Letter to the Editor
Raises needed
Published Saturday, October 4, 2008
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To the editor:
I teach ninth and 11th grade English at Ben Eielson Junior/Senior High School. Under my expired contract, under which I — and every other Fairbanks North Star Borough School District teacher — am currently working, I am paid for seven hours a day, or 35 hours a week.
However, in the past week — weekends included — I clocked 68 hours of job-related activities such as preparatory work for my classes, conferencing with students, conferencing with parents, responding to parent e-mails, volunteering to help with or chaperone extra-curriculars, attending extra-curricular events simply as a spectator, attending Individualized Educational Plan meetings, attending behavioral intervention meetings, attending staff meetings, further researching my content area, soliciting the help of guest speakers, finding materials for my classroom, purchasing materials for my classroom with the budget I’m allowed, purchasing materials for my classroom with my own money, raising awareness of student achievement and, of course, grading assignments and entering grades into PowerSchool on the Web.
We’re paid for seven hours a day, and five of those seven hours are spent teaching classes. Therefore, we have two hours to accomplish all of those other tasks each day. I — and I think that I speak for most teachers — love my job, and, thankfully, teachers recognize that even though the tasks above do not take place during the class periods, these tasks are integral to student achievement; therefore, most teachers take time away from their personal lives and are willing to accomplish many of those tasks on their own time if they feel supported by their district. However, 1.25 percent, 1.5 percent and 1.5 percent raises throughout three years do not do much to encourage that sense of support among educators.
The district’s teachers need a new contract. If the district does not spend the money on the hundreds of dedicated teachers working in their schools, our community will not be able to attract and retain quality teachers, and will pay the price with its children.
Community Discussion
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Ms Dyer -- this was your choice. Threatening the public with poor quality education belies the supposed dedication and commitment of our public educators.
You should try running your own business. A 68-hour work week with three month summer vacation sounds very nice to me. I've had one two- week summer vacation in 20 years of operating my business and easily put in more than 70 hours ever week, all year. But, of course, my business is my choice and my passion. I could never be you. I could never threaten my clients' children by promising to work more poorly unless they pay me more.
I'm quite certain that is not what she said. She stated a fact - I work VERY hard as a teacher, and always will. My work ethic will not allow for less. I believe what she is trying to say is that in the future, you will get what you pay for, and teaching will not be a profession to attract people with the same work ethic and desire to help these kids that some of us do possess. Didn't sound like a threat, just reality. Why (generally speaking) are there very few over-zealous, highly motivated, eager-to-please workers beating the doors down to scrub urinals in public restrooms? Not the most appreciated and compensated job in the country. But, of course, I chose this profession - as you say. Only, I chose it when I thought it was one that people valued and meant something in this country. No matter; I'll teach because these kids need teachers who care whether or not they can succeed. I'll do my part.
I, too, was a manager in a small family business and know well the endless hours, weeks and months of small business enterprise. But I seriously doubt that a successful business owner would deprive himself of an occasional respite to view and enjoy his efforts and successes. No doubt you own the toys (deservedly so I might add) that offer you those much needed respites to carry on. No one works continuously without some reward, whether it be material or emotional, hopefully both. That is the way of the world and human nature.
Ms. Dyer is not stating that she resents the many hours she commits to her students. That is not the real issue here. Educators have paid dearly for their educations, and continue to do so each summer in order to maintain their certifications and their expertise in the classroom. It is an expectation, and they accept the responsibility. Why shouldn’t they be allowed that much deserved time in summer to re-energize their own personal and educational resources and come back to the class room in August ready for another challenging year?
You state that “they knew what they were signing up for.” I am not so sure they did, which is probably why that statistically so many new teachers leave the profession within the first five years. It simply becomes too difficult to cope with all the added responsibilities of teaching, the repayment of college loans and living expenses - the career suddenly becomes tainted with a harsher reality. This is not a threat. We are educators. We are the first essential cog that students encounter before embarking on those higher levels of education to become doctors, engineers, and yes, even business owners. Before you can peruse the manual, you need to know how to read.
We are the most valuable asset in an educational setting. The infrastructure of the building and the technology may depreciate, but teachers do not. It’s time to align our true value with a respectful and deserved contract.
How about we give all public school teachers a healthy raise. But we also approve vouchers for school choice. Allow parents to determine which school is best for their children, and not have to pay both through taxes and private tuition. And the whole world gets to be happy, except for a few teachers who might have to switch employment.
I agree with glacierles..it is long past the time to start using vouchers. Schools should compete. Homeschooling is another excellent option. The private sector has long proven they can deliver better quality education for a lot less. Who could possibly lose by this method except the teacher's unions and their mouthpieces. We all see the benefits and improvements the NEA and their minions have bestowed on the taxpayers...right? I love their little booths at the fair.
Also, try sitting outside a local high school when the final bell rings. You will see some great fashions and makeup. Granted, the fine fashion sense the students have probably/hopefully does not come from the teachers but is allowed by the administrators. These kids are screaming "LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME". My guess is it would be difficult to learn with all that "noise" in the classroom.
Dogg..disturbing you think looking like a hooker or a corpse is normal. I stand by what I said. Let's go to a voucher system and give the free market a chance. Thanks for the input, however.
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I must admit that I am a teacher. I don't make a fortune and its tough as I am a single income earner(last year I made 51K). However, what the district needs to channel are the views and opportunities of the new teachers in tier 3.
Many had two years of retirement savings that were decimated this week.
I teach because I feel that I can make people think and be better. I believe that I create a good product and the students that I have had the privilege to work with seem to glow and succeed.
Many of the critics of teachers don't get the little things. I don't have much opportunity to go hunting; and I am involved in the school year around because I have a vested interest in making sure the students do well.
My typical day goes from 7AM to 6PM and I work 1 hour a day at home and four hours a day during one of my days off during the weekend. I feel that I am a normal teacher. I run the school weight room and that means that I spend more time with many young people than their parents do.
I have no toys(boats, sportscars, fourwheelers, or etc). I can say that I do feel that I make the young people I work with into better workers and thinkers.
The laborers and operators received increases because the cost of living in Fairbanks has increased. We only seek to receive a margin return for what we think is fair.
Many of those who are upset that the teachers might be wanting increases may not know that our local legislators(both Republican and Democrat) have worked to make sure that the district has the money for the pay increases. It is written into the school's operating budget. However, the District believes that the teachers really do not merit an increase in pay.
A starting teacher with a BA and zero years of experience makes 38K in FNSBSD. This makes their salary 26K in 1996 dollars with adjustments of the CPI and inflation. A non-union laborer can make much more than this.
Students seek to optimize their earnings. You won't find as many students headed off to college if they know they will make less as teachers than as laborers. This may seem fine to you.
Workers with higher levels of education generally are more productive workers. This means if you want a return into your retirement as a laborer(The local laborers are some our best supporters if you want to know the truth) you probably would support an emphasis on making and paying teachers an adequate salary as it is an incentive for all FNSBSD students to go to college and become more enlightened and productive.
The states with the highest teacher salaries generally have the best educational performance and their workers are more productive and well paid. Alaska needs to follow this example. It is also true that the states with the lowest teacher pay have the lowest student performance and per capita worker income. Mississippi comes to mind.
The free market system works. The community can decide to support pay increases and a decent education system or it can deal with the alternative. Award winning teachers leaving Fairbanks for Wyoming. This last year, one of our talented music teachers left Fairbanks for Wyoming because he made 20K more per year. He had a family and was a single income earner. I think what Ms. Dyer is saying is that if you pay us well you will get the best product out there and can expect your children to do better in school, on tests and in life after school either in the workforce or in post-secondary study.
We would like to thank all of the parents, workers, students and community members that support us and make our job respected and appreciated. We couldn't do what we do without you.
Sincerely,
Thomas
Thomas -- you make $51 Grand a year? That's pretty good money, more than I pay myself in the business that I own. I work more hours than you do, too and I don't have any toys either. So, why do we do this?
