riverman wrote:

That's true. As a teacher, I am clearly aware that being away from the
desk for 8 weeks a year is one aspect of the job that most other
professions do not get. Teaching has it shortcomings, of course, but so
does every occupation. I like my job, and I like having some time in
the summer to go fishing!

And likewise, its not as much vacation as most think. Those of you in
the profession know what I am talking about, and most of those not in
the profession generally aren't convinced unless they had parents who
were teachers.

--riverman


i am frequently surprised by how few people really grasp or care about
the horrible inequity in the work environment and pay structure for our
public elementary and secondary school teachers. for any teacher who
cares about his/her profession, the workdays are unending and
obligations extend throughout the summer; too few folks appreciate the
devotion of those teaching the public's community of children; the
available classroom resources are always lean; course design and
management are often controlled by some bureaucrat in a central office,
bowing to political pressure; the kids are frequently hostile and behave
poorly, with little motivation for learning or to be taught; and the pay
is terrible. i'm ashamed to say that a 1st year teacher with a masters
degree and all proper teaching credentials in my city's schools has a
starting pay of a little over 29k...and it takes 20 years before he/she
can expect to earn over 40k.

it's shameful and ridiculous.

jeff (and none of my family were/are teachers)