Fridays' in April there are no subs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They're having class on the auditorium b/c they're combining classes b/c too many teachers are out?
Is that what you're trying to say?

Yes, I guess no one wants to work anymore. Just image how bad it will be when boomers retire.

No, no sir. No one wants to work with your bratty a$$ kids and parents who either dont care or call 5x a day asking for grades. Every teacher I know has found a new job (that pays better with more flexibility), is leaving to be a SAHM/PT worker so they have more time with their own kids, or retiring.

Its bad because of class sizes, special needs/behavior integration, etc. No one wants to pay teachers more for less work but thats what you need to do. They need less kids, less prep, and more control over what they teach in the class/how they teach/student behavior.

One friend has multiple fights per day in school, has kids curse at her regularly, has admin asking why she is failing a kid who hasnt shown up to class once, has parents who call or email asking her why she gave their kid a bad grade or 0- shocker they didnt turn it in or they didnt complete the assignment as directed. She sets a deadline for work and then is told my admin to extend it for the kids who didnt submit in time.

They dont get enough leave to take care of their own kids. They cant take half-days for appointments or field trips or concerts. There is no maternity/paternity leave beyond their own banked leave which is something like 5 vac and 5 sick.

Its a shite job with shite benefits besides the pension, but you have to stay for X years in a shite job.

I have looked at teaching because of the summer and winter breaks off but the math doesnt math for saving money and my DH has a completely inflexible job in a SCIF so I cant also have an inflexible position. I make 78k working from home in a job where I maybe work 30 hours total (there is no cap to my position and Ive received 5%+ raises every year) and when I log off, I am done. Its not great money but its low stress. I can WAH. Im available to my kids and I can take off whenever I want. So its a helluva lot better than teaching.

Sounds like your anger made you a pretty poor teacher anyway, so it’s good that you found another profession. This field clearly didn’t suit you and that’s ok.

PP isn't a teacher. I'm not either and I agree with her 100%. We need smaller classes, better disciplinary solutions, and higher teacher pay. If you deliver those things then high teacher standards are fair too (there are bad teachers, for sure) but you can't make it a terrible low paid job and then be surprised no one good wants it.

+1

A terrible, low paid job where parents constantly crap on you - who would want that?

It's not low pay. It's mid-[pay here and high-pay in DC. But it can be terrible, depending on the administration. We don't really need smaller classes. What we need are better administration, who support teachers, and lots more discilpine including detention, suspension, and expulsion. If we expect better behavior from students, and require it, we'll get it. Until then, we won't.

If people - especially competent people - won't take the job, then the pay is too low. It doesn't really matter what you think "mid" pay is in theory.

A good teacher is educated in their subject matter, educated in pedagogy for their classroom age band, has practical experience and fairly high EQ, passes a background check, works in person (and largely on their feet) and interacts with the public. That is an expensive job description.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think parents want to support teachers but aren’t sure what to do at a macro level. Like day-to-day, of course, raise children with manners, don’t harass teachers about grades, etc. But honestly it feels like it’s *always* been teachers saying “We don’t get paid enough! We don’t get enough support!” So what are parents to do, specifically, beyond supporting teacher raises and referendums for improved school resources? If I don’t like a job or I’m not getting paid enough, I leave that job. My husband is in a union and he actively works with his union to improve pay and working conditions. But it feels like teachers are constantly being martyrs, saying nothing is enough and expecting others to listen endlessly or do the work of advocating for them. If you don’t like your job or want to get paid more, leave your job. Yes, kids will definitely suffer from the lack of educators but the market will eventually adjust to value teachers more both financially and otherwise. Sadly, the endless martyrdom of teachers has become white noise.

Careful, you're turning into white noise. Why don't you do something about that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think parents want to support teachers but aren’t sure what to do at a macro level. Like day-to-day, of course, raise children with manners, don’t harass teachers about grades, etc. But honestly it feels like it’s *always* been teachers saying “We don’t get paid enough! We don’t get enough support!” So what are parents to do, specifically, beyond supporting teacher raises and referendums for improved school resources? If I don’t like a job or I’m not getting paid enough, I leave that job. My husband is in a union and he actively works with his union to improve pay and working conditions. But it feels like teachers are constantly being martyrs, saying nothing is enough and expecting others to listen endlessly or do the work of advocating for them. If you don’t like your job or want to get paid more, leave your job. Yes, kids will definitely suffer from the lack of educators but the market will eventually adjust to value teachers more both financially and otherwise. Sadly, the endless martyrdom of teachers has become white noise.