The problem that I have with Dyer's plea is that I think she has the public's priorities reversed. The public will pay more if they feel like they're getting something in return. I like glacierlies proposal. What's wrong with vouchers and competition? This is how the rest of the world excels.
Look, I don't envy teachers. Many of my friends are teachers and they have horror stories. They work hard, too. But I do notice that they do a lot of traveling in the summertime and tend to retire early. Okay, I'm in favor of giving you a raise, but on the condition that student performance rises correspondingly or better. Otherwise, you refund the raise. Deal?
"The public will pay more if they feel like they're getting something in return." ...Aren't we getting educated kids in return? That sounds like a GOOD return to me.
I am in favor of giving teachers a raise. As a high school student myself, I see them constantly working and perfecting their teaching styles and methods in order to influence and guide kids in the best, most efficient way possible. They dedicate their LIVES to us, ensuring we get quality education and guidance. In my opinion, teachers deserve to be looked upon with respect, not criticism for requesting a raise!
By the way, I am posting this anonymous. I am in the process of getting confirmation, however, I could not resist any longer; I had to post.
Tomas/Kaboku68
What you fail to mention is that you are paid an additional contract to run the weight room, correct. You made a choice to do it, its not required duty, and you are compensated for it.
What is the average teachers salary in dollars per hour? Somewhere in the high $40 range, correct. How many other jobs have that?
How many other jobs provide a paid 2 week holdiday at christmas, 1 week in the spring and several days intermingeled?
Those of you who bring up Tier III... Welcome to the real world. I lost more than an annual years salary (less than $51,000) in the last two weeks. Very few of the working class have defined benefit retirement programs.
I dont disagree with any of you that Teachers work very hard, I just think the FEA has got all of you convienced that you are the red headed step child and no one loves you
First off, Prospector quit using '--', this isn't Microsoft Word. It isn't going to change into what it's compensated to be. Second, it's absolute ludicrous that people believe our teachers do not deserve a raise of EQUAL value. Referring to Mrs. Dyer's previous post, it is not just a handful of teachers who put in the extra effort for the betterment of the student body. As a student who arrives at school at 6:30/7:00 in the morning, (Ha don't ask why.. because i can't answer that) I see almost all of my teachers at the school, working, an hour before they're even paid to do so. It isn't merely that either, I personally know most of the teachers at my school, and just about all of them are involved in some variety of extra-curricular activity as well. Yet, they're still paid their measly base salary of 7:30 - 3:00? My school stresses and complains about students not being involved with the school, but still teachers are not compensated for their extra unneeded efforts?
Currently I'm writing a paper for my English 11 class. In the past, I felt so much more comfortable with my writing because I was able to go in before school or after school to get help; whether it be with my Thesis, a Conclusion, my Thought-Provoking statement, or even just simple Grammatical errors I hadn't caught. However, this is the first paper I've had to write in the midst of this controversy. Being my paper is due on Monday, I've been in complete <b>trepidation</b> this time. I've had to source back to having my parents and friends edit my paper; which I feel for most students, isn't the best scenario.
However, this 'scenario' is becoming more of a reality for more than just English 11. As a proud student at Ben Eielson High, I honestly believe our teachers deserve a raise of <b>proportionate</b> value. The current policy the District is trying to uphold is completely inequitable for what the teachers place forward for the student body. There has been such an erratic shift in our schools well-being compared to previous years. As I watch firsthand how my teachers put forth their best efforts for the student body, I see the School District disrespect their efforts with minimal raises. The controversy we have upon us now, is no only affecting the students of today, but as tomorrow as well. The hiring of teachers will be immensely scarce because no one wants to be in an highly underpaid position. I believe if this is to continue, the District has voiced to me personally, they do not care about our education - which is ultimately what school is about.
Sincerely,
Kevin Barnicle
After reading the comments on the business owner who feels they work more hours for less is missing a major point...He/She will gain their reward once the business takes off. Even if both the teacher and the business owner work the same hours, the teacher will not gain from the economic improvements (children's improved human capital) created from their actions beyond pay. Whereas the business owner will (should) see a return in their investment.
Yes, (as a former preschool teacher) teaching has its own rewards but the education needed to become a teacher does not come cheap and if we (also a parent) do not make it financially feasible to teach we will continue to lose them. And we all know (or should know) that a great education is one of the greatest deterrent to a host of social issues such as crime and poverty. Raising worthy teachers incomes is an investment in furture generations.
Your story has touched my heart. My emotions are running high. When the sense of reality comes back to me I will remind myself of many dedicated loyal workers throughout the community who will be paying higher fuel bills this year just like our teachers. These dedicated loyal workers will also be paying for the teachers salaries even if they don't have children in the school system.
The points of interest have never changed during budget times and union negotiations. The money is tight and our greed is ever present at the giving end and at the receiving end. Do not belittle my efforts to take care of my family needs with an attempt to glorify your role as a dedicated and loyal member of our community. We all share the duties we have in this community. We all share the economic harships as well. Until our economy can put more money in my pocket I can't afford to put more money in yours.
Thank you to those teachers who are professionals and loyal to that profession.
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Prospector,
"I've had one two- week summer vacation in 20 years of operating my business and easily put in more than 70 hours ever week, all year."
Besides your being party (and responding) to some conversation that none of the rest of us saw, I CALL BULL on your above statement. First, just the statement above is idiotic...okay, so you don't take a SUMMER vacation, do you moose hunt in September or some other such? Don't lie.
If you have a 20 year business and continue to make less than 50k, that is another red flag of yours. "Paying yourself" less than 50k is evidence of the way you conduct your accounting. Tell me, you don't have capital gains (after 20 years of having an obviously established business) of WELL about the "less than 50k" that you quoted for yourself. That is to be commended and expected of a small business owner. Don't demean yourself to try to make a point.
I believe this was lost in a post above: both the State and Borough budgets have already written/provided pay increases for the educators this year. That money IS going to be spent. Your school system decided to offer 0 PERCENT raises over the next three years (not because they didn't have the money). They thought their educators would "take it" and they could spend the money in other places/pet programs versus salaries. 0 percent as their initial bargaining position...and the State and Local Governments already provided the money. Hmmm, how much did just about every other state school district pay in raises this year (2.0 to 4 percent) and you started (and held until arbitration if I'm not mistaken) at ZERO?
Ouch.
kaboku68 says that the free market works, and that's why Fairbanks teachers need higher wages. Comparing public employee wages in different geographical locations is not the free market at work. Vouchers and school choice would be the free market at work.
I'd love to hear a good argument against school choice. I dont see public schools as particularly efficient. The results (graduation rates, citizenship of young people, the safety of students) have been steadily declining for decades.
Am I wrong?
There are some good teachers out there, and there are even less good professors out there. The chances of having your child as a pupil under a good teacher for the majority of his/her school day is slim to none.
I honestly believe homeschooling is the way to go, I understand not every family has that option.
Teachers didn't make squat when I was a kid either, but for some reason I think our teachers of yesteryear were of a different caliber then what I have been exposed to with my child.
Additionally, I also believe parents of yesteryear where just that, "Parents" today they aren't even adults.
Not sure where the values were misplaced, was it economically driven? (from a single parent working to two parents being forced to work to make ends meet)
Not sure. but I don't respond well to extortion either...
I am not a teacher, but I am a parent of a high school senior. Over the past few years, I have spent a couple thousand hours as a volunteer (read unpaid) assistant coach for a couple of sports at Ben Eielson.
I can't even begin to guess at the number of hours I've seen teachers in and around the school before and after "official" school hours start and end. In addition to the endless hours these wonderful folks put into making sure our kids get the attention and effort they need to succeed, too many to count are spending hundreds of "free" hours in the building.
One example is that each class is "sponsored" by one or more teachers, who work countless hours to help the kids have many events they can participate in and look back on after graduation. These include spring flings, fall carnivals, homecoming floats and parades, dances...you get the idea, the list is endless.
