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DiamondGirl
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Member since 7/09 18802 total posts
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DiamondMama
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by Babyaholic
Posted by DiamondGirl
Posted by Babyaholic
Tough economic times for everyone. Why should teachers be exempt from lay-offs and pay freezes?
I work in a school that has had budget cuts.
When teachers are let go class size jump, students don't get gym everyday or computer class.
Maybe they cut art, music etc...You know things that "don't matter" 
Or maybe they cut a dean--safety issues.
ESL teacher, so now the ESL kids are not recieving the proper services.
It is not "fat" they are cutting (usually)
Perhaps they will cut a guidance counselor, so the child is misprogrammed, doesn;t graduate on time bc of it. Also, they don't get cousneling....so the kid that is depressed and wants to kill himself gets no help--no one to talk to.
Times are tough for everyone but when you watch SD's and the DOE pay "educational evaluators" 100K+ to come in and do a "quality review" while they are laying off teachers and hurting the students, it is very infuriating.
If you keep reading this thread I mentioned I am not for mass layoffs.
Didn't see that. I was answering your question as to why teachers should be exempt from layoff's.
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Posted 3/11/10 5:08 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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SweetCin
My green-eyed boy
Member since 5/05 13499 total posts
Name:
Cin
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by Nifheim
i was curious as well (live in lindenhurst) who was exactly cut. I also see most SD will be making kindergarten half days and other cuts to be made. I agree raising taxes is not a option, cuts need to be made with in the SD - just 59 jobs sounds like a lot to me but it all depends on the actual positions.
I agree, my first thought was they were going to close an elementary school. We live there too
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| Posted 3/11/10 5:15 PM |
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Songwriter76
LIF Adult
Member since 4/08 902 total posts
Name:
David
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by jes81276
why should teachers be exempt from layoffs?
the answer is simple....because less teachers = larger class sizes....it directly compromises the integirty of a district to make class sizes larger.
Less teachers = less specials (gym, art, music, library) what a sin for the child who may never be an "A" student but who may excel in one of those areas...
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| Posted 3/11/10 5:16 PM |
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MichLiz213
Life is Good!
Member since 7/07 7979 total posts
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
I was a sub in Lindenhurst....I absolutely loved working in the district...it's based on seniority so if you're low on the list you're cut. A lot of people I worked with are in danger of losing their jobs, tenured teachers that have been there for 7-8 years.
I want to start a family soon and I am making no money as a pre-school teacher, so I'm thinking of putting my dream of being a teacher on hold for a few years...it really looks hopeless for those of us trying to break into the teaching field. I'm devastated because my dream is to be a Kindergarten teacher.
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| Posted 3/11/10 6:12 PM |
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CAMCaps
Live Laugh Love Run
Member since 6/07 4922 total posts
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
I am not on LI, but 37 jobs were cut at my school. These are all full time teachers. This year at my school there is no summer school, they are eliminating 3 sports teams, cutting the enrichment program, eliminating many AP and elective classes, and increasing class size. They have also cut supplies, eliminated the GED program, cut TAs, cut the fine arts department, eliminated the after school homework club at the ES, eliminated a nurse and a janitor, and reducing professional development.
And just to note, no teacher is safe - tenure or not - three tenured teachers at my school had a reduction in their teaching loads after teaching 12+ years.
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| Posted 3/11/10 6:15 PM |
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krooshe
LIF Toddler
Member since 7/08 395 total posts
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
I could have written this. Six years & still don't have a position. I'm hoping things will change someday.
eta: Meant to quote Michliz's post.
Message edited 3/11/2010 6:46:09 PM.
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| Posted 3/11/10 6:44 PM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
I'm not sure if it's true or not but I was at a meeting where someone very active in the district & board of ed meetings said that in our district, teachers were asked if they would be willing to take a paycut to save jobs & they declined.
I think it's sad to have cuts - my kids are affected too. I don't see how they can get budget to pass in a place where many familes are struggling with unemployment. Unfortunately, it's a cyclical situation.
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| Posted 3/11/10 8:45 PM |
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mamasita27
OHANA
Member since 8/07 5974 total posts
Name:
MB
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
obviously these are tough times and no one is being spared. the worst part about laying off all these teachers is how it affects YOUR children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, cousins, neighbors. Class sizes will be larger and that is how they can cut back on some of these teachers. Other teachers are being cut because their programs are being cut which ALSO has a negative impact on the children. Children in special education will have to deal with large classes and less assistance because their TA's and support staff are getting cut. I could go on, but you get the idea....I hope
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| Posted 3/11/10 8:59 PM |
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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
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C
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by nrthshgrl
I'm not sure if it's true or not but I was at a meeting where someone very active in the district & board of ed meetings said that in our district, teachers were asked if they would be willing to take a paycut to save jobs & they declined.
