Paige 0
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QuoteI am glad to see that you are on the side of empowering our future!
I'm not quite sure how to take that. Are you being serious or sarcastic?
I am for children having a quality education. I'm for teachers being paid very well for their services. I'm not for cutting programs that make for well-rounded, responsible young adults, but I'm not for mismanagement of the community's funds, or for the schools (and community $) being solely responsible for that outcome. Like I said, as individual taxpayers, we're in a quandry. I was only hoping to make it evident that, indeed, education is on the minds of voters, and that I feel for professionals who have to choose between doing what they love and are trained for, and being able to support their own family.
QuoteQuoteI am glad to see that you are on the side of empowering our future!
I'm not quite sure how to take that. Are you being serious or sarcastic?
I am for children having a quality education. I'm for teachers being paid very well for their services. I'm not for cutting programs that make for well-rounded, responsible young adults, but I'm not for mismanagement of the community's funds, or for the schools (and community $) being solely responsible for that outcome. Like I said, as individual taxpayers, we're in a quandry. I was only hoping to make it evident that, indeed, education is on the minds of voters, and that I feel for professionals who have to choose between doing what they love and are trained for, and being able to support their own family.
I mean it seriously.
The arguement is truly centered around Responsibility if you ask me, and you seem to be asking parents to take some responsibility.
I left a teaching position in a catholic school, mostly because of money.
Most of the catholic school teachers are either married or nuns. They are not dependant on the single income. However, as these teachers retire, catholic schools are finding it very difficult to replace them. A new teacher will coome, stay a year til they have their credential, and then move on to a higher paying job in a public school, not because they don't want to stay, but because they can't afford to stay.
As a catholic school teacher, I was making $23,000 a year. That's a take home pay of something like $1400 a month. Rent on my apartment is $910 a month (and it isn't luxury by far...its small, but in a safe area. Living by myself, safe neighborhoods are a must). Add in gasoline to commute to and from work, because I couldn't even afford to live in the same county (Orange county rent is rediculous!!!) and supplies for my classroom (if you need a pen or paper at an office, you go to the supply closet and get some. Teachers have to PAY out of pocket for almost everything they use in their classrooms!) I couldn't even afford to eat. I had to borrow money from my parents just so I'd have food.
My boyfriend at the time was also teaching, and he had to tend bar most evenings to make his rent. He made more money as a part time BARTENDER than as a full time teacher! That's just fucking sad.
Most of the catholic school teachers are either married or nuns. They are not dependant on the single income. However, as these teachers retire, catholic schools are finding it very difficult to replace them. A new teacher will coome, stay a year til they have their credential, and then move on to a higher paying job in a public school, not because they don't want to stay, but because they can't afford to stay.
As a catholic school teacher, I was making $23,000 a year. That's a take home pay of something like $1400 a month. Rent on my apartment is $910 a month (and it isn't luxury by far...its small, but in a safe area. Living by myself, safe neighborhoods are a must). Add in gasoline to commute to and from work, because I couldn't even afford to live in the same county (Orange county rent is rediculous!!!) and supplies for my classroom (if you need a pen or paper at an office, you go to the supply closet and get some. Teachers have to PAY out of pocket for almost everything they use in their classrooms!) I couldn't even afford to eat. I had to borrow money from my parents just so I'd have food.
My boyfriend at the time was also teaching, and he had to tend bar most evenings to make his rent. He made more money as a part time BARTENDER than as a full time teacher! That's just fucking sad.
Sad, your right...
but 23000 per year is quite alot of money for a single person. I supported our family of 3 on 1/2 that money for a couple of years, and to this day, with 3 businesses, we don't make much more than that in take home income. Seems to me, you were living outside of your means. You either love your job or don't, it's a worthless life if you only motivated by the money.
We're talking in a forum of people who spend thousands each year on skydiving...
its all about choices...
don't hate me, I'm just passionate about these things...
stepping off my soapbox now...
but 23000 per year is quite alot of money for a single person. I supported our family of 3 on 1/2 that money for a couple of years, and to this day, with 3 businesses, we don't make much more than that in take home income. Seems to me, you were living outside of your means. You either love your job or don't, it's a worthless life if you only motivated by the money.
We're talking in a forum of people who spend thousands each year on skydiving...
its all about choices...
don't hate me, I'm just passionate about these things...
stepping off my soapbox now...
QuoteUnfortunately, the parents when they could be taking their kids to the swim meets are out working to pay for their house as you are.
Some parents are in this situation, and I understand that, especially since I had a single working mom. Not all parents are working at game time-- they seem to find the time to make it to these events. Why can't they pile a few more in their Expeditions and minivans?
QuoteEvery winter quarter, I put on a coat drive for all the kids in the elementary schools. I'm thinking about starting a post on here so if people were willing, they could ship a coat to me to give to the kids.