Anyone want to take a guess when these activities take place? Yep, after school. Want to take another guess on the number of hours these "sponsors" put into the planning and performance of these activities...just so OUR kids can enjoy them and have the memories to last a lifetime? Right again...you can't count them.
Whether it's teachers volunteering as coaches because the school and/or district can't afford to pay them (there are a LOT of those!), being chaperones at after-school activities, or "sponsoring" a student body class, the number of hours these dedicated professionals put into our children is nearly unfathomable.
Here's the bottom line...the school district HAS ALREADY received money in its annual budget to pay teachers. It (the school board/district) is just making the decision to not use the money for teacher's pay.
If you think the extra curricular activities our children are involved in shouldn't be tied to the equation of the number of hours the teachers are working and thus the amount of money they are getting paid, then I challenge you to spend as much time helping and volunteering for no pay as you do offering your opinions. Get in to the school of your choice, and spend some time taking care of what the teachers do so willingly with their "free" time.
"Oh yea and if the kids don't do what he wants he threatens them by making them pull from the “can” or keeps them off the field."
I play three high school sports for Ben Eielson. I have had Mr. Devaughn as a coach and his wife; yes we have a "can". But I think you are missing the purpose of the can. The can teaches us that our actions have consequences. If we get detention, get suspended, are disrespectful to any teacher or coach, are late for practice, mouth off to the coach, if we are unexcused to miss a practice, etc then we "draw from the can". Within the can are different drills or sprints that you must do. They are hard but not anything that’s going to harm you. A little bit of hard work never killed anyone. To avoid drawing from the can all you have to do is simple; stay out of trouble! It’s an effective method of discipline and it works to ensure we, as athletes, stay on task and focused in school and sports. I take pride in knowing that my coach and teachers have expectations and I strive everyday to meet these, as does many other Student Athletes. We must be able to perform to higher standards not only in our schoolwork but also in each sport we play. Since we are held to such high esteem, of course there are going to be a harsher discipline action if we mess up. It’s life. It’s a part of high school sports. If it were easy everyone would do it.
I'm not sure how this pertains to Mrs. Dyer’s argument; however, I wanted to clear up the misconception that parents seem to have with sports and the rules that go along with being a Student Athlete at Ben Eielson.
Eielson Student and Athlete
Pertaining to the previous post about Mr. DeVaughn, football IS an expensive sport. But what most parents seemingly overlook is that if your child were to go to ANY other school in the district and try to play football, they would have to pay a lump some of money for pads BEFORE THE SEASON EVEN STARTED. (Over $300. Helmets $169, Pads $160, Then Girdles and etc about $20) Usually the JV will have a Full Season of games as well as the Varsity. But talking about money, In previous years, The Eielson Ravens, just as many teams did, go to various "jobs" to equip our players with the best equipment possible. My 8th Grade year, I wasn't even on the team yet, and I did an accumulative of 48 hours cutting wood and splitting it with Mr DeVaughn and various players. That's time Mr DeVaughn spent away from his family during the winter to go and work for the safety of your child. I'm not knocking any of our freshmen, but none of them had to do that alongside Mr. DeVaughn. So yes, the Lions club is definately going to greatly benefit our team in the future, but it is still in the works. The Ravens Lions Club is attempting and aiming for SCHOLARSHIPS for the student-athletes, yet some complain about having to donate food for the visiting team. It is a common courtesy act that most teams do when the opposing team is a hundred odd miles away. Answer this, to complain about spending money on donating food, but when your student-athlete goes on trips he/she is fed in return. Fine, don't donate food, Ha, but then your student-athlete can also pay for his own breakfast next week when we go to Anchorage.
I'm not intending any disrespect with this, But to address the amount of playing time the JV gets during blowouts, I honestly invite you Mr. B to come to practice sometime this week. You'll then see why most of the JV sits on the sidelines during games, and it has nothing to do with skill; it's all work ethic.
RavensCoach
I believe if you check, the "Class Sponsors" are paid a SAS contract
so to lighten things up a bit mrs. dyer didnt make any mistakes in her article dang hahah
but on to the beeze-neeze....all the teachers at eielson work way more then they are getting paid. Take mrs. d, she shows up at school around 6 to help 1 or 2 kids and stays till 7 or 7:30 on some days so students can fix a paper or paraghraph. Mr. Peirson doesnt get paid to help coach the boys varsity baseball team but he does it anyway and last i checked Denis doesnt get paid and he is the head coach of the team making nothing.
(man im hungry)
Prospector, lets make you as transparent as the public employees you are criticizing. You state you only pay your self less then 51K a year, but how many other bennies do you get from the tax shelter of your business? How many expenses, used personnaly, do you bill to your store? Is your vehicle written off as a biz expense? A home office? The computer you are blogging on? The clothes you wear to work? Cell phone? You may only pay yourself 51K but I bet you "make" much more than that.
Concerning Mr. B’s Post that was earlier removed:
I was one of those that suggested removal of Mr. B’s post. I found it slanderous and cowardly. How dare you attack David Devaughn and the Rogers Family in your post after the personal time that they have put in to benefit student/athletes. They had nothing to do with Ms. Dyer's letter to the editor, yet you chose to write a slanderous, negative letter indicative of somebody with mental health issues. If you had any courage at all you would personally confront those persons you wrote about rather than spew forth poison in a public forum/blog behind anonymity. Put your actual name out there rather than take cheap shots behind cowardly anonymity.
For every teacher that puts in more hours than they are paid or go the extra mile to ensure our kids are well educated, there are 100 that don't care and are meerly collecting a paycheck until retirement. I have heard statements like "It's not my job to teach anything, it's their job to learn" or "I just hand out the information, if they don't get it that's not my problem". These are not isolated incidents by a couple of teachers, it seems to be the consenses of most of the teachers, who have felt they have always been underpaid. As far as they are concerned we are already getting what we paid for. I would be more than happy to give every responsible teacher a healthy raise as soon as all teachers are held accountable for their actions. Remember if the good teachers get a raise they all get a raise. I read over and over again by the posters on this site that soldiers made their choice and should not complain about their pay, same goes for the teachers.
Any raises need to be tied to performance. The crappy teachers that don't deserve a raise shouldn't get one on the backs of the hard work of the good teachers.
Big fat raises for the great teachers, raises for the good teachers and nada for the bad ones. Then everyone gets what they want, except the crappy teachers no one wants.
(As an aside, if you are adding up hours you spend "working" as a teacher you really shouldn't count the hours you volunteer. The whole point of being a volunteer is that it is unpaid.)
"volunteering to help with or chaperone extra-curriculars, attending extra-curricular events simply as a spectator"
That was the sentence in the letter I was referring to. You volunteer your personal time, you don't get to count it as work when you want a raise. If you are a high school teacher, going to a high school football game to watch doesn't count as work.
When you call it volunteering, it is volunteering. Don't sugar coat the fact that the original letter was artificially inflating the numbers to garner sympathy any support.
I would bet the vast majority of our community wants to see the good teachers get raises that they deserve. We just don't want to see the crappy teachers get the raises, or see those raises based on straight up, pure BS like volunteer hours and being a spectator at a game being included in all those work hours during the 9 months they actually work.
Find a way to make the raises performance based and there will be a lot more support.
To all that think or thought I was attacking COACH DEVAUGN and the Rodgers family..I wasn't! My point in the reply was that instead of crying about not making enough money she needs to look for a solution and maybe provide one to the school board and public, Coach Devaugn has done that and has not publicily comlained about his situation. I am more upset with devaugn on how he managers his team and runs the football program. As a parent all we hear from him is that he is in debit and needs money...Just how did he get the team in debit and why is there always non players or family members on the field during the games and the Mrs. Rogers is allowed to bring her small child (Fact) to the away game on the team bus and stay with the team for free when it’s not allowed for other team members family...I and my family would love to be able to ride the bus to anchorage for free and stay in anchorage for Free next weekend. Will it happen???
