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Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
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Mommy2Boys
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by mamasita27
Posted by jes81276
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????
I responded earlier, took it down but I decided to respond again 
My information is NOT incorrect. This person also does coach various sport which increases her salary to that.
That being said...most teachers on LI start out with a fair salary of $55-60k. As I said in my OP, I have friends who have only been teachers for 5-6 years who are currently making $80-85k+. That is a 25K raise over 5 years...you dont think that is insane????? Does noone see an issue with that???? Some people dont get a raise like that over 10 years.
I am not against teachers...I am not against teachers making a fair salary. But just as the administrators salaries, teachers salaries our getting out of control as well.
The theory was years ago that teachers, cops and state/govt employees made less than private company employees because they were receiving health benefits AND a pension. People who work in private companies pay for their own insurance coverage and on top of that need to contribute to their own retirement....some may be lucky to have their employer contribute.
Pat-Meds last contract was 4, 4, 4 and 4. So tack on 4% to those $80k salaries multiplied by how many teachers in the school district. THAT is a huge part of the problem.
Something has to give. The taxpayers simply cannot afford to keep paying the teachers and administrators salaries, health benefits and pensions while their children are losing their "benefits" such as activities, sports, special classes, busing, smaller class sizes, ability to attend kindergarten.
And teachers always use the fact that they have a Masters degree and continue to take classes...lets be real...teachers continue to take classes because they know it will increase their salaries even more. What a teachers pays for a class is basically given back to them in a couple of years time + some. As far as I am concerned, that money goes right back into your pockets.
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Posted 3/12/10 10:42 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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lullabella
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Member since 5/05 2246 total posts
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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 
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.
Totally agree.
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| Posted 3/12/10 10:43 AM |
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TheDivineMrsM
2 girls 4 me!
Member since 8/08 7878 total posts
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Mama mama mama....
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by MissRadiant
This is crazy! DH called me and told me that NYC teachers were facing 8,500 layoffs and now the number has increased to 15,000.
No job is "secure" in this economy
What?? I haven't heard that! 
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| Posted 3/12/10 10:45 AM |
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Gatsbygirl
Please St. Therese....
Member since 10/07 8494 total posts
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by jellybean1420
Posted by mamasita27
Posted by jes81276
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????
I responded earlier, took it down but I decided to respond again
My information is NOT incorrect. This person also does coach various sport which increases her salary to that.
That being said...most teachers on LI start out with a fair salary of $55-60k. As I said in my OP, I have friends who have only been teachers for 5-6 years who are currently making $80-85k+. That is a 25K raise over 5 years...you dont think that is insane????? Does noone see an issue with that???? Some people dont get a raise like that over 10 years.
I am not against teachers...I am not against teachers making a fair salary. But just as the administrators salaries, teachers salaries our getting out of control as well.
The theory was years ago that teachers, cops and state/govt employees made less than private company employees because they were receiving health benefits AND a pension. People who work in private companies pay for their own insurance coverage and on top of that need to contribute to their own retirement....some may be lucky to have their employer contribute.
Pat-Meds last contract was 4, 4, 4 and 4. So tack on 4% to those $80k salaries multiplied by how many teachers in the school district. THAT is a huge part of the problem.
Something has to give. The taxpayers simply cannot afford to keep paying the teachers and administrators salaries, health benefits and pensions while their children are losing their "benefits" such as activities, sports, special classes, busing, smaller class sizes, ability to attend kindergarten.
And teachers always use the fact that they have a Masters degree and continue to take classes...lets be real...teachers continue to take classes because they know it will increase their salaries even more. What a teachers pays for a class is basically given back to them in a couple of years time + some. As far as I am concerned, that money goes right back into your pockets.
And those classes keep us current with education trends and allow us to grow as educators and give your children the best experience possible!
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| Posted 3/12/10 10:51 AM |
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Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
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D
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by Gatsbygirl
Posted by jellybean1420
Posted by mamasita27
Posted by jes81276
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????
I responded earlier, took it down but I decided to respond again
My information is NOT incorrect. This person also does coach various sport which increases her salary to that.
That being said...most teachers on LI start out with a fair salary of $55-60k. As I said in my OP, I have friends who have only been teachers for 5-6 years who are currently making $80-85k+. That is a 25K raise over 5 years...you dont think that is insane????? Does noone see an issue with that???? Some people dont get a raise like that over 10 years.