Careful, you're turning into white noise. Why don't you do something about that?

Shocker, anger without constructive suggestions. Staying on theme.

[Anonymous]

Not angry, that's projection.

What you are doing is no more or less useful than what you are complaining that teachers do. If you don't like it, leave -- but if you stay, shut up. Or at least that is the message, right?

You should take your own advice, you know.

(And I am not a teacher, nor have I ever been.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not angry, that's projection.

What you are doing is no more or less useful than what you are complaining that teachers do. If you don't like it, leave -- but if you stay, shut up. Or at least that is the message, right?

You should take your own advice, you know.

(And I am not a teacher, nor have I ever been.)

Why would I be angry? I have a job I love and get paid well for. And I had to make several strategic moves to get here when I felt a job was lacking in some way. My point is that getting to a job I love took active effort, not just saying I deserve more.

I’m not sure why you think I’m telling teachers to shut up. Quite the opposite, I’m asking for constructive, specific ways that parents can help on a larger level that address the bigger issues that seem to plaque teachers. Vague complaining never got anyone anything. Teachers need to rebrand their message to include specific suggestions for parents to elevate these issues and advocate on behalf of teachers. Every parent I know would want to help, but emailing the school board to say “Teachers should get paid more” doesn’t seem like a particularly effective campaign. I get it, it’s easier to be mad on behalf of teachers and think you’re “helping” with your anger, rather than say “Hey, teachers, what can I do to help you?” Because then you’d have to do more than virtue signal on an anonymous website. You do you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not angry, that's projection.

What you are doing is no more or less useful than what you are complaining that teachers do. If you don't like it, leave -- but if you stay, shut up. Or at least that is the message, right?

You should take your own advice, you know.

(And I am not a teacher, nor have I ever been.)

Why would I be angry? I have a job I love and get paid well for. And I had to make several strategic moves to get here when I felt a job was lacking in some way. My point is that getting to a job I love took active effort, not just saying I deserve more.

I’m not sure why you think I’m telling teachers to shut up. Quite the opposite, I’m asking for constructive, specific ways that parents can help on a larger level that address the bigger issues that seem to plaque teachers. Vague complaining never got anyone anything. Teachers need to rebrand their message to include specific suggestions for parents to elevate these issues and advocate on behalf of teachers. Every parent I know would want to help, but emailing the school board to say “Teachers should get paid more” doesn’t seem like a particularly effective campaign. I get it, it’s easier to be mad on behalf of teachers and think you’re “helping” with your anger, rather than say “Hey, teachers, what can I do to help you?” Because then you’d have to do more than virtue signal on an anonymous website. You do you.

NP here. You don't get it. Things are beyond teachers banding together to make things better at the bargaining table. We know what needs to be done and actively choose not to do it.

I used to teach and serve as an organizer in the teachers union on the Maryland side. All the committees and meetings in the world cannot fix this disaster.

The whole thing is on fire. Get out it is everyone for themselves.

Teachers are no longer going to stick it out and hope for better. Expect more chaotic auditoriums and cafeterias full of hundreds of students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They're having class on the auditorium b/c they're combining classes b/c too many teachers are out?
Is that what you're trying to say?

Yes, I guess no one wants to work anymore. Just image how bad it will be when boomers retire.

No, no sir. No one wants to work with your bratty a$$ kids and parents who either dont care or call 5x a day asking for grades. Every teacher I know has found a new job (that pays better with more flexibility), is leaving to be a SAHM/PT worker so they have more time with their own kids, or retiring.

Its bad because of class sizes, special needs/behavior integration, etc. No one wants to pay teachers more for less work but thats what you need to do. They need less kids, less prep, and more control over what they teach in the class/how they teach/student behavior.

One friend has multiple fights per day in school, has kids curse at her regularly, has admin asking why she is failing a kid who hasnt shown up to class once, has parents who call or email asking her why she gave their kid a bad grade or 0- shocker they didnt turn it in or they didnt complete the assignment as directed. She sets a deadline for work and then is told my admin to extend it for the kids who didnt submit in time.

They dont get enough leave to take care of their own kids. They cant take half-days for appointments or field trips or concerts. There is no maternity/paternity leave beyond their own banked leave which is something like 5 vac and 5 sick.

Its a shite job with shite benefits besides the pension, but you have to stay for X years in a shite job.