As for the "CAN" when the kids come home and say that if they don't bring some food for the visiting team, they will have to pull from the can or won't be able to play. that is not the intent of the "CAN". I don't think providing food for a visiting team, is part of the football program.
I guess I need to go back to the funny farm next week for Mr/Mrs moosewalker thinks I am mental...Mr/Mrs. Moosewalker, just how do you not know I haven’t brought My concern up with the coaches and Athletic director at Eielson. By the way nothing has changed.
One more thing, I consider this over and will not argue with kids or adults that won't open their eyes and see what’s happening at Eielson or our school system. I am getting to like the voucher thing or private schools better and better. I won't be commenting or returning to this letter so no need to continue.
Good day all.
I urge all those who REALLY care about teachers wages to sign over their kid's dividend check to the wonderful under paid, over worked, members of the education "it's for the children" crowd.
Be sure and make arrangements for the teacher to get an IRS 1099. So we can recycle your caring gift money to cover our new "free medical" care equal to congress.
As for those threatening to leave: don't let the door hit you in rump.
There are several flights out of Fairbanks each day.
Bye!
Teachers aren't asking for the moon with this raise. We're asking for a raise amount that's already been approved in the school board's budget.
I'm National Board Certified, I'm liked by most of my students, I get results out of them, I have a Masters Degree, and I have ten years of experience. I love my job. I know it's important. I want to keep doing it.
But like 68% of teachers who leave the profession, I find the workload to be the most draining and crippling part of this job. When I look at my paycheck that reflects 35 hours of work when I know darned well I can't possibly get my job done in less than 55 or 60, I laugh. Then, when I realize that the main reward for my doing this work this year is to do more of it next year for the same pay, I honestly want to cry.
If people want to bash teachers and tell us we don't deserve raises, how about advocating instead to lower our class size or increase our prep time so that the 35 hours a week we get paid for actually reflects the hours required for the job? (It would also be the single most reliable guarantee that the time teachers spent with students would be more effective.) I would gladly accept that over a pay raise.
What this job has cost me in terms of my own pursuits and relationships has no price tag.
It's 7:00 on a Sunday. Guess where I am? I'm at school because I have 150 essays to grade. I've put in five hours of work today for which I will not get paid a single cent -- not now, and not ever.
Business owners, you work hard, too. But you do that in the hopes that someday you won't have to work that hard. If you didn't have that hope, would you still put in those extra hours?
I would, obviously. But if the district can't even give us a raise they already budgeted for, I'm not sure how much longer I want to choose to keep doing this. But I know there will be a cost to that choice -- I don't see a line of people (certainly I don't see a lot of business people) chomping at the bit to fill the vacancy I would leave.
Those opposed to the raise, can I count on you to step in for me when it's time for me pick a more profitable profession?
If I make $ 70 per hour and a work an extra 1 hour free, wo_- is- me I am only making $35 an hour. My heart bleeds for you.
By the way, if you can't do the work you are paid to do --- in the alloted time you should be fired for incompetence.
Any parents sign over their kid's dividend check to you because you are underpaid and can't do your job in the contract allotted time?
If the parents don't think you are worth more; why should the politicians who extort money out of us taxpayers by force of law give you more?
All you are worth is 28k cash and benefits;
not a cent more than what the private school teachers make or what district subs make.
If you don't like what the taxpayers can afford -- they need teachers in South LA.
Not to pick on Ms. Dyer but the public school system is a joke. If you have a male child neuter him before entry as the Feminist left controls our schools. Vouchers and choices should be made. Home school is the best choice for now if you do not want your children brainwashed into the gay and feminist movement.
Pat
1AkFox
Please do your math correctly. I didn't say I earn $70 or even $35 an hour. I said I am paid FOR 35 hours.
And again, if you'd like to plan for and teach three different classes to 150 kids five out of six periods, make copies, contact parents, attend staff meetings, gather materials, make specific accomodations for the 13 special ed students you have -- daily, attend parent meetings and IEP meetings, read and reread the books you are required to teach, AND grade 150 paragraphs for every one of them you assign, make sure the students understand their grades, provide remediation for those who didn't get it the first time around, provide challenge for those who understood very easily, file their papers, make folders in which to file their papers, compose rubrics for grading, write discipline referrals, follow up on those referrals, enter dozens of grades for EVERY STUDENT, put together make-up work for absent students (and that includes suspended students), update all of your classroom organization for the constant change to your class roll. you are welcome to try to get that done in 35 hours a week. In fact, you are welcome TOMORROW.
I'll be in room 142 at Lathrop at 7:15 -- or earlier if I need to be, which I often do.
Put your tirade where it counts. I'll get out the stopwatch.
But by the way, you'll need to read Oedipus Rex tonight and come up with a plan for how you're going to make that appealing and understandable to tenth graders. You'll also need to introduce 9th graders to Greek mythology, get them through a few myths, and make sure you have a way to assess whether or not they understood the reading before the period ends. You'll also need to spend some time issuing books. Count that in your 35 hours, please. By the way, tomorrow, there is no planning period. You will NOT get a lunch break. You won't get paid for the lunch break, but you'll work through it anyway.
Oh, and if you're not here because you're sick or something, please spend an hour or so anyway making detailed lesson plans, creating and copying lesson materials, and making sure that whoever your sub might be, they also have instructions about class procedures and policies.
See you tomorrow?
Our teachers deserve a raise and we parents who have kids in the schools must DEMAND they receive it! As for vouchers - nifty idea that won't work. You can only fit so many kids in a school and once a class is overcrowded, you'll no longer get a decent education even in the best of schools. Quit running away from the problem. Stop, turn around, and face it. If we return to the position of one of the states with the highest paid teachers, we'll attract awesome teachers like we did in the 70s and 80s. Then, our kids will get an excellent education no matter what school they attend. Raises for our teachers IS THE ANSWER.
We must offer a fair wage for our hard working educators. Do you think our children are worth the investment? I know my children are! You get what you pay for...
I cant believe SOME people cant comprehend THE MONEY WAS ALLOTED TO THEM, AND NOW IT IS NOT THERE AND THEY DO NOT GET IT.
Ok, FEA people
What is a fair wage, in dollars please. Please tell me what you think your annual (figured on a 12 month scale, not 9) should be.
Im willing to listen and consider your position
Mr. B
Isnt Mrs. Rogers a Eielson Staff member in charge of the managers? School district policy requires that there be a fmeal present and in charge (of females) anytime females travel (same for males)
Wouldnt it make sense that she ride the bus with the students (as required) that she is responsible for?
As for her bringing her kids along, I dont know, I would assume that it has been ok'd by the administration. You could always call the Prinicipal or contact central office if you feel something isnt being done correctly and it is not being addressed by the coach or the AD
The money for increases in teacher salaries is in the budget. It was appropriated by the state and borough. The state and borough also provided additional funds for increases in energy and materials expenses.
The district presently has the view that teachers love to teach and are so dedicated to their classrooms and students that they will work for less.
You want to know the truth. I am not against vouchers if all those teachers in private schools get certified, fingerprinted, take the educators oath, and become federally highly qualified in every subject that they teach. I know many private school teachers are, but many people in the community might not realize that teachers not only teach and keep up with current trends in education, technology and in their fields of interest but also have to constantly take graduate courses to remain certified.
I am not complaining about my wage. I do think that it is a bit mean-spirited to have the money to pay for the teacher wage increase and not pay it. Prospector and 1akfox- You have already paid for the wage increase for teachers in taxes. It is just that the district has not made the decision to pay the teachers money that has already been appropriated for them.
I would like to add that I teach in Fairbanks because it has one of the best systems of public education in the United States. The test scores and the student performance in national academic competitions bears this out.
I know that my son is getting the very best education and that his future measure of human capital is much higher than it would be if I taught out in the Bush where I might make more money.