I am not against teachers...I am not against teachers making a fair salary. But just as the administrators salaries, teachers salaries our getting out of control as well.
The theory was years ago that teachers, cops and state/govt employees made less than private company employees because they were receiving health benefits AND a pension. People who work in private companies pay for their own insurance coverage and on top of that need to contribute to their own retirement....some may be lucky to have their employer contribute.
Pat-Meds last contract was 4, 4, 4 and 4. So tack on 4% to those $80k salaries multiplied by how many teachers in the school district. THAT is a huge part of the problem.
Something has to give. The taxpayers simply cannot afford to keep paying the teachers and administrators salaries, health benefits and pensions while their children are losing their "benefits" such as activities, sports, special classes, busing, smaller class sizes, ability to attend kindergarten.
And teachers always use the fact that they have a Masters degree and continue to take classes...lets be real...teachers continue to take classes because they know it will increase their salaries even more. What a teachers pays for a class is basically given back to them in a couple of years time + some. As far as I am concerned, that money goes right back into your pockets.
And those classes keep us current with education trends and allow us to grow as educators and give your children the best experience possible!
well said. I am so sick and tired of people saying that we make too much. I chose this profession. I alway tell them then you should have become a teacher than.
Try being a teacher now. It is probably one of the most difficult jobs. I am in the higher end of the salary. I took classes, I used to coach, some will do extra coverage and tutoring to make that extra $$$. I dont see anything wrong with trying to increase their salary. I dont get big Bonuses during the holidays. We are out there trying to teach these kids and to be better at it, because it is unfortuante that many students in my district are homeless, or without parents, or have parents who dont care or are NOT there for them..
Message edited 3/12/2010 11:04:02 AM.
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| Posted 3/12/10 11:03 AM |
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DiamondGirl
You are my I love you
Member since 7/09 18802 total posts
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DiamondMama
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
And those classes keep us current with education trends and allow us to grow as educators and give your children the best experience possible!
well said. I am so sick and tired of people saying that we make too much. I chose this profession. I alway tell them then you should have become a teacher than.
Try being a teacher now. It is probably one of the most difficult jobs. I am in the higher end of the salary. I took classes, I used to coach, some will do extra coverage and tutoring to make that extra $$$. I dont see anything wrong with trying to increase their salary. I dont get big Bonuses during the holidays. We are out there trying to teach these kids and to be better at it, because it is unfortuante that many students in my district are homeless, or without parents, or have parents who dont care or are NOT there for them..
People always have something to say--haters
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| Posted 3/12/10 11:12 AM |
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Sweets13
Bella Bambini
Member since 5/05 9300 total posts
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by Diane
well said. I am so sick and tired of people saying that we make too much. I chose this profession. I alway tell them then you should have become a teacher than.
Try being a teacher now. It is probably one of the most difficult jobs. I am in the higher end of the salary. I took classes, I used to coach, some will do extra coverage and tutoring to make that extra $$$. I dont see anything wrong with trying to increase their salary. I dont get big Bonuses during the holidays. We are out there trying to teach these kids and to be better at it, because it is unfortuante that many students in my district are homeless, or without parents, or have parents who dont care or are NOT there for them..
DH is a gym teacher. He took classes for credits above his Master's, coaches 2 sports, occassionaly takes score for VB games, chaperone's dances, works the after school program, etc. Anything to make extra $$ and also because he LOVES coaching and being with the kids. He is on the higher end of the pay scale because he worked to get there. It wasn't just given to him. Like you, DH is trying to teach these kids to be better because they also are homeless, without parents or have parents who don't care. He also has kids in gangs and kids who get threatened by gang members.
Message edited 3/12/2010 11:07:22 PM.
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| Posted 3/12/10 11:24 AM |
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annoyedTTCer
LIF Adult
Member since 4/09 3272 total posts
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by Gatsbygirl
Posted by jellybean1420
Posted by mamasita27
Posted by jes81276
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????
I responded earlier, took it down but I decided to respond again
My information is NOT incorrect. This person also does coach various sport which increases her salary to that.