I have looked at teaching because of the summer and winter breaks off but the math doesnt math for saving money and my DH has a completely inflexible job in a SCIF so I cant also have an inflexible position. I make 78k working from home in a job where I maybe work 30 hours total (there is no cap to my position and Ive received 5%+ raises every year) and when I log off, I am done. Its not great money but its low stress. I can WAH. Im available to my kids and I can take off whenever I want. So its a helluva lot better than teaching.

Sounds like your anger made you a pretty poor teacher anyway, so it’s good that you found another profession. This field clearly didn’t suit you and that’s ok.

Someone needs a 4th grade reading comprehension class. She’s not a teacher, and she has never been a teacher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think parents want to support teachers but aren’t sure what to do at a macro level. Like day-to-day, of course, raise children with manners, don’t harass teachers about grades, etc. But honestly it feels like it’s *always* been teachers saying “We don’t get paid enough! We don’t get enough support!” So what are parents to do, specifically, beyond supporting teacher raises and referendums for improved school resources? If I don’t like a job or I’m not getting paid enough, I leave that job. My husband is in a union and he actively works with his union to improve pay and working conditions. But it feels like teachers are constantly being martyrs, saying nothing is enough and expecting others to listen endlessly or do the work of advocating for them. If you don’t like your job or want to get paid more, leave your job. Yes, kids will definitely suffer from the lack of educators but the market will eventually adjust to value teachers more both financially and otherwise. Sadly, the endless martyrdom of teachers has become white noise.

That’s what happening, they are leaving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They're having class on the auditorium b/c they're combining classes b/c too many teachers are out?
Is that what you're trying to say?

Yes, I guess no one wants to work anymore. Just image how bad it will be when boomers retire.

No, no sir. No one wants to work with your bratty a$$ kids and parents who either dont care or call 5x a day asking for grades. Every teacher I know has found a new job (that pays better with more flexibility), is leaving to be a SAHM/PT worker so they have more time with their own kids, or retiring.

Its bad because of class sizes, special needs/behavior integration, etc. No one wants to pay teachers more for less work but thats what you need to do. They need less kids, less prep, and more control over what they teach in the class/how they teach/student behavior.

One friend has multiple fights per day in school, has kids curse at her regularly, has admin asking why she is failing a kid who hasnt shown up to class once, has parents who call or email asking her why she gave their kid a bad grade or 0- shocker they didnt turn it in or they didnt complete the assignment as directed. She sets a deadline for work and then is told my admin to extend it for the kids who didnt submit in time.

They dont get enough leave to take care of their own kids. They cant take half-days for appointments or field trips or concerts. There is no maternity/paternity leave beyond their own banked leave which is something like 5 vac and 5 sick.

Its a shite job with shite benefits besides the pension, but you have to stay for X years in a shite job.

I have looked at teaching because of the summer and winter breaks off but the math doesnt math for saving money and my DH has a completely inflexible job in a SCIF so I cant also have an inflexible position. I make 78k working from home in a job where I maybe work 30 hours total (there is no cap to my position and Ive received 5%+ raises every year) and when I log off, I am done. Its not great money but its low stress. I can WAH. Im available to my kids and I can take off whenever I want. So its a helluva lot better than teaching.

Sounds like your anger made you a pretty poor teacher anyway, so it’s good that you found another profession. This field clearly didn’t suit you and that’s ok.

PP isn't a teacher. I'm not either and I agree with her 100%. We need smaller classes, better disciplinary solutions, and higher teacher pay. If you deliver those things then high teacher standards are fair too (there are bad teachers, for sure) but you can't make it a terrible low paid job and then be surprised no one good wants it.

+1

A terrible, low paid job where parents constantly crap on you - who would want that?

It's not low pay. It's mid-[pay here and high-pay in DC. But it can be terrible, depending on the administration. We don't really need smaller classes. What we need are better administration, who support teachers, and lots more discilpine including detention, suspension, and expulsion. If we expect better behavior from students, and require it, we'll get it. Until then, we won't.

Haha. Honey, I’m 15 years in and can’t afford a two bedroom anything - apartment, condo, TH - under an hour+ away. The roach-infested apartment I live in now costs 55% of my monthly pay. I teach after school and in the summer to make ends meet. Haven’t been on ANY vacation in 15 years and drive a 2005 Camry. Tell me how great the pay is again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think parents want to support teachers but aren’t sure what to do at a macro level. Like day-to-day, of course, raise children with manners, don’t harass teachers about grades, etc. But honestly it feels like it’s *always* been teachers saying “We don’t get paid enough! We don’t get enough support!” So what are parents to do, specifically, beyond supporting teacher raises and referendums for improved school resources? If I don’t like a job or I’m not getting paid enough, I leave that job. My husband is in a union and he actively works with his union to improve pay and working conditions. But it feels like teachers are constantly being martyrs, saying nothing is enough and expecting others to listen endlessly or do the work of advocating for them. If you don’t like your job or want to get paid more, leave your job. Yes, kids will definitely suffer from the lack of educators but the market will eventually adjust to value teachers more both financially and otherwise. Sadly, the endless martyrdom of teachers has become white noise.