I stand behind my product and I hope to make Fairbanks a better place by producing independent-minded thinkers who aren't sheep but hard working citizens of the best state in the best country in the world.
Actually Mr. B please do not come back to this thread. The original post was discussing teachers deserving raises, the irrelevance isn't needed. But pertaining to what you said, to set everything straight, Mrs. Rogers kids do not ride the bus on road trips. So if your obtaining your information from your student-athlete, you might want to have that verified. But as I stated, this thread is turning into a slanderous one at the least. Stating that posts were not attacking Ms. Rogers, but yet call the Roger FAMILY out sentences later IS slander. Hopefully this will be the last post pertaining to this and the "Raises Needed" idea may continue.
To all you teachers:
No Sale. Sob stories don't cut it!
People in Fairbanks are paying 3-4 per gallon tax on our royalty oil. In may cases the cost of heat jumped from 1,000 dollars per year to 4,000 dollars!!!
In addition, we pay our own property tax, we pay the property taxes on Wal-Mart, Sam's, Safeway, the fuel companies, the refinery, ACS, and when we die we pay the property tax of the funeral home.
Their property tax burden is included in the cost of EVERY THING they sell. Just as their cost of wages, health care, insurance, heat, security guards, trash hauling and on and on.
My advice is to you members of the education lobbies: save your sob stories, over worked whining and the rest of your BS for the borough assembly.... they WILL give you your raise and the hog slice of the borough budget because you put them in office.
-------- RE earning your keep ----
There is NOT one single example of any parent in the State of Alaska ever donating a single dividend check to any teacher for doing a good job, "I know you don't make much money".
Reason: you are not worth it! The only reason you get what are now receiving is because you have control of the borough assembly and they extort your pay out of our pockets.
To all you teachers: If you don't like the wages offered--quit!
The rest of us are in the heat or eat mode loosing our houses to pay your wages.
to GDogg Glad you enjoy my entertainment services. :))))-
The tip cup is at the end of the bar next to the education intoxication breathalyser.
I enjoy chatting with you members of the holier-than-thine bunch.
---------
Some advice: respect for the people who ARE FORCED BY LAW TO suffer a lower standard of living to pay your high cost union wages would make us feel better.
Remember you eat better only because of US.
If push comes to shove no one is going starve or freeze in the dark to pay your labor cost at 2-3 times what is paid in comparable, little remote towns with no legitimate tax base or by the private sector schools around here.
One last observation at 1 am: education is not edible.
Nice work folks!
How are the schools in Alaska funded? Gas tax? Income tax? School tax?
Frankly I cant understand why anyone would go into the field.
You are surely getting what you are paying for. No disrespect to the teachers out there, I am sure you are worth every bit of what you are being paid.
Maybe a real strike, one where the others here would have to take responsibility for their own kid's education for the entire year, like Mr. Businessman up there. Lets see...delayed graduations, longer time until the wee bairn can go out on their own, no one doubts the value of a good college education to get those high end jobs. No graduation documents, (give em all GED's) maybe harder to get into the military-I hear they are hiring.
Problem solved-we don't need teachers at all.
GDogg- my post was right on and it comes from first hand experience. Over the past 15 years I have had the opportunity to deal with a great many well deserving and dedicated teachers, but mostly I have had to deal teachers who thought it would be all kids games and easy work. I know the numbers are scary, but they are accurate. Most teachers suffer the same human frailties that many in our me first society do. They feel underpaid and underappreciated. Some are, but others don't earn half of what their paid and should look for alternative employment. Education levels in the U.S. are ridiculously low and that is a direct reflection on the teachers. If we give them more money, do you think the level will rise or will it remain the same and teachers will say, that the raise was nice but it was not enough. Alaska's students rank below average to average, 27th in math, 32nd in reading and 42nd in english, yet we rank 11th or 110.2% above the national average for teachers salaries and 8th for per student educational spending. In addition when I came here 20 years ago Alaska was 2nd in the nation for education level and class sizes were actually 2% larger than they are today.We pay more but get less. Teachers are paid more than many other proffessionals who work just as hard if not harder. Teachers were not forced into their proffession and if they are dissatisfied perhaps they should look elsewhere.
The last time I checked with the school district (about 3 years ago), the average budgeted cost of a teacher was about 81,000 dollars including the benefit package of around 35%.
In contrast, the average private school teacher costs the school 25-27,000 dollars including the benefit package consisting of workers comp, Social Security, and teachers pay their own medical.
Thus we see why "Union Members Live Better" -- 3 to 4 better extorting money from the taxpayers by controlling the borough assembly.
When the union puts a candidate into office they get 2 things for their votes -- (1)contract protection and (2)unlimited access to YOUR billfold the government power of taxation aka extortion we will take your house if you don't pay.
1Akfox--
It's lunchtime. I have to go get some books out of storage and get ready to conference with students about their grades (this is my "duty-free" lunch time), but I'm going to cram in a minute to ask you where you are today.
I notice you're not here. I'm not shocked.
You have no authority to criticize me or my job because you so obviously have NO IDEA what you're even talking about.
My offer to join me in my classroom stands for anyone out there who would like to see what teachers really do in a day.
Lathrop. Room 142. I'll be here. Will you?
Its hard to justify accross the board raises for teachers that are in a failing system.
We can not continue to throw money at teachers and expect the problems to go away. For every hard working teacher out there (and there are many) there are just as many slackers.
The voucher system would alleviate most of these problems, quality teachers would be hired, quality education would be available, and quality pay would be had. The current system is broken fix it first and the rest of the problems will take care of themselves.
Ms. Dyer;
You and a lot of other teachers deserve raises. Good for you, it's good to hear teachers stating their opinions, I hope the School Board hears your cry. I hope some day one of your students decides to
become a great teacher and thinker (like you). Best of luck getting a raise.
Again, FEA folks
How much do you want for teachers
Average starting teacher salary on a 12 month basis should be ?
GDogg- the statistics I used did not include anything but metropolitan schools such as Anchorage and Fairbanks, rural schools are cited separately. There are plenty of government sites available to find statistics on individual schools and the study used to cite teachers salaries already factored in the difference between dollar values in the 1980's versus now. I think teaching is a wonderful, noble professsion that requires self sacrifice and dedication. I also know that teachers salaries have not kept pace with many other professions, but the reality is that most are not performing up to the standards of their predecessors and do not deserve a raise. Another thing I find striking is that when it comes to local teachers everyone rallies round and talks about how grossly underpaid and underappreciated they are, yet when servicemembers are mentioned it starts a tirade about how overpaid, underworked and out of control they are. I think on of the comments was they are a blight on Fairbanks and everyone would be better off without them. Although I understand and feel for many of our teachers, I am meerly applying the same arguments to their problems that have been used on soldier issues in the past.
Rachel-Get over youself. Do you really think you have the toughest job out there. Maybe you should put your money where your mouth is. How about spending a day on the slope as a driller this winter, or maybe out to sea with the Coast Guard, how about a week as a firefighter or police officer, maybe you would like to spend a year in Iraq or Afganistan as a soldier. Like you they all chose their professions and if you think your overworked and underpaid maybe you chose incorrectly.
hckywtchr - $39677.61 for a 1st year teacher. Go ahead and proceed now to tear that number apart and make it do what you want it to.
I have a serious question. Where does all this hatred come from?? Why are they so many bitter and angry people in this town? I truly don't understand it. Although it explains why there are so many bitter and angry children in our classrooms. Their parents talk about it at home, and that disrespect is passed onto their children who then believe it is OK in the classroom. If you think you can do better, than either become a teacher or pull your child out and home school them. That's fine with me. I would prefer to have a class full of children whose parents respect and value what I do. If all you see me as is a glorified babysitter, than please pay me babysitting wages. I believe the going rate is around $5-10 per hour?? Let's see...multiply that by 25 kids in my class and that equals to between $125-250 per hour. Sounds great to me. Give me that kind of money, and just like a babysitter, you don't even have to give me any benefits at all. I'm pretty sure I could get health insurance and pay into a retirement and still come out ahead. And just like a babysitter, I will take no responsibility whatsoever for their education. I will feed them and play with them and make sure they stay safe.
