SMALL WORDS FOR SHREK...
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I do contribute to my benefits. My salary & benefits equal my compensation.
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Making about $45k with a Master's degree and 10 years experience...thank goodness for the benefits...oh wait, as a first class citizen I make too much.
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Lastly, if you are going to make the claim that you didn't call us lazy then why make the satement, "you only work 9 months." To anyone educated in a public school, that statement screams of a lazy accusation.
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You, Sir Shrek, are ignorant on this matter. It is obvious you have no clue about what my profession does and/or earns. You also have no clue about how negotiations went between administration and teachers. You ignore the FACT that both sides see a compensation package...neither side sees salary with free benefits.
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You should really stop talking because your ignorance is insulting.

I am done discussing this with you as you will make up anything necessary to try to justify your position.
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Just remember, you have a good job with excellent benefits and only work nine months out of the year. We are only asking for you to contribute to your benefits costs and to allow for flexibility in work rules.
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THIS IS NOT TREATING YOU AS A SECOND CLASS CITIZENS.
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One last thing, Poobah, you are full of crap.

I have been following the Walker administration and nothing he is doing is treating teachers as second class citizens. Requiring them to pay a small portion for benefits and restricting the items that they can negotiate on are smart decisions that are necessary to give the employers a measure of cost control.
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This is the dumbest, most dishonest argument ever. It is simply arrogant to believe that teachers/public employees are not "contributing" to their benefits.
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For teachers, the district and union has decided instead of starting a teacher @ $45k and having them pay for their benefits $12k...they start them at $33k and pay for the benefits, $12k. Either way the district budgets for a starting teacher at $45k.
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What Mr. "not second class" is saying that without warning, without negotiations, without an option our previously negotiated wages and work conditions are void.
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Weird, to me, refusing to talk about something, throwing away years of negotiations and just making it his way...certainly doesn't sound like treating someone like a "first class citizen".

Shrek said, "Actually most engineers are salaried and are required to work a minimum of 45 hours per week. This would equate to 2250..."
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Now you're just making stuff up. I've worked in the engineering field for over 30 years at small and large (Fortune 500) companies. I am an electrical engineer, I used to manage several dozen engineers and then employed several engineers in my business. This 45 hour minimum is just bunk you created to make up for your lack of facts.

Engineers don't get vacation? I know an engineer and he lives in way bigger house than I do. Takes more vacations with his family and friends. He doesn't seem overworked, and happens to be able to take time off for my wedding in July during the week. Besides, according to this website, engineers seem to do quite well compared to teachers. http://www.simplyhired.com/a/salary/sear...

I also coach a sport. My additive amounts to $0.21/hr. I'm not complaining, but like you, I like to coach. As you said, coaching jobs exist because their is demand in the market for them. Maybe if Walker were targeting your job because he thought you made too much money, you'd be singing a different tune...

Actually most engineers are salaried and are required to work a minimum of 45 hours per week. This would equate to 2250, that is why I used that number. For the teachers I used the hours required by contract. If they work more on their own time, you are right, they don't get paid. But they do get additives for coaching, working at games, etc.
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I have been following the Walker administration and nothing he is doing is treating teachers as second class citizens. Requiring them to pay a small portion for benefits and restricting the items that they can negotiate on are smart decisions that are necessary to give the employers a measure of cost control.
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Everything I present here is taken directly from the teacher contracts that I have read.

Shrek: I never said YOU said ALL those things, but your belief that teachers only work 1520 hours a year is sadly the way most people think that like to criticize the teaching profession. I'm not attacking you in any way, I'm just challenging some of your vague generalizations with some of my own. You wrote: "the difference being that the engineer works about 2250 hours per year." This is more than 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year! Why is it you include additional hours beyond what is required for an engineer, but not for a teacher? If you truly believed that teachers are not treated as second class citizens, and are actually treated fairly, then start comparing them equally to other professions. Also, teachers do not get "additives" for the extra time they spend beyond 1520 planning or helping students who are behind. That is a fact.