Of course they wouldnt be willing to take a paycut or a pay freeze...but it really is all about the kids and education
I agree with some of the other posters, they need to get rid of the gazillion administrators making big bucks who all do the same freaking job AND consolidate school districts but it will never happen.
At the same time, I think that LI teachers salaries have gotten out of hand. Teachers generally got "lower" salaries b/c they were receiving benefits and getting a pension where people who work in a private sector do not.
I know teachers who have only been working for 5 years and are making over $85k/yr. I do believe teachers deserve a generous salary being they educate our children, but they simply cannot continue to get yearly raises like they have been. the people paying them (the taxpayers) can't afford their salaries or the nassau/suffolk police officers salaries anymore!
ETA: In the article it mentions Pat-Med...that is where I went to school where the teachers have always been paid $$$. I have friends who work there now and like I said above, they started at $60-65k and within 5 years are all about $85k+. One is a gym teacher making $96k  after only 5 years...THAT is why this is a problem!
ETAA: And get rid of the Regent's exams...WASTE of time and money. We are the only state in the country who give them.
Message edited 3/11/2010 9:19:11 PM.
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| Posted 3/11/10 9:06 PM |
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CAMCaps
Live Laugh Love Run
Member since 6/07 4922 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by jellybean1420
Posted by nrthshgrl
I'm not sure if it's true or not but I was at a meeting where someone very active in the district & board of ed meetings said that in our district, teachers were asked if they would be willing to take a paycut to save jobs & they declined.
Of course they wouldnt be willing to take a paycut or a pay freeze...but it really is all about the kids and education
People in my district are willing to make concessions if it will save jobs. Needless to say, one bargaining unit made a concession and then were told thanks but the layoff will still take place.
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| Posted 3/11/10 9:17 PM |
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DaisyGirl
LIF Adult
Member since 2/08 1650 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by Babyaholic
Posted by MrsH2009
Posted by Babyaholic
Tough economic times for everyone. Why should teachers be exempt from lay-offs and pay freezes?
It's not that teachers should be exempt, but the number of kids isn't decreasing, so class size will be outrageous and the quality of education will suffer. They need to cut admin salaries, and consolidate admin jobs, maybe even districts.
It mentions in the above article that it was proposed in order to save jobs but the unions said no. Take a pay freeze.
Union president Rose Russo said her union leadership had offered short-term alternatives to a freeze. "This crisis cannot be blamed on teachers," she said.
The article does say they offered an alternative solution. I don't know what it was. I just think it shows the teachers were willing to do something to save jobs.
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| Posted 3/11/10 9:38 PM |
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KittyGags
LIF Adult
Member since 7/09 5614 total posts
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
I didn't read through everyone's posts...but would not paying teachers over the summer enable them to keep more jobs? Just curious?
I know obviously the biggest problem is the ton of money superintendents/administrators are making but I've always thought getting paid over the summer when you're not working is ummm....interesting?
Maybe I'm just jealous!
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| Posted 3/11/10 9:40 PM |
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DaisyGirl
LIF Adult
Member since 2/08 1650 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by CAMCaps
Posted by jellybean1420
Posted by nrthshgrl
I'm not sure if it's true or not but I was at a meeting where someone very active in the district & board of ed meetings said that in our district, teachers were asked if they would be willing to take a paycut to save jobs & they declined.
Of course they wouldnt be willing to take a paycut or a pay freeze...but it really is all about the kids and education
People in my district are willing to make concessions if it will save jobs. Needless to say, one bargaining unit made a concession and then were told thanks but the layoff will still take place.
I know of another district where the teachers union and administration worked together to save jobs. The teachers are giving up some of their pay next year in order to stop layoffs.
I just think sometimes it's too easy to blame the teachers. The problems and wastes in education go so much deeper.
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| Posted 3/11/10 9:40 PM |
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CAMCaps
Live Laugh Love Run
Member since 6/07 4922 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by jellybean1420
ETA: In the article it mentions Pat-Med...that is where I went to school where the teachers have always been paid $$$. I have friends who work there now and like I said above, they started at $60-65k and within 5 years are all about $85k+. One is a gym teacher making $96k after only 5 years...THAT is why this is a problem!
ETAA: And get rid of the Regent's exams...WASTE of time and money. We are the only state in the country who give them.
