Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

Is it only certain areas? I know several people who are teachers/ support staff in schools and are making extremely high salaries with not that many years experience.

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

Yea, this annoys me when I hear it, too. I know we'll never be millionaires, but for working 180 days out of the year, it's NOT BAD AT ALL!!!

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

I don't work only 180 days during the year. I plan and prepare and read and research and write curriculum during those days "off". I have to spend two weeks in the summer learning how to teach a new AP course I will be teaching next year. The difference between teaching and many other professions is that I can't just go home and leave my work at work. My work is always with me.

Compare a teacher's salary to that of someone with the same level of education (a Master's Degree PLUS 90 credits). Teachers don't even come close.

And, on my salary after all that education and 8 years teaching, I CANNOT afford to have a home and a family on my own. My DH MUST work too.

The only thing I will give you is that after 30 YEARS I may be living comfortably and when I retire my pension will be fair.

JMO.

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

I use to have an argument with my brother how teachers work 8-3. I'm in a MS and we start at 7:30 and I am never home by 3pm. I spend so much time at home working on IEPs and all the other paper work that comes along with being a Special Ed. teacher.

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

It's a great career, yes, but it is a two income family career. And teachers put in a lot of unpaid hours, which people don't realize.

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

I guess I'm just bitter because I am a certified teacher but could never work the "classroom schedule." I take my work home and I am on pager 24 hrs. a day making about 15,000 less than what some of the districts would start me off at with a Masters plus. I just keep reminding myself how much I do love my job, and how I would go bananas working in a classroom.

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

If we worked only our contractual hours, did no work at home, put in no time over the summer, and did no unpaid after school activities (science fairs, etc) then yes, we would be doing very well. However, with the amount of unpaid time I put in and the money I spend on classroom/educational related materials, I don't think I am overpaid or paid super high. Yeah it's a great job, but it certainly has many drawbacks as well.

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

i do make a decent salary but i also put in a lot of money to get where I am, paying for my masters and taking classes for that MA+ which cost $$$!!!

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

Not a teacher, just a lurker (because I like to get a feel for what teachers really think about the system). However, I live in a district where the teachers are well compensated but I can't understand parents who begrudge them a living wage when many of these same parents have professions they are well compensated for. I always respond that although I believe school districts in general require alot of economic reform, it should not come out of teacher's pockets or how else could they afford to live on LI.

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

I am teacher but I'll admit I almost never approve my school budget. I live in a small 3 bedroom ranch and pay over $10,000. I LOVE where I live and the school district is great. However, $10,000????
And a recent purchase of the school district was a $10,000 orchestra pit cover for one of the elementary schools.
How important is this?

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

teachers make enough money, especially on LI. and its one of the few careers left where you are entitled to a pension. FH is a teacher, and while I make more money, I work 10 hour+ days and much less vacation time - even the work he brings home, he makes more money per hour.

and taxes are ridiculous, but when we vote on the budget, id never want to see teachers take a pay decrease.

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

let em think we're broke! i always hear "your such a good person for what you do......and for the money and all!!!"

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

I will never be rich as a teacher but i will also NEVER complain about my salary.

Personally, i think we do very well

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

Taking administrative classes I've learned the following:

Government Reform:
Long Island sends a bulk of the $ that the state sends back to school districts to Albany but Long Island school districts DO NOT get their fair share only because the legislators on LI are out numbered. There are more representatives from upstate that vote to keep the current formula the way it is. It makes sense, why would a legislator from all the way up near Buffalo say "oh lets forfeit some of our money and give it to LI" It's not fair but in order for there to be a change LI needs more votes or the Governor needs to make the change. Why would he, there are more people upstate than on LI that will keep him in office. There doesn't seem to be a fair solution that's what stinks.

School Budgets:
The thing about people voting down their budgets to say "I've had enough" in the long run actually costs the district more. They have to borrow money and then pay interest on that money so really the tax payers think they got ahead by saying No but they end up losing out in the long run. That also affects property values.

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

yes its a good salary... but teachers will always need 2 incomes to get by.

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"

Re: Why do I always hear "teachers don't make any money?"