I respect you for trying to present "facts" about the teaching profession, but please do not present generalizations about them and state them as "facts," In fact, they are merely false speculations. If you have been following the Walker administration, and read some of the remarks made about teachers on these posts (including some of your own), you will find your proof of how teachers are being treated as second class citizens.

JKHolman...you have added so much class to this discussion...do you eat with that same mouth?

Vigilandy,
I never said any of those things except that teachers are obligated to work 1520 hours per year and I never said they were lazy. You are trying to put words in my mouth to justify your attacks on me. Lose the anger and think rationally about the things I have posted here and you will see the logic in them. None of what I have posted is mean spirited, just factual.

Yes they all should be treated the same, compensated with a competitive wage and given respect. The wage is determined by the market. If fewer students are going into a given field that means that the supply is less and the demand will increase wages. If you really want teachers to earn more, then you should be pushing to limit the amount of students that can pursue that major. As long as the supply outstrips demand the wages will remain where they are.
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The argument that all of them were taught by teachers is true, just as it is true that all of us are protected by police, all of us use the cars that engineers designed, all of us depend on the fire department for protection, all of use the water that the public works processes for us, all of us eat the food that farmers produce, all of us use the electricity that is carried by the lines that utility workers maintain, etc.
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As far as CEO's are concerned, that is a different animal. I feel that many of them are overpaid. But that is really not the discussion here.
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The comment was made that teachers are treated as second class citizens. I made the point that they are not and have been attacked for it. Prove to me where they are treated that way, I guarantee that you can't.

Teachers aren't trying to raise themselves above everybody else. We are just trying to defend our position as professionals. If we treat other professionals with equal education and experience better, how can we not feel exploited by the citizens that use us to teach them, and their children? Who then point their fingers at us and say, "You're greedy thugs trying to rob us of our tax money! Your lazy because you only work 1520 hours a year! You are all bad teachers protected by the union! You are not teaching our kids anything I can't teach them myself! You are irrelevant and unnecessary!" We would just like one ounce of respect from the community we provide our services to. How would you react if it were your profession under the microscope?

Shrek: So what you are saying is that everone should be treated as equals, despite their education, dedication, training, expertise, years of experience, etc. etc...If that is the case, why don't we pay everyone the same, despite all the aforementioned qualities? Police, EMT's, fireman, teachers, professors, governors, presidents, managers, and everyone else should be treated the same? Maybe CEO's should divide their profits up and pay their employees more so everyone is treated the same. I'm sure CEO's work at least 2000 hours a year...I'd like to see you break their hourly wages down per hour!

Shrek, you just listed engineers, doctors, sanitation workers, police, computer programmers and other professions that are vital to our communities. The people who choose these professions, and others, all have one thing in common -- they were nurtured and educated by teachers.

I never said that teachers weren't important or that they don't love their jobs. It is best to go into a profession that you enjoy.
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But, teachers are a piece of the overall puzzle. If you did not have engineers, who would design the car you drive or the house you live in? If you did not have doctors, who would deliver the babies that eventually become teachers? If you did not have sanitation workers, who would keep our cities clean so that we don't have disease ridden streets? If we did not have police, who would capture criminals? If we did not have computer programmers, who would make the smart boards that improve teaching?
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I could keep listing professions that are vital to our communities, but I think that you get the idea. Every profession exists because there is a need and to single out one profession to be better than every other one is wrong.
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Once again I will state: "TEACHERS ARE NOT BEING TREATED AS SECOND CLASS CITIZENS" They are being treated as equals, just as they should be.

Also, some people do what they do because they feel they have answered a calling. Despite their deepest darkest desire to become a millionaire, they were meant to be a teacher because they are great with kids. Or perhaps a veteranarian, because they love animals. Or maybe they do it for the love of the game! Damn athletes! They're only in it for the money!

