Just an interesting article posted on the Yahoo site: Should the starting salary for a teacher be $60,000? I think all teachers can attest that their job is often under appreciated, and honestly, no one goes into teaching for the money (obviously). So... should we get raises? Will that really affect student achievement? Will it draw in a new crowd of undergrads interested in pursuing education? I can tell you right now: When students tell me they're interested in teaching, I tell them the truth. I explain that it's a lot of work, often times you'll have to defend your position, and if you want a job around here, good luck! A lot have to initially move out of the area. However, as cliche as it is, it's the most rewarding career and it's a labor of love that all of us are committed to, regardless of pay.
I saw this too. I think it would get a new crop of people into teaching. . . but I'm not sure if their passion would be more. They might be masters of their subject but that's just 1/2 the battle. You have to be an awesome teacher, phsycologist, mom, or dad, coach etc etc. Where and how will we find these new "masters of the universe" is the question that everyone wants answered and do these "super teachers" exist?
ReplyDeleteOur society is so unbalanced when it comes to pay. It's so ridiculous what TV, movie, and sports stars get paid; I don't object to them being paid well, but the gap is so huge. Meanwhile, my son has friends who are graduating from college w/engineering degrees who will make as much as I do - their first year on the job, my 35th. It's disheartening. Meanwhile, I think it is getting so much harder for people going into education - so many more "hoops" to jump. But -after saying all that - I do not regret my career choice for even a second!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Phyl... the gap is huge. Entertainment stars get paid for much less work. I can't tell you how many hours a teacher puts in to accomplish the best he/she is able to do. Many teachers take one way more than is expected of them... musical scenery, concerts, extra community projects, displays, art shows, art club, fundraising, poster making, volunteer work, committees, higher education, etc... I don't know if more money will make a difference but being compensated fairly helps close the gap between private and public sector. Essentially we are laid off over the summers or take on extra jobs so the argument that we don't work over the summer months is a moot point at this rate. I think it is unfair for the public to think we should work in a professional career for less than what a minimum wage earner makes. We all have degrees and put in alot more time and energy... we ARE professionals!
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