Leave? That’s the solution? Consider it done - that’s exactly what teachers ARE doing. That’s why there’s a shortage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why don’t they pull front office people to be subs? We were in a similar situation and when I went past the office there were at least 5 sitting there. Plus nurse, principal, asst principal and 2 counselors.

Bingo!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not angry, that's projection.

What you are doing is no more or less useful than what you are complaining that teachers do. If you don't like it, leave -- but if you stay, shut up. Or at least that is the message, right?

You should take your own advice, you know.

(And I am not a teacher, nor have I ever been.)

Why would I be angry? I have a job I love and get paid well for. And I had to make several strategic moves to get here when I felt a job was lacking in some way. My point is that getting to a job I love took active effort, not just saying I deserve more.

I’m not sure why you think I’m telling teachers to shut up. Quite the opposite, I’m asking for constructive, specific ways that parents can help on a larger level that address the bigger issues that seem to plaque teachers. Vague complaining never got anyone anything. Teachers need to rebrand their message to include specific suggestions for parents to elevate these issues and advocate on behalf of teachers. Every parent I know would want to help, but emailing the school board to say “Teachers should get paid more” doesn’t seem like a particularly effective campaign. I get it, it’s easier to be mad on behalf of teachers and think you’re “helping” with your anger, rather than say “Hey, teachers, what can I do to help you?” Because then you’d have to do more than virtue signal on an anonymous website. You do you.

We need to get students with discipline problems out of the classroom, not for a day but long-term, so that we can actually teach. I don’t know how to solve that problem as a teacher because of IEPs, LRE, BIPs and FBA requirements. If you have any ideas as a parent, please feel free to step in. It’s not just about disciplining students. It is a cultural change with how parents raise their kids and how we treat students with mental illness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not angry, that's projection.

What you are doing is no more or less useful than what you are complaining that teachers do. If you don't like it, leave -- but if you stay, shut up. Or at least that is the message, right?

You should take your own advice, you know.

(And I am not a teacher, nor have I ever been.)

Why would I be angry? I have a job I love and get paid well for. And I had to make several strategic moves to get here when I felt a job was lacking in some way. My point is that getting to a job I love took active effort, not just saying I deserve more.

I’m not sure why you think I’m telling teachers to shut up. Quite the opposite, I’m asking for constructive, specific ways that parents can help on a larger level that address the bigger issues that seem to plaque teachers. Vague complaining never got anyone anything. Teachers need to rebrand their message to include specific suggestions for parents to elevate these issues and advocate on behalf of teachers. Every parent I know would want to help, but emailing the school board to say “Teachers should get paid more” doesn’t seem like a particularly effective campaign. I get it, it’s easier to be mad on behalf of teachers and think you’re “helping” with your anger, rather than say “Hey, teachers, what can I do to help you?” Because then you’d have to do more than virtue signal on an anonymous website. You do you.

We need to get students with discipline problems out of the classroom, not for a day but long-term, so that we can actually teach. I don’t know how to solve that problem as a teacher because of IEPs, LRE, BIPs and FBA requirements. If you have any ideas as a parent, please feel free to step in. It’s not just about disciplining students. It is a cultural change with how parents raise their kids and how we treat students with mental illness.

yes and it's more than the IEP's....it's good kids who whine and complain all day about having to learn. Kids who are disrespectful and call you mean for trying to teach and if you talked to Mom and Dad they will blame teacher./admin. Educators are done with the nonsense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don’t they pull front office people to be subs? We were in a similar situation and when I went past the office there were at least 5 sitting there. Plus nurse, principal, asst principal and 2 counselors.

Bingo!

A lot of people think counselors sit in their office all day long, but in fact, they are probably the busiest employees in the building. The counselors that I work with have students with them for the entire entirety of the day. In addition, the nurse is often helping students with medications, etc. I’ve seen the principal and the assistant principal substitute sometimes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don’t they pull front office people to be subs? We were in a similar situation and when I went past the office there were at least 5 sitting there. Plus nurse, principal, asst principal and 2 counselors.

Bingo!

All hands on deck. Agree.