Shrek: So I suppose all those health inspectors, engineers, police, first responders, and you would all be what without teachers? Give credit where credit is due. It would be nice, though, to teach myself a specific job skill and be considered qualified to do that job without question. Then of course, I would have had to teach myself how to read and write, too. Damn readers. They're always getting all the good, high paying, sweet benefits jobs!

Poobah,
One may love their job, but the reason they do it is because they get paid. This is a reality in life and if you think any teacher would do it without getting paid, you are wrong.

I can see by all of the post arguing against me that you all think that teachers are to be placed on a pedestal and to question anything about them is wrong.
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The truth is that teachers earn a competitive wage based on the hours that they are required to work. They receive benefits that are much better than most other occupations. These are facts and your opinions do not change the facts.
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Teachers are no more important than many other professions. Without health inspectors we would have higher health risks, without engineers we would have more unsafe products, without police the streets would not be as safe, without first responders there would be more deaths. Each of these professions provide a vital service to our communities. Why should teachers be treated better than any of them?
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Once again I will go back to the original point that I am disputing. "TEACHERS ARE NOT BEING TREATED AS SECOND CLASS CITIZENS" They are being treated as equals, and deservedly so.

Shrek said, "Teachers are not any more special than anyone else, so why should they be treated better than anyone else?"
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Well, we are just going to have to agree to disagree about this, Shrek. I had two teachers who profoundly affected my entire life in a very positive way and I'll never forget them or quit being thankful for what they gave me. My 4th grade teacher, Merecedes Manogue, and my high school algebra and calculus teacher, Geneva Werfal (who just passed away). Both of these teachers piqued my interest in learning and Mrs. Werfal, my interest in mathematics and engineering. My life wouldn't be nearly as fulfilled without them. To me they are, indeed, very special people.

Shrek said, "I never said teachers do it for the love of kids, they do it because they get paid."
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Why am I not surprised you think that? Thanks for clearing that up.

Donnaw - I guess your opinion of whether or not 5th grade students are worthy of a graduation before they transition to middle school is the only one that counts. $200 is for cake, punch, napkins, plates, forks, table cloths, etc. We have 50 students that take part and our graduation usually brings in between 200-250 people. It is tonight if you wanted to stop by and see how it works. Spending money on our students won't change whether I make $30,000 or $60,000...it would be nice to be treated as a professional every once and awhile.

I want you all to be aware that most teachers defending themselves are NOT COMPLAINING. It may sound like we are complaining because we are being defensive.
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When being attacked for making too much, not working enough...being spoiled...our response is to say it isn't that easy, we aren't spoild and certainly are not rich.
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This does not mean we don't appreciate what we have but what we have is EARNED!
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I believe I make a fair wage for my experience (10 years) and education (2 Bach. + Master's). I am not spoiled, I work extremely hard and I am an excellent educator.
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I don't complain about what I have earned unless someone claims it wasn't earned. I believe most teachers ... most people ... respond similarly.

Rocky...there are thousands of jobs just as stressful as teaching. I was a first grade teacher in a trailer park school and there was no kindergarten. Then I was a social worker for an agency that provided foster care for abused and abandoned children. Talk about stress! Iwas on call at nite and couldn't sleep well, waiting for the next phone call. How about firefighters? My daughter-in-law is pediatric oncologist who works 80 hour weeks sometimes. Talk about her job stress. Yes there are many stressful jobs and not just teachers have stress.

Shrek
May 31, 2011 at 3:29 p.m.
Suggest removal Step and lane increases along with salary increases make it possible to earn what I stated. If you don't believe me, look at the local districts' salary schedules. Teachers do work 8 hours per day for 190 days, extra hours are paid as additives. If you don't believe me, look at the teacher contracts.
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Yes, if you are willing to spend $10,000 of your own money and spend the time necessary to earn a Master's Degree you may be able to earn $45,000 as a teacher within 5-7 years.
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Spoiled!