And that's awesome. I usually ending up buying new shoes for the needy kids at Christmas as well. But, the families' personal budgets for clothing are a separate entitiy from mismanagement of school district funds. I understand the whole tax base issue and low income community ramifications--as stated above, re: OH's funding system. What bothers me as a taxpayer is that if I pony up more of my hard-earned dollars, I'd expect that the school district would squeeze the hell out of every penny-- not substitute my money for parental responsibility and involvement.
QuoteI wish everyone in the world had the money they needed.
Amen, sister
QuoteOh, well, what to do about this big mess?!?!?!?!
I really don't know... but obviously, we're all thinking about it, so perhaps that can be of some comfort to our original poster.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond.
A few things I wanted to respond too.
No I am not member of the NEA. I used to be and then changed districts. I feel however that the amount of money teachers put into thier union is a waste because when it comes right down to it the unions do very little. However the districts in the state I teach are pretty much forced to be in the union meaning that if I am not in the union I still have to pay them. I don't really know why, I'd rather educate my students than deal with this. For this reason I am a member of the IFT which is a branch of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
As far as keeping teachers wages the same. Currently the teachers at a master level (they have a masters degree in education) are making a salary about $5,000 above the poverty level. My state is not the worst, many others are much lower. For six years of college and student loans I find this insulting.
Do I get summers off? In the five years I have been teaching I had one summer off for relocation. Yes the extra time off is nice, mainly for organizing your classroom and student grades so you can make the year as stimulating to the mind as possible. I don't know a teacher who can take a full summer off. I usually work for a summer camp or teach summer school.
I guess my reasons for posting this are to make people aware and to see what a sample of the population feels is going on. I agree with the fact that there is a lot of waste and something does need to be done about it. I don't think however this is the fault of the teachers.
I'm am very happy so many of you are for parents becoming more involved. I agree and feel this has been a big part of many of the problems our nation faces dealing with our youth.
Heather
A few things I wanted to respond too.
No I am not member of the NEA. I used to be and then changed districts. I feel however that the amount of money teachers put into thier union is a waste because when it comes right down to it the unions do very little. However the districts in the state I teach are pretty much forced to be in the union meaning that if I am not in the union I still have to pay them. I don't really know why, I'd rather educate my students than deal with this. For this reason I am a member of the IFT which is a branch of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
As far as keeping teachers wages the same. Currently the teachers at a master level (they have a masters degree in education) are making a salary about $5,000 above the poverty level. My state is not the worst, many others are much lower. For six years of college and student loans I find this insulting.
Do I get summers off? In the five years I have been teaching I had one summer off for relocation. Yes the extra time off is nice, mainly for organizing your classroom and student grades so you can make the year as stimulating to the mind as possible. I don't know a teacher who can take a full summer off. I usually work for a summer camp or teach summer school.
I guess my reasons for posting this are to make people aware and to see what a sample of the population feels is going on. I agree with the fact that there is a lot of waste and something does need to be done about it. I don't think however this is the fault of the teachers.
I'm am very happy so many of you are for parents becoming more involved. I agree and feel this has been a big part of many of the problems our nation faces dealing with our youth.
Heather
Life doesn't have to be perfect in order to be beautiful!
I also believe that more and more the "teaching" profession is more like running for a political office. You have to be more PC then TC (teaching children) in your profession due to the over abundance of politics in the classroom. I have a daughter who is Special Needs (she has Apert Syndrome) and more and more time is wasted in meeting after meeting with administrations types discussing what she may or may not be entitled to, and at one point having to go to mediation just to get them to consider giving her an aide. Now if you could some how find out how much time was spent in all the meetings and put a dollor figure with it...well there is your salary increase. That alone would put you into the area that you are worth. We (my X and I) have spent many hours away from work (not paid) going to meetings with teachers and team members (them being paid for being there), so I too know of how your loss affects all of us. There are many well paid administrators in all school districts that just love to spend money that doesn't come out of their pocket books. Just because it is there. But when contract time comes up there isn't any more money to share with the teachers and aids. Yes, I agree, most teachers are severly underpaid for the job that we as Parents are asking of them....but I for one am glad that there are a few around that teach because they want to teach. If you are seeking more financial rewards for your expertise then quite possibly you should consider a change, into a more financial rewarding field then teaching. I wish I could give all the teachers that work with my daughter what they are worth....priceless. Mark
So, you bring your beer?
Its 5 o'clock somewhere
POPS #9344
Its 5 o'clock somewhere
POPS #9344
Cost of living in california is rediculous. Food is more expensive. Gas is more expensive. Rents are incredibly high. I was not living beyond my means. I had no real furniture to speak of. Shelves were boards and bricks. My coffee table was a giant wooden spool. I never went out to eat unless someone else was paying the bill. Ditto for fun stuff. Food was mostly ramen or mac and cheese. Having a roommate wasn't practical. My friends were mostly still at grad schools out of state, or not ready to move out yet, and if I'd moved in with my boyfriend, we'd have both been fired (eventually, we did anyway, but then had to spend the rest of the year sneaking around, which put a lot of stress on the relationship).