That being said...most teachers on LI start out with a fair salary of $55-60k. As I said in my OP, I have friends who have only been teachers for 5-6 years who are currently making $80-85k+. That is a 25K raise over 5 years...you dont think that is insane????? Does noone see an issue with that???? Some people dont get a raise like that over 10 years.
I am not against teachers...I am not against teachers making a fair salary. But just as the administrators salaries, teachers salaries our getting out of control as well.
The theory was years ago that teachers, cops and state/govt employees made less than private company employees because they were receiving health benefits AND a pension. People who work in private companies pay for their own insurance coverage and on top of that need to contribute to their own retirement....some may be lucky to have their employer contribute.
Pat-Meds last contract was 4, 4, 4 and 4. So tack on 4% to those $80k salaries multiplied by how many teachers in the school district. THAT is a huge part of the problem.
Something has to give. The taxpayers simply cannot afford to keep paying the teachers and administrators salaries, health benefits and pensions while their children are losing their "benefits" such as activities, sports, special classes, busing, smaller class sizes, ability to attend kindergarten.
And teachers always use the fact that they have a Masters degree and continue to take classes...lets be real...teachers continue to take classes because they know it will increase their salaries even more. What a teachers pays for a class is basically given back to them in a couple of years time + some. As far as I am concerned, that money goes right back into your pockets.
And those classes keep us current with education trends and allow us to grow as educators and give your children the best experience possible!
Best experience possible?
Is that why the USA ranks behind so many other nations in the areas of science and mathematics?
We need to go to year round schooling if we are to be competitive in the furture.
Somehow I doubt the teachers unions will ever let that happen.
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| Posted 3/12/10 11:26 AM |
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annoyedTTCer
LIF Adult
Member since 4/09 3272 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
FYI
Median HHI - Household not IEI
For Suffolk County $84,767
For Nassua County $72,030
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| Posted 3/12/10 11:31 AM |
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DaniJude
You're My Home <3
Member since 11/06 14815 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by Kara
Posted by Babyaholic
Tough economic times for everyone. Why should teachers be exempt from lay-offs and pay freezes?
Because the demand for education hasn't dropped and no one's school taxes have gone down.
Pay freezes I can see... There is a huge budget crunch, but I have a hard time with widespread layoffs, especially in schools where overcrowding is an issue. Despite the fact that I am as fiscally conservative as they come and a huge supporter of SMALL government, I think education and security (national and local) should be the absolute LAST areas / services we cut.
Yes, we'll still be "educating" the same number of students, but in larger classes with fewer teachers... That is really sad IMHO.
ITA Kara.
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| Posted 3/12/10 11:34 AM |
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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 Nifheim
Everyone needs to be evaluated, salary increases need to be determined by a system made by evaluations from test results, quality of the educators lessons (written evaluations by students just like you have in college), by principals reviews and by peers.
while that may sound good in theory, and works for business, it could NEVER work in schools.
how would a kindergarten teacher be rated? her kids can't write and have no clue if the teacher is doing a great job.
how will a special ed teacher be evaluated? her students don't have the capabilities to evaluate her.
how will a lower grade teacher be evaluated? her kids can't write well and don't know how to evaluate.
how will a hard teacher, who isn't very popular because she holds her class to a high standard, be evaluated FAIRLY? we all had teachers that we didn't like just because we thought they were unfair, but looking back, realize they were very effective.
how will a teacher in a tough school, whose students don't care about learning, be evaluated? she may be busting her behind and doing everything she can, but she can't change the mindsets of her students.
and as for test scores---how can you evaluate a gifted ed teacher vs a reg ed teacher vs a special ed teacher based on scores??? we ALL know whose kids will do the best.
some classes are "stacked" due to the effectiveness of a teacher. a really great teacher may have more low average students, who will NOT score as well on a test as a high average student. it's not the teacher's fault that she has kids who test well, or don't test well.
and why should kindergarten student be tested to see if her teacher is effective? i don't want my kids being given MORE tests to rate their teachers. that's ridiculous.
and how can you test kids who have little to no parent involvement/low income and don't eat breakfast or lunch, etc against kids who have had tutors since kindergarten and have very involved parents?
and what do you do about kids who don't work at all and don't study? my elementary kids don't do their homework half the time and parents give excuses for it! a teacher can teach the subject very well, but she can't make her kids study or work to their true potential.
it just can't work. and certainly can't work fairly.