After reading your last post, Shrek, I think you really do believe that: (a) teaching is no more stressful than any other occupation, (b)teachers are paid well and receive great benefits, (c) teachers are protected by tenure and (d) teachers are a bunch of complainers. However, as I had to point out to my own 9 year old this morning, just because you believe something is true doesn't make it true.

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I'm glad you coach kids. You get to work with 10-20 (more if it is football) kids who are doing something they want to do. Of course it isn't so stressful. Now put yourself in a classroom with 30 - half of which have no interest at all in being there - and try to get things done. Throw in a public where everyone thinks they know how to do your job and is quick to blame. Now tell me that things aren't stressful in the classroom. You know, I used to think as you do and then some teacher friends showed me the truth - not being whiny or complaining, but the simple, harsh truth about their profession. It is a job for which I commend them.

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By the way - teachers, such as those in this article, are not protected by tenure any more. The so-called "budget repair bill" (that had nothing at all to do with the budget) makes teachers "at will" employees with no protections. On par with others now? Perhaps, but instead of tearing down all protections, why not build in some protections for everyone? Why bring everyone down to the lowest level instead of building everyone up?

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"Good pay and benefits" clearly depends on point of view. To the person working in a non-professional job (and no disrespect intended - those people work hard and are very underpaid in general) the pay may seem great, but when compared to other "professionals" with a similar education and experience, you'll find teaching at or near the bottom of the wage and benefit pile. It used to be the wages were poor, but the benefits were great...now the benefits are average and the wages are still low. Ask yourself: Shouldn't a person who has worked hard to learn a craft, studied, practiced and developed a skill doing one of the most important jobs in our society - shepherding our children - be worthy of a wage higher than "just getting by"? Are we going to attract bright young minds to teaching when all we can promise them is that they won't starve...but abandon all hope of any comforts or luxuries?

$200 for a fifth grade grad party? First of all grad parties for 5th graders is a bit much and second of all, can't the parents bring in some cupcakes and Gatorade?

Poobah, dont put words in my mouth. I never said teachers do it for the love of kids, they do it because they get paid. The same reason that any of us work. I personally have no desire to be a teacher, I love my chosen profession. I also love coaching youth sports and I guarantee I give way more time than you do. I also never complain about how I am treated by parents or the amount I am paid.
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If you are a teacher that puts in extra time, that is great that you are committed to your profession. Most of us professionals also put in long hours. In fact, I work 50-60 hours per week all year round, so I really don't feel sorry for you. This is the kind of dedication necessary to be an exemplary employee. Most of us professionals are salaried and don't get the additives for extra hours worked.
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Back to the original point. I stated that teachers are not being treated like "second class citizens". They are being treated like any other professional. They get paid well, have great benefits and are expected to produce quality work. You people should actually have open minds and understand someone elses point of view. Teachers are not any more special than anyone else, so why should they be treated better than anyone else?
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I also have to take issue with teaching being such a stressful job. Anyone that is in a professional setting has quite a bit of stress.
It is no more stressful to deal with an unruly student or an angry parent than it is to deal with an angry customer. In fact, I would argue that it is more stressful when your job is actually on the line because you don't have tenure.
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Many of you think that this is bashing teachers. In fact it is quite the opposite. I think teaching is a wonderful profession, just no more special than any other.

