This blog has had a very impressive 700 views since its inception yesterday. Lets continue spreading the truth by encouraging our friends to visit this site, posting comments, and doing whatever we can to get the real message out.
Also, perhaps you could comment and/or suggest topics that I can attack mathematically?
The more views and comments, the greater chance that this blog can move to the top of google search engines when you type in "Bill 115" instead of all the teacher-hater sites that keep popping up.
Don't worry, in the next few days I will be looking at "teachers being overpaid" and "teachers being lazy," and will conclusively prove that this is not the case.
All we have to do is get this message out. Call the Union. Let them know that it is time to change strategies.
Holding signs doesn't inspire public confidence or support.
Facts do.
Great blog!
ReplyDeleteHere are some ideas for you:
1- The amount of personal money each teachers uses at the beginning of their career, in switching grades, in annual supplies. For example, setting up a classroom library, buying posters and borders for bulletin boards, etc.
2- How much time does a teacher spend setting up a classroom in August? We dont have to be there until the first day of school, yet most teachers are in their classrooms at least 2 days in the last week of August setting up for the beginning of the school year. We are not paid for this. Also, principals that decide to have staff meetings at the end of August... we are not paid to go in, yet we are expected to be there.
I hate that we are being portrayed as lazy. Yes, there are some teachers that do the bare minimum, but that is NOT the norm. I for one am often kicked out of the school by the caretaker because Im still planning or marking, or changing the set up of my classroom because if it stays the same way too long the students get bored, and stop noticing the anchor charts, success criteria, or other helpful items that we have posted on the walls.
something on pensions would be good. :)
ReplyDeleteFurther to the reduced sick days argument, I think it's worth mentioning that teachers are in the front lines when it comes to contracting cold and flu viruses. Many parents send their unhealthy children to school where they share their illnesses. I personally work in a 'sick' building with inadequate ventilation and a heating/cooling system that works erratically: in the same building on the same day, temperatures can vary from 62 degrees Fahrenheit in my classroom to 76 degrees Fahrenheit in the classroom that is only three meters away from mine. This takes a toll on our immune systems too. In many other occupations when an employee is sick he/she can take a sick day when the body needs it. We, however, often have to suffer through because it is difficult for the classes to continue progressing in our absence or we spend hours putting plans in place for a supply teacher.
ReplyDeleteThe public has this image of teachers making $90,000+ (which teachers need to recognize puts them *at least* in the top quartile of incomes, probably higher... the median income is reported by Statistics Canada as $29,520 [http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/famil105g-eng.htm]). Given that most people make a *lot* less than teachers, whenever it comes to bargaining we're viewed similarly to NHL players on strike... there's little sympathy.
ReplyDeleteHowever, nobody ever points out that (within ETFO alone) 26% of teachers are occasional teachers. Occasional teachers receive no benefits, and their credentials and experience are not recognized. Most occasional teachers make less than $20,000 per year, and rely on Employment Insurance and/or second jobs to make ends meet.
1 in 4 teachers making less than the poverty line is an image that might make the public (or even our politicians) stop and think.
I blogged a while back about the economic benefits of investing in occasional teachers: http://blog.mrcarter.info/2009/02/case-for-investing-in-occasional.html
How about a mathematical analysis of the cost of becoming a teacher at the top of the grid? This would be a big undertaking, as you would have to do some research regarding the average size of student loan and the interest cost involved in paying them off, the average time spent underemployed while trying to get hired, etc. However, it might be helpful for people in general to see the length of time and number of dollars involved in getting to that magical 90K. If your really get into it, find a profession with a similar level of required minimum education, and do a comparison analysis. Don't forget to prorate their annual pay so you're comparing 10 months to 10 months. Wow, I'm good at using up a lot of other people's time, sorry, but it would be interesting to see the results.
ReplyDelete