ETA--as for being reviewed by peers. i have NO idea what is happening in other classrooms or how effective a teacher is! just because she's a nice person doesn't mean she's a good teacher. so what should the principal do--take me out of MY classroom and MY kids (who will then need a sub) so that i can go evaluate another teacher? that is counterproductive! i shouldn't be taken away from my students!
Message edited 3/12/2010 11:38:20 AM.
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| Posted 3/12/10 11:35 AM |
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by annoyedTTCer
Posted by Gatsbygirl
And those classes keep us current with education trends and allow us to grow as educators and give your children the best experience possible!
Best experience possible?
Is that why the USA ranks behind so many other nations in the areas of science and mathematics?
We need to go to year round schooling if we are to be competitive in the furture.
Somehow I doubt the teachers unions will ever let that happen.
As individuals, I do think that most of the teachers I know try to give our kids the best experience possible. But in terms of making us competitive with the rest of the world- it's not going to happen simply by implementing year round school, or by teachers working harder/longer. Our culture does not value education- look at some of the comments made on this site, and in the media- look at some of our kids- look at the parents. For some of my students, year round school would simply mean more opportunity to show up late and do as little as possible. This country will never improve in education as long as all the onus is on the teachers- everyone needs to be involved.
I still remember that episode of Oprah when she announced the names of the girls who'd be attending her school- she took a lot of flak for not opening a school here, but she pointed out that US kids wouldn't value the opportunity, and I agree. I will never forget how those kids screamed and yelled with joy- do we ever see our kids get that excited about education? That's part of the problem. Not saying that screaming and jumping is needed  but I don't see many kids really investing themselves.
Message edited 3/12/2010 11:42:50 AM.
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| Posted 3/12/10 11:41 AM |
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Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by Sweets13
Posted by Diane
well said. I am so sick and tired of people saying that we make too much. I chose this profession. I alway tell them then you should have become a teacher than.
Try being a teacher now. It is probably one of the most difficult jobs. I am in the higher end of the salary. I took classes, I used to coach, some will do extra coverage and tutoring to make that extra $$$. I dont see anything wrong with trying to increase their salary. I dont get big Bonuses during the holidays. We are out there trying to teach these kids and to be better at it, because it is unfortuante that many students in my district are homeless, or without parents, or have parents who dont care or are NOT there for them..
DH is a gym teacher. He took classes for credits above his Master's, coaches 2 sports, occassionaly takes score for VB games, chaperone's dances, works the after school program, etc. Anything to make extra $$. He is on the higher end of the pay scale because he worked to get there. It wasn't just given to him. Like you, DH is trying to teach these kids to be better because they also are homeless, without parents or have parents who don't care. He also has kids in gangs and kids who get threatened by gang members.
Alot of people work hard and spend money to get their masters and dont make as much money as teachers.
this topic is like beating a dead horse...
Point is if teachers keep getting 4% raises every year, than the students are going to keep losing. Period.
It's amazing...every year when the budget comes up there are threats to losing activities, music, gym, busing...yet when contract times comes around, teachers still manage to get their raises.
Message edited 3/12/2010 11:45:54 AM.
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| Posted 3/12/10 11:43 AM |
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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 hope none of your children ever get the type of teachers *some* of you are depicting
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| Posted 3/12/10 11:51 AM |
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TheDivineMrsM
2 girls 4 me!
Member since 8/08 7878 total posts
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Mama mama mama....
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Alot of people work hard and spend money to get their masters and dont make as much money as teachers.
this topic is like beating a dead horse...
Point is if teachers keep getting 4% raises every year, than the students are going to keep losing. Period.
It's amazing...every year when the budget comes up there are threats to losing activities, music, gym, busing...yet when contract times comes around, teachers still manage to get their raises.
I'm a HS guidance counselor. I work for NYC, and do not get anything resembling a 4% raise each year. Not even close. (Nor do most teachers on LI districts. DH's SD settled on a 1% raise, and they were thrilled to get even that). Anyone who thinks I make too much is welcome to spend a week in my office to see what we deal with on a daily basis.