The reason why teachers are being cut is because state aid is being reduced. My school is losing over 3 million dollars next year.
The important thing to note is NOT the teachers being cut, but the programs being cut. Sports and other extracurricular - the only reason why some kids come to school. Electives (arts, music, business, third year science and math) being cut. AP classes disappearing. No summer school causing kids to graduate in 5 years instead of 4 years. Eliminating transportation for students who live under 3 miles from a school. These are the REAL issues.
How are the Regents exam a waste of money? Yes we are the only state that gives them, but many other states have some type of cumulative exam given at the end of a course. Same exact idea - state mandated curriculum. The loss of the exams means a loss of the regents mandates, the regents curriculum, and a change in graduation requirements. I am not saying it is the best curriculum, but it would cost the state a lot of money to do an overhaul of the entire Regents program.
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| Posted 3/11/10 9:42 PM |
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DaisyGirl
LIF Adult
Member since 2/08 1650 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by KittyGags
I didn't read through everyone's posts...but would not paying teachers over the summer enable them to keep more jobs? Just curious?
I know obviously the biggest problem is the ton of money superintendents/administrators are making but I've always thought getting paid over the summer when you're not working is ummm....interesting?
Maybe I'm just jealous!
Technically teachers are not paid over the summer. Our salary is based on the contract and we have a choice to be paid over 10 months or 12.
If you choose 10 months, your salary is divided over the 10 months of the school year and you are not paid at all over the summer.
If you choose 12 months, money is deducted from your pay during the school year and the district pays you all of this money in 1 check at the end of June. Most teachers choose this option because it is like a savings plan to get you through the summer- although we get killed on taxes for that 1 check but that's a whole different topic!
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| Posted 3/11/10 9:50 PM |
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Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
Member since 5/05 15952 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by KittyGags
I didn't read through everyone's posts...but would not paying teachers over the summer enable them to keep more jobs? Just curious?
I know obviously the biggest problem is the ton of money superintendents/administrators are making but I've always thought getting paid over the summer when you're not working is ummm....interesting?
Maybe I'm just jealous!
I don't want to get into the debate... it's 9:45 and I just finished 40 essays but I just wanted to clarify the above statement.
Our salary is based on 10 months of work. Technically, I am a ten month employee. Yes, some teachers do get checks over the summer but that is because they choose to be paid their salary in 26 checks vs. 22 checks. During the 10 months of the school year, we prepay the two months of coverage we receive for our health insurance so our coverage isn't interrupted.
Tenure is not a guarantee of a job.
Tenure was put into place to guarantee "due process". Last one hired, first one fired. At the high school level, layoffs will be determined by dept... years and credits determine seniority. A few years ago an 8 year veteran guidance counselor was let go because she was lowest in seniority in the dept. If two teachers were hired at the same time, the one who has the most credits beyond their masters will be safe.
Larger classes, cuts to programs=a decrease in the quality of education for the next generation.
Education is a significant determining factor of one's standard of living. I fear for the next few generations of Americans and our nation's ability to remain competitive in the global economy
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| Posted 3/11/10 9:58 PM |
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KittyGags
LIF Adult
Member since 7/09 5614 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by DaisyGirl
Posted by KittyGags
I didn't read through everyone's posts...but would not paying teachers over the summer enable them to keep more jobs? Just curious?
I know obviously the biggest problem is the ton of money superintendents/administrators are making but I've always thought getting paid over the summer when you're not working is ummm....interesting?
Maybe I'm just jealous!
Technically teachers are not paid over the summer. Our salary is based on the contract and we have a choice to be paid over 10 months or 12.
If you choose 10 months, your salary is divided over the 10 months of the school year and you are not paid at all over the summer.
If you choose 12 months, money is deducted from your pay during the school year and the district pays you all of this money in 1 check at the end of June. Most teachers choose this option because it is like a savings plan to get you through the summer- although we get killed on taxes for that 1 check but that's a whole different topic!
ahhhh ok thanks for explaining.
and i feel ya on the tax thing! 50% of my compensation is "bonus" even though its earned and I always see Uncle Sam with his hand out!