2003:
Average rent in Los Angeles County: $1346
Average Rent in Tuscon, AZ: $614 (for comparison)
In December, monthly rents ranged from $774 in San Bernardino to $998 in Anaheim to $2,436 in Santa Monica, according to a RealFacts study. During 2002, the monthly rent at large complexes in Los Angeles rose by 5.4% to $1,274
2003:
Average rent in Los Angeles County: $1346
Average Rent in Tuscon, AZ: $614 (for comparison)
In December, monthly rents ranged from $774 in San Bernardino to $998 in Anaheim to $2,436 in Santa Monica, according to a RealFacts study. During 2002, the monthly rent at large complexes in Los Angeles rose by 5.4% to $1,274
Yes Nightingale, I understand what you mean by cost of living. I am from Chicago and the rent here is rediculous. You should not have to move out of the state you live in. You simply should be paid more. I am sorry you cannot teach because of this.
Life doesn't have to be perfect in order to be beautiful!
caress 0
i am disgusted with the lack of parents interest in their children as well. It is part of the problem And I believe the problem is a combination of problems that create one big problem. It would take several million people to have the same revelation about attitude and family all at once to even make a dent in what needs to change. I am concerned about it Heather, but all I can do is my part with my kids and my community for now. The issues with our childrens' education is why my hubby and I live where we do now. For the most part, We live in a small town where everyone know one another, and we are on a first name basis with all the teachers, and the principal, and for that matter, the superintendant of schools.I am also fortunate to be home with my kids most of the time, and not many parents are able to do that anymore, and that is part of the key. Both parents working, makes it tough on the kids. Some folks don't have a choice about that. I care, just don't have the answers to fix it.-Caress![[:/]](/uploads/emoticons/dry.png "[:/]")
I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being
right.
right.
Hey, I took so long.
As a former LA County resident, I can attest to your lack of lifestyle, much like you, I had a cardboard box for a coffee table, and cinderblock/2X4 entertainment center. I have lived in several states since then, and you know what I've found? Milk in Florida, Texas, Illinios, Tennessee, California and everywhere else except maybe NY & HI, is stil $3.50 per gallon! My rent has ranged from 425/mo in California (N. Hollywood) to $500 for the 5 bedroom house I live in now (with a roommate). I ate all my groceries from the Arleta 99 cent store, and ya know what.... it was not so bad at all. There are times I may have wanted more, but so what?
It was the choice I made, and to this day, I would still choose being happy over money. I hope that I can teach my daughter the same values in life, so that she may be happy with a roof over her head, food in her belly (gourmet or not) and a family who loves her. These are the things we need to get back to.. It COSTS nothing to educate and empower our kids. I too wish that you could've made more money teaching, but in a way, I'm glad that those who are still teaching, are not there for the money. I supply my kids class with as much as I can. Volunteer whenever is possible, but that doesn't have anything to do with the amazing amount of time & power I have over her the rest of the time she is not in school. We've been in classes where everyone had to share 5 books, there was no blackboard, and no teachers aid... oddly enough, she received the best CARE in that class of all others no matter how high tech.
It doesn't take money to make a difference in a child's life
As a former LA County resident, I can attest to your lack of lifestyle, much like you, I had a cardboard box for a coffee table, and cinderblock/2X4 entertainment center. I have lived in several states since then, and you know what I've found? Milk in Florida, Texas, Illinios, Tennessee, California and everywhere else except maybe NY & HI, is stil $3.50 per gallon! My rent has ranged from 425/mo in California (N. Hollywood) to $500 for the 5 bedroom house I live in now (with a roommate). I ate all my groceries from the Arleta 99 cent store, and ya know what.... it was not so bad at all. There are times I may have wanted more, but so what?
It was the choice I made, and to this day, I would still choose being happy over money. I hope that I can teach my daughter the same values in life, so that she may be happy with a roof over her head, food in her belly (gourmet or not) and a family who loves her. These are the things we need to get back to.. It COSTS nothing to educate and empower our kids. I too wish that you could've made more money teaching, but in a way, I'm glad that those who are still teaching, are not there for the money. I supply my kids class with as much as I can. Volunteer whenever is possible, but that doesn't have anything to do with the amazing amount of time & power I have over her the rest of the time she is not in school. We've been in classes where everyone had to share 5 books, there was no blackboard, and no teachers aid... oddly enough, she received the best CARE in that class of all others no matter how high tech.
It doesn't take money to make a difference in a child's life
I totally agree with more parental involvement. Unfortunately, the parents when they could be taking their kids to the swim meets are out working to pay for their house as you are. If they don't keep working, the kids may not have lunch money the next week for school. There is such a large problem with Ohio's school system that it's rediculous. Being in Athens, Ohio an even poorer town that Xenia, I see 6th graders that can't read Curious George or the name Stacey. Most of the time the kids come into school shivering from the bus stop because they don't have winter coats.
Every winter quarter, I put on a coat drive for all the kids in the elementary schools. I'm thinking about starting a post on here so if people were willing, they could ship a coat to me to give to the kids.
I wish everyone in the world had the money they needed.
Oh, well, what to do about this big mess?!?!?!?!
www.TunnelPinkMafia.com
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