Our district even puts money toward helping small businesses compete on bids on district contracts. Small businesses like hairstylists and dog walking services ( oh if only I were kidding)</p>
<p>I think we need to start over- but the typical push for reform is not the way. More testing is not what is needed.</p>
<p>funny, I would like my SD to CUT the school year! We have the option of cutting 5 days but the teachers union is against it because they say it does not guarantee that jobs will be saved. I am not thinking about teacher jobs at this point–we have been cutting those for years. I am concerned about all the support staff and the extra work we’ll have to do when they’re gone. I know people in corporate America have been picking up extra duties for years, but I also know they are less effective at their jobs than they used to be. I will make the same amount of pay no matter what–but the kids will suffer.</p>
<p>Cut the school year by 5 days and give the kids a counselor, bus driver, lunch lady, and a school nurse. Cut my pay by 5 days–totally fair.</p>
<p>In the district where I live (but teach elsewhere), the School Board told the teachers that if they would renegotiate the health benefit portion of their contract it would prevent the lay-off of 15 teachers. The teachers whole-heartedly agreed, and the local paper reported that the SB was really pleased with the outcome.</p>
<p>Two months later, 15 teachers were told they will not be back next year, and no one will be replacing them.</p>