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| Posted 3/11/10 9:58 PM |
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DaisyGirl
LIF Adult
Member since 2/08 1650 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by KittyGags
ahhhh ok thanks for explaining.
and i feel ya on the tax thing! 50% of my compensation is "bonus" even though its earned and I always see Uncle Sam with his hand out!
no problem- most people don't realize it 
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| Posted 3/11/10 10:03 PM |
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browneyedgirl
family is all that matters
Member since 6/06 6513 total posts
Name:
browneyes
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by jellybean1420
Of course they wouldnt be willing to take a paycut or a pay freeze...but it really is all about the kids and education
is that really necessary?
for most teachers, we are not given the option of changing our salaries to save other teachers. and even if we were, it would be up for a vote and majority rules. you can't pretend to know what teachers would or wouldn't do--and yes, for most of us it IS about the kids and education
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| Posted 3/11/10 10:04 PM |
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maybesoon
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 5981 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
guess noone is safe in this economy
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| Posted 3/11/10 10:05 PM |
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name:
Janice
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
This is so sad.
I have an elem ed teacher living on my couch.
All she ever wanted to do was teach...completely shut out since she is a new grad.
Thankfully she is subbing and waiting tables...but not looking forward to all the new competition graduating this year.
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| Posted 3/11/10 10:07 PM |
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by browneyedgirl
Posted by jellybean1420
Of course they wouldnt be willing to take a paycut or a pay freeze...but it really is all about the kids and education
is that really necessary?
for most teachers, we are not given the option of changing our salaries to save other teachers. and even if we were, it would be up for a vote and majority rules. you can't pretend to know what teachers would or wouldn't do--and yes, for most of us it IS about the kids and education
There are a couple districts in Westchester where teachers have taken freezes- but it's not that simple- what about a teacher whose spouse is out of work? People all have different financial considerations.
All the blame on teachers is getting out of control- people seem to think that we should feel obligated to give up our money that we earn daily. We're professionals, not missionaries, and we pay taxes too.
As for testing- so much money could be saved- I won't speak for HS because that's not my area- but in middle school I just don't see why kids need these high-stakes tests every. single. year. The amount of money spent on preparation materials, extra help, scoring, writing/printing, etc.  is ridiculous.
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| Posted 3/11/10 10:16 PM |
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DiamondGirl
You are my I love you
Member since 7/09 18802 total posts
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DiamondMama
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
I can see this getting ugly..
I just wanted to say it is hard to understand the way things work when you don't work in a school.
People are quick to say "teachers won't just not take a raise" and in a dire circumstance, like a recession like now, yes maybe we should say okay no raise--IF it will save jobs.
But here is the issue we HAVE to fight for our salaries and raises or we WON'T get them.
I work in NYC,Bloomberg gave all other unions 4% and 4% raises. HE said he set the money aside for teachers---he said this when he wanted to elected.
NOW he doesnt want to give it to us.
Bloomberg closing the schools and opening all these small academies within the schools is costing TONS of money--ex: instead of one Principal now there are 5....
There IS money for these Admins to do what they WANT to do...but they expect teachers to take whatever...
So we have to fight. Period.
Message edited 3/11/2010 10:18:44 PM.
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| Posted 3/11/10 10:17 PM |
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jes81276
summer fun!
Member since 3/06 4962 total posts
Name:
Jaime
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
ETA: In the article it mentions Pat-Med...that is where I went to school where the teachers have always been paid $$$. I have friends who work there now and like I said above, they started at $60-65k and within 5 years are all about $85k+. One is a gym teacher making $96k after only 5 years...THAT is why this is a problem!
********************************************************
Sorry, this is def misinformation or someone is not telling the truth. No way a teacher teaching 5 years is making $96k unless they are doing tons of coaching, coverages, etc. It's just not possible....
And can I ask, why is it ok for other professionals to make $60-90K (which on LI is a MODEST salary) and not teachers. We go to school for MINIMUM 7 years....we have master's degrees, plus some. I have 60 credits past my masters....that is ALOT of education. Why am I not entitled to a PROFESSIONAL salary????
Message edited 3/11/2010 10:18:49 PM.
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| Posted 3/11/10 10:18 PM |
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jes81276
summer fun!
Member since 3/06 4962 total posts
Name:
Jaime
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by KittyGags
I didn't read through everyone's posts...but would not paying teachers over the summer enable them to keep more jobs? Just curious?
I know obviously the biggest problem is the ton of money superintendents/administrators are making but I've always thought getting paid over the summer when you're not working is ummm....interesting?
Maybe I'm just jealous!
that's part of the problem...so many people in the communities assume so many things. Obviously it's been explained that we don't get paid for 12 months. PEople in the communities they live in need to get educated about school budgets....go to the Board meetings and see where the money is spent. It's very eye opening.
Message edited 3/11/2010 10:22:45 PM.
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| Posted 3/11/10 10:20 PM |
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