Shrek, my degree is in engineering. Yet I have no engineering job. I went into teaching because I love to teach (and am in the process of obtaining my masters-- between engineering, minors, teaching certification and now masters I have over 200 college credits). I have also worked in labs, and in business as an analyst. Working in business was much less stressful than teaching. A 50 week year at 40 hrs a week is 2000 hrs. As a teacher, the lowest number of hours I ever gave was 2200!!! Summer school is extra pay to those who get it/want it but it isn't that much. I did the 2200 WITHOUT summer school, in the 9 months time. Many school districts do NOT pay extra to coach. Some do. It depends on the district. Schools buy almost nothing for classrooms now and teachers are constantly buying supplies out of pocket for their classes. So no, they don't even keep all the money. As stated above, it costs a lot to be a teacher, because we are professionals, need licensure and continuing education. At our expense. And costs of said education to amount of salary earned, teachers pay more than other professionals-- doctors, engineers, etc. Are there teachers who teach for tenure only-- yes-- but a few bad apples don't speak for the majority of teachers. Teachers are also held to a MUCH higher standard than anyone else. I know teachers who got in trouble for being seen at a restaraunt on a SATURDAY having a beer with dinner-- but they can't drink in presence of their students, they are role models. Students can curse out teachers, but if a teacher slips and swears, they can get in serious trouble. Go to most workplaces-- blue collar or white collar, the language is quite colorful. Stress is higher, and there are no outlets. Even personal blogs can get people fired-- see the teacher in NJ who vented on her website.

Shrek - for every teacher that actually works only contracted hours there are probably 20 who work an extra 3-4 hours per day, minimum. They grade papers at home. They stay late and come in early to help kids. Teachers easily put in their 2000+ hours per year - the fact that they do it over the course of 42 weeks instead of 52 only makes that more impressive.

Remember people ...You get what you pay for. The days of sending your children to the school down the street and trusting that they are receiving the best education in the country are over.
The restrictions the Wisconsin government is imposing on school districts will directly effect a school district’s ability to be competitive. I fear for the young students today and their parents who are making $12-$14 per hour and do not have the time to pay attention to what is happening in education. I am thankful that my children are finished with their K-12 education and that they understand the value of life long learning. I will help them shop around to find a competitive school district in a community that values children and the importance of education.

Those of you complaining about teacher salaries should brush up on your geometry and algebra. The best math minds are going to the private sector. Take out your wallet. You may need find a good tutor.

Shrek,
I will give you my entire lucrative salary and my health insurance if I ever work under 2,500 hours per year. You must not hang out around my school.

briguy95-Wisconsin School for the Deaf-$45K after 6 years-I just looked up a teacher I know there.

wislady said, "This is the title of an article posted on the Teaching Assistants’ Association (TAA) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. I guess they must have skipped the spelling class."
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It appears that you skipped the grammar class.

Shrek said, "Also, I coach youth sports and my pay for that is $0. I don't need to get paid to do something that I love to do."
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So then why don't YOU go back to college for four years, get a teaching license and teach for the Janesville school district for $0. You said teachers do it because they love the work. And you love working with kids. What are you waiting for? Help us all out -- it's ONLY nine months a year, right?

Ingnorance about income inequality in America
– May 30, 2011Posted in: Mass Media, Press
..........

This is the title of an article posted on the Teaching Assistants’ Association (TAA) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. I guess they must have skipped the spelling class.

Also, I coach youth sports and my pay for that is $0. I don't need to get paid to do something that I love to do.

Step and lane increases along with salary increases make it possible to earn what I stated. If you don't believe me, look at the local districts' salary schedules. Teachers do work 8 hours per day for 190 days, extra hours are paid as additives. If you don't believe me, look at the teacher contracts.
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Hourly rates are on par with what engineers make, teachers just don't work as many hours.
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I never said that teachers are overpaid, I just said that they are not treated as "second class citizens" and I have the facts to back it up. All of you only have attacks. Present some facts and I may believe your arguments.

Could somebody please enlighten me on where they pay $45,000 within 5-7 years because I apparently have to teach in a different district.

Shrek, your equation has some flaws:
1. Do you really think that a teacher goes from $31k to $45k in 5-7 years? Not at all and certainley not under walker's plan (salary increase=CPI).
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2. I don't know where you figure 1520 hours per year. Is it 190 8 hour days? I can tell you from experience that it's closer to 2000 hours.