Gil-I think you need to check your sources. If you go to the actual government websites that track educational statistics you will find that Fairbanks as well as the rest of Alaska is below the national average. In addition not all students take ACT's or SAT's. The statistics FNSBSD used were also quoted out of context. Their highest ranking is 27th in math and if my math is correct that would put them at less than the 50th percentile, which is below average. Checking with the bouroughs own website for statistics is kind of like asking Ted Stevens if he failed to report all his contributions. The site you checked is a public relations website designed to make the district look good to outsiders.
FrozenFish- I hope your not a math teacher because $250.00 an hour times the number of hours you actually have students gives you about $40,000.00 a year with no benefits, sound good to you.
FroezenFish-I saw no hatred involved in any of the comments in this thread only some vague sarcasim and a small dose of reality. The point is many teachers act as though they are nothing more than glorified babysitters and do little to nothing to enhance the educational experience of the children. If you are not one of these teachers and if you really do put in the hours and effort then I appluad you and thank you for your hard work. There are many professions that are sorely underpaid and deserve a raise, some of which are far more difficult than yours and while our cost of living may be higher our teachers salaries also rank higher than 39 other states including Hawaii, which has a far higher cost of living than we do. The grass is always greener on the other side and everyone else will always get paid more to do less than you do.
"I hope your not a math teacher because $250.00 an hour times the number of hours you actually have students gives you about $40,000.00 a year with no benefits, sound good to you."
Try again:
$250.00 x 5(hours per day with students) x 171(student
contact days)=$213,750
And I am not even a math teacher! I can, however, THANK a math teacher! I would suggest that the rest of you who noticed icerider's mistake do the same. Teachers deserve every penny they are paid, and more.
What a bunch of ridiculous post. The school chancellor in Washington DC has got her act together: your students perform, you get paid and paid well, they don't and you get canned. BUT: this only works if parents and society get back to being accountable. Somewhere, something happened to make the parents believe that it was always someone eles's fault for their kid not being able to read or do math. It starts at home!! When was the last time you checked your kids homework helped him study for a test on the Constitution? When was the last time you encrouraged your kid to actually think for himself?
And what the #$%^%^& happened to the basic rules of education: Attendance, homework, writing reports, then taking test based on what you learn used to be the basis for passing and graduating. I really like the new magnet school in Anchorage: They teach the fundemental three R's of education, using your brain and not a computer first.
A few years ago, I watched the South Park Movie at Regal Cinema's. Funny movie with the exact story: Parents need to take accountability for their actions and those of their children and stop blaming others. Know where your kids are and teach them common sense and respect. The irony of sitting and watching the movie: right beside us some dunderhead parents had actually brought their 7 and 9 year old boys.
As for the free market educating my kids: NO WAY. The Repubs and their free market screwed up the credit market and financial system so bad we teter on the brink of collapse and the Gov. had to step in and try and fix it. No thanks. Free Market may work for selling Barbie Dolls, not not educating my kids.
icerider - It is you who need to check your math.
Lets see. My contract is for 182 days at 7 hours per day. That is 1274 hours. 1274 times $250 = $318,500. Now, if you want to get REALLLYY nitpicky, the kids are only here for 170 days. I work for 7 1/2 hours. I have an UNPAID 1/2 hour lunch. That brings it down to 7 hours. I have a 1/2 prep period without kids...now down to 6 1/2 hours. I have a 1/2 hour duty free period before school starts. That leaves us with 6 hours that I have students in my class. I have a 1/2 hour after school that I get paid for, but I have to be available for helping kids and doing dismissal, so I am counting that time. So, 6 hours per day times 170 days of student contact equals 1020 hours. 1020 hours times $250 = $255,000.
So again, icerider, I stand by my previous statement. I will gladly accept $255,000 per year without benefits.
GDog-I now understand why you maintain your opinion despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. You will never see any side but that of the teachers because that is your area of experience. You will always defend teachers because your are a teacher. No, I am not technically in the teaching profession, but that does not mean I cannot comprehend the situation that teachers face, nor does it make me any less capable of evaluating the situation. Just because you have never been in politics, it does not make you any less qualified to vote. In fact because I am divorced from occupational experiences on the issue, perhaps I am in a better position to judge the situation. I speak from a position of neutarality and the information I presented was based on easily obtained statistical data from unbiased sources. What amazes me about this thread is the attack mentallity that the teachers posting on this site have. I have made statistical comments as well as positive and negative comments, yet all return comments involve only the percieved negatives and speak from a defensive posture, usually indicative of someone that knows their wrong. My comments here are based in both statistical fact and personal experience, but in no way reflects my actual opinion on wether or not the FNSBSD teachers should get raises. I was merely doing a reality check. My comments to Rachel were in response to her challenge to all the posters to basically spend a day in her shoes. Far from apples and oranges, in fact it was exactlly in the same context and was merely a recipricol challenge. Also, the data that you cut and pasted from Gil was incorrect and can easily be disproved with a little unbiased research. Which brings me to my final point, teaching used to be a noble profession and teachers sacrificed for the good of the children which in turn brought good to the nation, not the almighty dollar. While I personally feel that teachers deserve a good healthy raise to bring them back in line with comparable professions. I also believe that the negative press over the last few years has hurt their ability to obtain such a raise. People no longer trust teachers and it will be up to the teachers to regain that trust, regardless of wether or not they were personally at fault.
FrozenFish-Nice try, but not all the days you are paid for involve students in your classroom. In addition my calculations were based on statements of other teachers who only have students in their classroom five hours a day. Not only that but I gave you credit for $10.00 per hour which was severly overinflated, very few babysitters get $5.00 an hour much less $10.00 and since the chidren have to be brought to you it should probably be less than that. Also babysitters don't get benefits.
Gil-http://www.aft.org/salary/2005/download/AFT2005SalarySurvey.pdf This is just one of many. Also you can do a google search of teachers salaries by state and come up with at least a dozen websites that will give you the data with or without cost of living being factored in. Something else you should know Alaska's cost of living is far from the highest in the land. If you want to veiw cost of living by areas check government websites on locallity pay, it's an eye opener. Please do not use the 24% cola given to federal employees, it does not accurately reflect current conditions and is based on outdated research criteria.
FrozenFish
So if I understand you are asking for a starting salary of just over $19 an hour for new teachers ($39,678/2080 (a full work year))
If you as a union would honestly accept that, I would support a inflation + 1% raise every year. I just honestly dont think you guys would accept less than $20 an hour for anyone other than your support staff (which I realize is a different union)
like these conversations are really going to change anything
Is there a shortage of teachers? If not than the pay is good enough.
The rest of America goes back to school or gets a new job when they dont make enough.
If wages were indeed to low we wouldn't be able to fill positions and so far i think that we are good.
Math a pop quiz for you teachers in this discussion
[clipped from above]"Lets see. My contract is for 182 days at 7 hours per day. That is 1274 hours."
Per School district. The average budgeted cost for a teacher is about $81,000
81,000/1274 = per hour ?
x/7 hours per day is = per day?
$65.11 per hour
$455.78 per day
A district substitute teacher makes $120 per day which is appropriately 1/4 the wages of what the unionize teachers make because they control the borough assembly.
$120per day/7 hours x 1274 =
$21,840 or about 15% less than the private sector teachers.
now relative to the private sector teachers here in Fairbanks. Let us assume they make $27,000 per year and work the same 1274 hours.
Their hourly pay is $27,000/1274= $12 dollars.
Assuming the same 7 hour works day as the union teachers their daily wage is $12 x 7 hours=$148.35 day.
-------
There is joke about teachers which in the light of the above needs to be corrected.