I can't deal with the anti-teacher sentiment on these boards. Yes, some teachers/counselors are wastes of space. That's true of any field. But the bulk of us are hard-working public servants that bust our butts to educate the children in YOUR life. Evenings and weekends and summers are spent planning and improving lessons, keeping up to date on the newest amendments to the state curricula, and in my case contacting colleges so my students have maximum exposure to post-secondary institutions. In general, we're not home sipping margaritas.
ITA agree that consolidating districts would save taxpayers money. In most other states, the county acts like our individual districts. The sheer number of administrators per district is staggering, and these are the people that make huge salaries and pensions. Getting rid of a few admins would certainly lower our tax bills.
This will never happpen, because FAMILIES have demonstrated time and time again that they don't want it. It won't affect teacher jobs; the number of children wouldn't change. But parents might not like their child's new classmates. (Can you imagine Bellmore Merrick merging with Roosevelt? People would be screaming like the world was about to end).
I don't know what the answer is. I can't make anyone see that educators aren't money-grubbing vultures. I can only remind people that we, like you, are hard-working LIers worthy of respect.
{{steps off soapbox}}
Thanks for reading.
Message edited 3/12/2010 1:46:17 PM.
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| Posted 3/12/10 1:14 PM |
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Pray4Baby2010
<3 Cutest Giants Fan
Member since 10/09 5796 total posts
Name:
MB
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by TheDivineMrsM
Alot of people work hard and spend money to get their masters and dont make as much money as teachers.
this topic is like beating a dead horse...
Point is if teachers keep getting 4% raises every year, than the students are going to keep losing. Period.
It's amazing...every year when the budget comes up there are threats to losing activities, music, gym, busing...yet when contract times comes around, teachers still manage to get their raises.
I'm a HS guidance counselor. I work for NYC, and do not get anything resembling a 4% raise each year. Not even close. (Nor do most teachers on LI districts. DH's SD settled on a 1% raise, and they were thrilled to get even that). Anyone who thinksI make too much is welcome to spend a week in my office to see what we deal with on a daily basis.
I can't deal with the anti-teacher sentiment on these boards. Yes, some teachers/counselors are wastes of space. That's true of any field. But the bulk of us are hard-working public servants that bust our butts to educate the children in YOUR life. Evenings and weekends and summers are spent planning and improving lessons, keeping up to date on the newest amendments to the state curricula, and in my case contacting colleges so my student have maximum exposure to post-secondary institutions. In general, we're not home sipping margaritas.
ITA agree that consolidating districts would save taxpayers money. In most other states, the county acts like our individual districts. The sheer number of administrators per district is staggering, and these are the people that make huge salaries and pensions. Getting rid of a few admins would certainly lower our tax bills.
This will never happpen, because FAMILIES have demonstrated time and time again that they don't want it. It won't affect teacher jobs; the number of children wouldn't change. But parents might not like their child's new classmates. (Can you imagine Bellmore Merrick merging with Roosevelt? People would be screaming like the world was about to end).
I don't know what the answer is. I can't make anyone see that educators aren't money-grubbing vultures. I can only remind people that we, like you, are hard-working LIers worthy of respect.
{{steps off soapbox}}
Thanks for reading.
I am the daughter of a teacher and I find what some of you wrote absolutely appalling.
Think back to all the teachers that you had, I know that I had a couple awful ones- but I had WAY more good ones that truly were there for me and to help me and my schoolmates.
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| Posted 3/12/10 1:25 PM |
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Nifheim
allo
Member since 1/09 5476 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
I am only quoting you to answer you, i am not battling just really how i see how things needs to change with evaluating our educators. I don't think my solutions is the best, but its a solution.
Posted by browneyedgirl
how would a kindergarten teacher be rated? her kids can't write and have no clue if the teacher is doing a great job.
That is why i said a combination of elements, and yes children can comment about their teacher. I know I did at my school. I remember telling the principal in a meeting that i disliked my teacher hitting me. That is a review although its verbal.
how will a special ed teacher be evaluated? her students don't have the capabilities to evaluate her.
Yes they do unless they are severely disabled, in my school all the disabled children could either speak or write.
how will a hard teacher, who isn't very popular because she holds her class to a high standard, be evaluated FAIRLY? we all had teachers that we didn't like just because we thought they were unfair, but looking back, realize they were very effective.