Shrek - Original post stated I taught summer school. I get paid the equivalent of $1.23 per hour with the amount of time I put into coaching...I don't complain because I love it. I guess I should just be happy because living on my lofty teacher's salary is apparently the same as an engineer.....

I hope teachers quit teaching and leave all of you Walkerites home-schooling your children. You won't have to worry about teacher's compensation and benefits or school taxes on your property tax bill then! However, I pity your children with the example you set for them with your contentment with mediocrity.

Shrek, show us where you got these facts:
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This teacher is usually single so living on this wage for a few years is easy.
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That same teacher will be making about $45,000 within 5-7 years. $45000/1520 = $29.61 per hour.

Teachers do not work 2080 hours per year they work much less. If they choose to teach summer school, they still don't hit 2080. It is not being mean, it is the truth.

Welcome to the real world folks.

How many of you posting are driving foreign made vehicles and spent years complaining about the auto workers? New auto-workers make about 14.50 per hour, are not allowed any raises until 2015, eventually will max out around 16.38 per hour (so 30-35K per year), get no pension, no retirement health care, limited health care with several years to become eligible while working, etc. And that is working 52 weeks per year. Where did you expect the cuts to come next ??? Manufacturing is gone or benefits and pay cut way back .... Now the professional sector becomes the "fat cats" for those in power to attack. WalMart now sets the wage and benefit pattern for this country IMHO.

It is disheartening to see the venomous posts against teachers. They have been making enormous sacrifices long before other sectors. Teaching was and STILL is one of the lowest paid careers requiring a college degree. They also work far more hours than the standard 2,080 hours found in an 8 to 5 job due to inservices, conferences, before and after school prep and record maintenance, mentoring, mandatory fund raisers, etc. Teachers also buy a substantial amount of supplies out of their own pocket....they put the kids first over budget constraints. I know of teachers who shop rummage sales to purchase clothing for kids whose parents are struggling financially and one who sells hotdogs and bratwursts during the summer to pay for a science field trip. They also have the legal responsibility to report signs of abuse at home and ensure progress is made in the education of their students. This is no easy job when class size is over the optimum number.

Children are the nation's most valuable asset. Scrimping in education WILL have gigantic negative consequences and not just in preparing our kids for success in a global economy. Ask any realtor if "good schools and good teachers" are a draw for enticing new business to the area.

If there is a problem with a teacher, deal with THAT teacher. Do not cast a blanket over the entire profession as they have earned and deserve our respect.

Beloit Guy,
All of the things you mentioned should be re-imbursable expenses. Also you forgot to discuss the additives that come along with coaching that justify you staying late.
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Many of us work 45-50 hours a week and don't get the additives.
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You could probably help the financial situation by getting a job during the summer months. I know that many districts are looking for summer school teachers and you could always get a job at a place like Menard's. Sometimes you do what you have to do in order to live the lifestyle that you want to have.

Lets all do the math here.
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The lowest paid teacher makes about $31,000 per year and works about 1520 hours in that year. 31000/1520= $20.40 per hour.
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This teacher is usually single so living on this wage for a few years is easy.
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That same teacher will be making about $45,000 within 5-7 years. $45000/1520 = $29.61 per hour.
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About the same rate as an engineer in this area of the country, the difference being that the engineer works about 2250 hours per year.

I am a school teacher. I just paid $900 for the six credits I need to renew my licensure. I need to fork out another $100 to DPI to actually get the paperwork for my license. I just spent over $200 out of pocket for my school's 5th grade graduation ceremony and have spent over $1000 on the teams I coach and my classroom this year. I may only work 9.5 months out of the year in my teaching/coaching job but I get to school every morning at 7:30 and don't get home every night until 6:30 (if we have a home game it's 9, an away game it's 11:00)...I also teach summer school. I also have my Master's Degree. My family of five lives in a 2 bedroom condo and we haven't bought a new vehicle in 10 years. We have no credt cards. Our yearly vacation consist of a weekend trip to the Wisconsin Dells. Despite all this, we live pay check to pay check and have little money in savings. Looks like more tightening the belt for guys like me.....