"Those who can't teach"
It should be changed to read "Those who can't teach are unionized and make 3 times the private sector"
Yes sir-ree, "Union members sure as (*&& do live better robbing the taxpayers by controlling the political system."
You folks can BS the troops, but I stand by my figures and my own research.
~~~~ your cost is 3 times what your are worth ~~~
And if don't like what we feel like paying... KISS my grits and hop the next flight.
-------
Tier III teachers do not get health benefits when they retire.
They are completely tied to their 403 contributions.
This might seem ok for many.
However, FNSBSD has many teachers that are Tier I. When they retire and many are, there will be a huge shortage of qualified staff.
Presently there is a shortage of SPED teachers.
Teachers can be drug tested if Administration has suspicion of drug use.
Teachers have to follow a dress code and policy.
Not alot of jobs have the assault rates and danger of violence that teaching has.
Just today I stopped one student from severely assaulting another student. Standard course. I teach and treat all students like they were my own child. I have a vested interest in their success.
Again I beg the question....
The school district has the money for salary increases but has not decided to settle with the teachers.
Many parents are bitter about teacher pay. However, I bet that you are quite willing to take our money when we support local businesses.
Many might not realize that we help kids all year long.
My after school weight room time is an MOA contract that pays $500 per semester and I volunteer throughout the summer.
To put this in perspective. 2:30PM to 5PM every night Monday through Friday throughout the school year except during finals week and then all of the summer.10.5 hours X 50 weeks =525hours so I roughly get paid 2 dollars per hour. I have a contract so I am covered by the district's liability insurance policy.
It is a connection that I have with the kids and I can get them to study hard and work hard.
Teachers teach because they feel that they have something to share and want to grow kids.
It is a glass half empty or glass half full situation.
Fail to support teachers and cut their wages so the dedicated teachers have to get second jobs and work all summer. More than 60% of teachers do this already. Most new teachers work all summer just so they can put enough money away to try to seek retirement in 30 years. Let things fall apart and you will see scores wither and student apathy increase with teachers who are willing to work for peanuts because they don't want to go anywhere else.
There is another way.....
Teachers that feel that they are supported and compensated will work harder to keep their job and do their best for their students. They are less likely to look for greener pastures. The National Board Certified and presidential award winning teachers are the ones that get recruited away from FNSBSD. The increases in the pay scale that would happen if the district settled will make teachers want to stay and make them want to perform. Administrators won't have pressure to keep crappy teachers(There are some of them out there) and can instead get rid of them. The district will have highly qualified teachers trying to beat its door down to provide the best instruction and learning environment that they can.
Sincerely,
Thomas
----
Regarding the sob stories.
Please please cut me some slack!!!! Save it for "teacher's night at the borough assembly" and the news miner's reporters.
Your home work assignment is a new pop quiz. You all got a F on the prior math quiz.
Tell me and the people who read is discussion from all over the world, exactly --- what you do for the children that is worth nearly 4 times the wage paid a substitute teacher?
You will receive a ZERO.
For using any of the following words:
1) we love our job
2) "it's for the children" (this one earns you 000 + a life time membership in the con artist's club)
In the interest of taxpayer's education:
You are granted permission to cheat and have your union BA write it for you.
Your answers are do by midnight.
Class dismissed :)
icerider - Again....I stand by my statement of 170 STUDENT CONTACT DAYS. Those are days when students are in my classroom. The other 12 days in my contract are for in-services and teacher work days. I have students in my classroom for 170 days. Do you understand that? Now, as for 5 hours...lets go over my day. My contract starts at 7:20 and ends at 2:50. Thats 7 1/2 hours. I won't even go into when I actually get there and leave, because we aren't talking about that. So, I have 1/2 hour of duty free prep before school. So, down to 7 hours. I have a 1/2 hour prep once a day when the kids go to gym/music/library. So, down to 6 1/2 hours. The kids have 1/2 hour recess (which is my UNPAID lunch). So down to 6 hours. I have 1/2 hour after school where I still have to be available for students, parents, dismissal duties, etc. So, still at 6 hours. That's my day in elementary school. High school may be different...I don't know. So, again, I stand by my math. I would love to see your math and how you arrived at 40K.
hckywtchr - I think we had a misunderstanding. The salary that I posted is what FEA is requesting for a 1st year teacher. I guess I didn't understand that you wanted that salary converted to a 12 month salary.
1AkFox - I don't know why I am answering you because we have had this arguement before. I don't know why you insist on posting that BS $81,000 figure. It doesn't matter what the cost is. We are talking about SALARY. You know...what it says on your pay stub??? That's all anyone cares about. When you apply for a loan, do they ask you about benefits, or do they ask you what your gross pay is? When they figure retirement for TERS, they figure it by base pay. That is how everyone that I have ever known refers to their SALARY. So back off the ridiculous $65/hour because it is just.....not.....true.
1AkFox tried that argument about three weeks ago when a teacher/school district opinion came up. He can not let this drivel go...he was proven wrong multiple times last time and he EVENTUALLY shut up. He must think it is a new audience?
Besides the oh so misquoted 81k, he now says teachers should be paid just about the same as your local full time teenaged McDonald's employee...outstanding logic and insight. Me thinks some village is deprived of their idiot.
How can you even rationally think up such idiotic stuff???
I think that we should have "A Day of Silence" so that we are all more appreciative of the plight that public school teachers have. You know, like the one that was observed for the gay life style. I bet that would convince us on the pay issue.
But as I said before, I'm all for a nice contract. Just, let's set up vouchers for school choice while were at it. Have yet to hear a good argument against it.
A lot has been said up above, and doesn't need repeating.
But I think the essence of the argument keeps getting lost.
The question is: Should the school district agree to raises for teachers beyond what they have offered, as the union is demanding?
Many teachers (I am one myself) have pointed out all of the reasons why our job is demanding, why it requires a significant amount of time and energy. I am well aware that many other jobs are demanding as well -- and how demanding it is isn't really the point.
It isn't even necessary to decide if teachers "deserve" the raise the FEA is fighting for. I would argue they do, but as community members I am sure you are more worried about what you are getting for your tax dollars and whether or not your children are receiving a quality education.
In this particular argument, the tax dollars have already been allocated. The State of Alaska and the Borough have given the school district the money. The question is not whether or not you should pay more in taxes...the money is there already. The question is what should the District spend it on? If you don't believe it should be spent on teacher pay, what should they allocate it to?
Attracting quality teachers has to consist of more than relying on their love of humanity. Salaries are important. If you want teachers from the top of their high school classes, from rigorous educational programs, you must attract them with competitive salaries that allow them to live in a cheap apartment without a roommate and also allow them to avoid taking a second job so that they can focus on their first job. Most of the pay arguments above are addressing a salary level far above a starting teacher's pay (and certainly far above my pay after teaching for 5 years). As time goes on and fewer people stick with teaching, we're talking more about people at the bottom of the scale that at the top.
And if you want to retain teachers you have to be willing to pay them enough to make the downsides of the job worth it, while also enabling them to pay their heating bills (rising just like yours), support their children, and retire with some security. I think the days are over for the work force in general when people stick with one career for 30 or 40 years. Teachers are educated and have skills that are desirable in other fields. And a significant number of teachers leave the profession before five years...so that valuable experience factor is lost. Just like any job we get better, more effective, at it over time.
It is in the best interest of the Fairbanks community to attract and retain good, experienced teachers. Therefore the tax money that is already there should be spent on them...at least I think so!
Hurray for all teachers! Please don't quit. That means I will have
to come out of retirement, teach and deal with the pay raise issue all over again. Here's my two cents. Education starts at home, way before the child enters school. Parents have a major influence on how a child functions at school. Respect for ones self and for others is paramount. I'm so thankful that my husband and I are both retired teachers. We won't even sub because of the all stuff teachers have to deal with on a daily basis. Whether you choose public or private school, home schooling or some other alternative......please teach your kids some good rules on being responsible and accountable for your own actions.