In college they still have to deal with this - not every student will complain on a evaluation and they have to give specific examples and if not they usually toss the evaluation out.
how will a teacher in a tough school, whose students don't care about learning, be evaluated? she may be busting her behind and doing everything she can, but she can't change the mindsets of her students.
I agree but as I said that is why it has to be from var. sources
and as for test scores---how can you evaluate a gifted ed teacher vs a reg ed teacher vs a special ed teacher based on scores??? we ALL know whose kids will do the best.
it is one of the factors of the equation not the entire thing
some classes are "stacked" due to the effectiveness of a teacher. a really great teacher may have more low average students, who will NOT score as well on a test as a high average student. it's not the teacher's fault that she has kids who test well, or don't test well.
Same as above
and why should kindergarten student be tested to see if her teacher is effective? i don't want my kids being given MORE tests to rate their teachers. that's ridiculous.
Kindergarten do not have standardized testing? How do they get to progress to the next grade? I am not sure honestly if they don't test then its not a factor i guess.
and how can you test kids who have little to no parent involvement/low income and don't eat breakfast or lunch, etc against kids who have had tutors since kindergarten and have very involved parents?
as i said its a part of the evaluation but not the entire part
ETA--as for being reviewed by peers. i have NO idea what is happening in other classrooms or how effective a teacher is! just because she's a nice person doesn't mean she's a good teacher. so what should the principal do--take me out of MY classroom and MY kids (who will then need a sub) so that i can go evaluate another teacher? that is counterproductive! i shouldn't be taken away from my students!
I thought teachers had drop in's, i remember their was always someone coming in to evaluate the classroom EXCEPT when the teacher had tenure. This is my problem - why stop dropping in and checkin? I am not saying teachers are evil people that a greedy i completely disagree with that! I am saying every teacher needs to be checked on & evaluated. I also think when the country goes into a single program statewide for every grade this will allow progress. All kids should have the same expectations in each grade as in another state. Regents are lame - never had taken mine and i do think they are a waste.
Message edited 3/12/2010 1:49:32 PM.
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| Posted 3/12/10 1:34 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
I really don't get that raising questions is being a teacher hater.
I have lots of friends who are teachers.
But comments like that $90K is a modest income is really stretching it.
Modest income is $35-$40K
$60K-$90K is NOT a small income. It has nothing to do with level of education or feeling of worthiness. Everyone feels they never make enough. Teachers or not.
But like everyone else in the private sector, lots of people have Masters degree, work hard or just as much and have seen benefits being reduced and/or no salary increase. People are being laid off.
This is just reality. I don't know why teacher assume they are entitled to job security, pay raise, etc... EVERYONE who works hard for their job is entitled to a raise. Unfortunatelly it has not happened for a lot of people. We all want pay raises and wonderful benefits. Who does not!
Of course we don't want huge classes. Teachers stressed out from the overload. But since those making decisions and making $$$ are not going to fire themselves this is what is going to happen. They will eliminate the worker bees. Just like everywhere else.
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| Posted 3/12/10 1:43 PM |
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Nifheim
allo
Member since 1/09 5476 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Found on Newsday:
Terms of recently signed LI teacher contracts
November 30, 2009
Terms of recently signed teacher contracts on Long Island, as summarized by union and school district officials. In addition to these raises, each district pays most teachers annual "step" increases - generally 3 to 3.5 percent - for experience and additional education.
FLORAL PARK-BELLEROSE Three-year contract; raises of 3 percent to 3.5 percent yearly. Teachers pay a higher share of health insurance costs, and provide an additional evening conference with parents.
GREAT NECK Two years; first-year raises of $500 to $1,000 that district officials say are equivalent to a 1 percent increase. Second-year raise of 2.44 percent.
HERRICKS Five years; raises of
2 percent to 3 percent.
MIDDLE COUNTRY One-year contract extension; raise of 1.5 percent.
SACHEM Four years; raises of
1.5 percent to 2.5 percent. Union officials say annual step increases
are improved, which district officials say will be delayed in the second
and third years.
SEWANHAKA Three years; raises of 2.75 percent to 2.9 percent. Increases number of years teachers work before qualifying for health insurance in retirement.
SYOSSET Three-year extension; annual raises of 2.75 percent. Teachers give up some sick days, and pay a higher share of health insurance costs.