Yes, people do make $12-$14/hour and make it. However, to get the best and brightest to even consider the field of education...considering the requirements to obtain and maintain a teaching license...WE MUST DO BETTER!
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Teachers should make enough to support a family within a middle-class lifestyle. $12-$14 does not allow that.

So let me get this right.

A teacher makes 40K-70K per year, has excellent insurance, has excellent retirement benefits and works 9 months out of the year.
They are asked to pay a small portion of their benefit costs and are no longer guaranteed a job even if they don't perform and you people consider this treating them like second class citizens.
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You people are idiots!

"There are folks out there right now now who are making ends meet with $12-$14 an hour jobs. It is all about living within your means. Do not spend more than you take in. Period."
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Why of course! And when that $1750 a month runs out after paying the rent, the health care premium, car insurance and car gas just don't eat! What, your kids tend to get cranky when they don't eat? Just tell them to suck it up, they're doing their part for those taxpayers who are sick of their parents making anything more than they are! Let's legislate our way into poverty and make sure that if one of us is going to make $12 per hour then ALL of us are going to make $12 per hour!
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You're drilling holes in the bottom of the boat you're on, vatoloco.

vatoloco said, "And, you do not get rich by being a teacher."
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Walker and his legion of teacher-loathing lemmings are going to make certain of that!

Until there is an objective way to gauge performance of the teachers and all of the public sector, job security will be determined by where you are on the pay scale. Sorry really good teacher but you are making too much money so we will keep this younger really good teacher because it saves us money. I hope the contract speaks to that?

"what you will find is that it will no longer be a profession one can choose if they want to be able to support their family. It will be a mission field, or a profession only available to those of independent wealth or those married to someone in another profession."

I beg to differ. There are folks out there right now now who are making ends meet with $12-$14 an hour jobs. It is all about living within your means. Do not spend more than you take in. Period.

I do not buy this reasoning of teachers retiring early (losing houses) because they fear losing benefits, pensions, etc. They can survive, but money (not students) has become too important for them.

In the end, what will they be remembered for? How much money they have in their bank account or how big their house is? Or if they made an impact in a child's life?

vatoloco - While the motivation to teach will continue to be intrinsic (as it is now), what you will find is that it will no longer be a profession one can choose if they want to be able to support their family. It will be a mission field, or a profession only available to those of independent wealth or those married to someone in another profession.

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BTW, gazette, there are many local districts that have already eliminated seniority, It is hardly a "first" in this political environment.

"I don't know why anyone would want to become a teacher these days."

To make a difference in today's youth. And, you do not get rich by being a teacher. You get rewarded by the impact you make in their lives.

It takes a committed and passionate individual. Unfortunately, we have too many teachers who cannot carry their weight and continue to be an obstacle in the classroom.

Though they were written long ago and are children's books, the My Teacher Is An Alien Series had it right. It is funny that the most important job is treated so poorly. We have no problem with athletes and other entertainers making hundreds of thousands to millions a year. "Well they only have a few years before they have to retire"... an athlete can make in a year what a teacher does in a lifetime. No one complains about their benefits. But heaven forbid a teacher makes 50K a year and it's "Outrageous".

I think this district is a great example of the teachers and the school board working together for the common good. The teachers understand there's only x amount of dollars and everyone would like to keep working so you do what you gotta do. It's still a good profession to get into despite the naysayers.

Shrek, are you kidding me? I don't know why anyone would want to become a teacher these days. Badger, I believe you are dead on in your statement. Teachers are being treated like they are babysitters, not professionals.

They are not being treated as "second class citizens". They are being treated as equals to the rest of us.

Within 5 yrs., school districts are going to have a difficult time recruiting teachers. Who in their right mind would want to subject themselves to being treated as second class citizens? We're going "backward", not forward.