WEST BABYLON Four years; raises of 1.75 percent to 2.3 percent yearly. Teachers will devote more time to training and offer more extra help to students during school hours; some after-school duties eliminated for teachers.
*******************************
so let say your contract states 3% raise every year for five years, then add step and be modest at another 3% that is 6% pay raise = THAT IS INSANE
Message edited 3/12/2010 1:48:55 PM.
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| Posted 3/12/10 1:47 PM |
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nicrae
He's here!
Member since 12/06 9289 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by Nifheim
I thought teachers had drop in's, i remember their was always someone coming in to evaluate the classroom EXCEPT when the teacher had tenure. This is my problem - why stop dropping in and checkin? I am not saying teachers are evil people that a greedy i completely disagree with that! I am saying every teacher needs to be checked on & evaluated. I also think when the country goes into a single program statewide for every grade this will allow progress. All kids should have the same expectations in each grade as in another state. Regents are lame - never had taken mine and i do think they are a waste.
]
I've been teaching for 8 years and along with formal observations I get drop ins from administrators all the time and I have tenure.
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| Posted 3/12/10 1:54 PM |
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MommaG
Yay Spring!
Member since 5/05 5133 total posts
Name:
Gloria
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
I think the economy is tough all around and tough choices need to be made. Unfortunately for those who pay taxes, the unions have contracts with the districts and therefore the districts are required to pay certain raises, etc. If the teachers and/or unions don't want to make any concessions the districts will do what they have to do which may mean letting teachers go. It's a sad fact of the economy. What I don't get is why teachers wouldn't take a pay freeze - isn't keeping your job better than losing it? Aren't you making a decent amount already? Maybe it is in the contract to get a raise but maybe it can be worked out to receive it later, when the economy is better.
Like everyone else, I disagree with a lot of what's in the contracts for the teachers, but it's in there so it should be honored. I do not think that teachers should be paid extra for every little thing they do (moderator of a club, for example). I know that is probably not a popular opinion but I don't know any other salaried employee who gets paid extra for things. If you go on a business trip or have to attend a meeting after hours, you go - you don't get paid extra. It should just be part of the job (within reason of course). I totally think they could reduce the number of administrators. When I went to school many years ago, we didn't have so many admins and things ran just fine. Class size? One of my classmates from 2nd grade just posted our class photo on FB -- 42 kids in one class! Unheard of today but we got a great education because we had a wonderful teacher. We did not miss out because we had a big class. Our teacher made the effort and we appreciated it.
This whole debate will have as many opinions as there are people weighing in, and the sad fact is something has to be done because we can't afford to keep things the way they are. Most likely someone will suffer - the teachers or the children. Compromise is wonderful if everyone is willing.
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| Posted 3/12/10 1:56 PM |
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Nifheim
allo
Member since 1/09 5476 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by nicrae
I've been teaching for 8 years and along with formal observations I get drop ins from administrators all the time and I have tenure.
Okay great - so then you are already evaluated by your peers which is wonderful! I think of it as positive feedback. Everyone could fine tune their lessons/teaching methods.
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| Posted 3/12/10 2:00 PM |
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nicrae
He's here!
Member since 12/06 9289 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by Nifheim
Posted by nicrae
I've been teaching for 8 years and along with formal observations I get drop ins from administrators all the time and I have tenure.
Okay great - so then you are already evaluated by your peers which is wonderful! I think of it as positive feedback. Everyone could fine tune their lessons/teaching methods.
Administrators aren't my peers... at least not in my school, but that is a totally different conversation. 
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| Posted 3/12/10 2:21 PM |
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Nifheim
allo
Member since 1/09 5476 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Question what do Steps mean?
Like is step one = to first year on the job
step 10 = 10 years on the job?
Also when your contract says MA +15 does that mean Master plus 15 creds to dr?
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| Posted 3/12/10 2:25 PM |
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Nifheim
allo
Member since 1/09 5476 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Teachers Islandwide face layoffs in budget crunch - 59 teachers were given notices in Lindenhurst
Posted by nicrae
Administrators aren't my peers... at least not in my school, but that is a totally different conversation.
oh god no they are not your peers - i think teachers should evaluate teachers not admins who sit behind desks sitting in. That does nothing for anyone.
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| Posted 3/12/10 2:26 PM |
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