I saw someone up there mentioned teachers are never around...every time I go to my kids school, almost everyday, there are teachers there, every game I go too, there are teachers there, every concert (band, orchestra and choir) teachers are there. If you cant find a teacher anywhere, then you really arent looking very hard, or at all I would guess. And for people who use the dropout rate as an argument, save it for the toilet. Do know what I dont see a lot of when Im at the school? Parents. Yes, parents, we are resonsible for our kids. If they drop out, thats our fault. Not the teachers. Give them the money they earn, give them the money that was promised to them, and stop complaining about it. I am so sick of seeing these anti-teacher posts on here.
Gil-For a teacher, you are not very observant and you obviously have a low comprehension rate. I never said that I was not now nor had ever been a teacher. I said I was not in the teaching profession, big difference, but that does not really matter because you prove my point over and over again. I have reapeatedly lauded good teachers and have said I am for giving good teachers a raise, but you seemed to have missed that. You are so driven by your one sided attitude you missed the compliments and that is why it takes someone outside the teaching profession to make an objective decision on teachers salaries. If you also do not understand the corelation between my comment on voting, I will explain it to you. You do not have to be a teacher to understand the plight of teachers and give them an equatable raise. You also do not have to be a teacher to understand our local school chidren score consistanly below the national average for all levels of education. As far as bad press, how about our nationwide education level as compared to the rest of the world or maybe the dozens of teachers having illicit affairs with students. I never in any way shape or form called you or anyone else here a liar, although I am a bit suspicious of wether or not you are actually a teacher as opposed to someone that just likes to argue. In addition if you had read the entire file I directed you to you would have seen the adjustment for cost of living, plus if you were capable of doing any actual independent research you would have found the same websites I did and found the same information I have. My responses were based on more than one survey, I don't trust any single sites information. Given your lack of research ability and your lack of knowledge of general educational stucture, I am becoming more and more suspicious that you might not even be a high school graduate, much less a teacher. Yes I did have students in the FNSBSD, but that is not where most of my experience with teachers comes from so that argument is a non-starter. Oh, by the way, Gil this is a webpost and there are really no rules for style, mechanics or grammer, but if there were you would definately have no room to talk. Face it Gil you won't do the research and you will never agree with me so let's leave it at that. Rachel and GDogg I hope you get your raise, you seem to be caring individuals, FrozenFish the juries still out on you, you were to quick to volunteer to babysit, as for Gil if you are a teacher you need to take a pay cut.
P.S. FrozenFish-you were absolutely right, I think I need a new calculator. I hope you treat all your students with respect regardless of their parents and provide them with a quality education, if thats who you are then I hope you get your raise too.
Just my two cents worth: it's been many, many, many years since I graduated from school but I see the same useless material is still being drilled into kids heads...no wonder they don't learn. Today's youth does not want to know every detail of what happened 300 years ago. They want to learn facts that will enable them to secure great jobs and prosper. The only classes I took forward into my long working career were math, english, and bookkeeping/office skills. Condense the ancient stuff and concentrate on what relates to individual lives. You don't need a college degree to earn a good living, you just need knowledge of your chosen subject and good communication skills. Inspire kids and they will learn.
Good morning class.
"What you do for the children that is worth nearly 4 times the wage paid a substitute teacher?"
You have receive a group "F" for the following reason:
1) Irrelevant responses to the question.
Example: "Oops--I should have written "ahead," instead of "head." My apologies."
--------
2)Regarding your ability to follow instructions:
"You will receive a ZERO.
For using any of the following words:
1) we love our job
2) "it's for the children" (this one earns you 000 + a life time membership in the con artist's club)"
An "A" has been earned showing you can follow instructions! This implies the quality of education is determined by management NOT by slackerd teachers.
------ Discussion ---
The arguments based on "denial" -- such as 'I am not making' 81k. et. al.
"Denial" works well on the politicians whom you have put into office who protect your contracts and your "Union members live better" standard of living.
HOWEVER in the real world denial is NOT a valid reason to do anything.
The value of your labor is equal to that of the private sector teachers and substitute teachers.
Unionization and political actives are the reasons why you are in the 81k vs the 25-30k private sector wage NOT BECAUSE OF YOUR VALUE.
Considering job security value of "tenure" the value of your labor is worth 90% parity with the private sector teachers.
Your political activities artificially run up the cost of your labor relative to the private sector!
In closing, parents and taxpayers resent being forced by law (legalized extortion) to slop ANY hogs in the public trough!
Once again V.I., if you think offering teachers (that goes for both public and private) pay equality with fast food employees is going to provide quality teachers....????
One nonsensical argument after another on your part. Not really for sure why...do you just like to stir the *&*& by claiming something outlandish or is it just the fact that you have no children and want NONE of your taxes to go towards education?
The Wall Street bailout, Defense, and the Interstate System must almost give you an aneurysm. Unfortunately, none of those help you give a rational argument about Interior Alaska educator pay.
Thank you icerider, I appreciate the kind words. And, to answer your question, Yes, I treat all of my students with equal respect, regardless of how crazy their parents are. I am sorry if I come off so defensive, it is just that there are many people on these boards who post blatant and outright lies about teachers and our pay/benefits. It gets old trying to defend it, and I admit, I get frustrated by the amount of people in this borough who, apparently, do not value teachers or education. It seems that you are not one of those people. I thank you for your support.
"Yes, I treat all of my students with equal respect, regardless of how crazy their parents are."
Hay, fool your salary is bing paid by those crazy parents, who's children are forced by law to attend the public school system and pay taxes for your wages!
Show some respect!
Frozenfish-- You sound very bitter & angry. Maybe the parents aren't the ones instilling these feelings in our children?
Gee 1AKFox, do mean like the respect that you have shown to teachers on these boards???? Did it ever occur to you that most teachers are also homeowners and pay taxes as well?? Technically, I pay a portion of my own salary when I pay my property taxes. And FYI, no one is forced to have their children in the public school system. You, or anyone, is free to home school your children. But hey, don't let those facts get in the way again.
seven51 - I am neither bitter nor angry. Icerider had made the statement, " I hope you treat all your students with respect regardless of their parents." I was simply concurring that the statement was true. If you really think that there are not some whacked out parents out there, you need to come visit a school some time. However, I never allow my feelings about someones parenting skills affect how I treat their child. All of my students get the same level of respect and education.
"it is just that there are many people on these boards who post blatant and outright lies about teachers and our pay/benefits."
Blatant "outright lies".
The biggest blatant outright lie(s) I have seen is the lame-brained claims that FNSBSB teachers pay should exceed the pay of teachers doing the same job in the private sector!
I note public subsidized home schooling is about $3,000 vs $10,000 per student in the public school system. Also, I understand tuition to some of the private schools is about $3,000.
Frozenfish-- Whoops caught you, you are supposed to be teaching our kids!!!. But instead you are posting on the Internet.
I have also noticed "teachers" posting while at work molding the minds of youth.
Hummm, their free time (to faxx around on the net) proves one thing: they are way, way under worked! Upping the class size to 40 kids would help solve the problem.
I don't recall any private school teacher ID-ing themselves as being in support of the public school teachers wage increases. I wounder WHY?
Are you telling me 2 years at a teacher's college makes your labor worth 2 or 3 times the certified the subs working for FNSBSD? Or, the Ak State certified teachers working in the private schools?
I note, the private school teachers don't have the power of taxation to fatten their wages.
Yes students, "union members do live better" when they control the borough assembly which has the power of taxation.
Bump...
Hey if Mrs. Dyer, if you're so overworked and have such little time, how come you had time to act in a STUDENT play last year out at Eielson High. I attended the play and was deeply disturbed that you took a part away from a STUDENT in that play. Maybe you need to straiten out your priorities, and stop hanging out in the halls with the "cool" kids.
"PS--It takes most teachers 5 years of college to become a teacher"
5 years give me a break.. It used to 2 years.
--------
I suspect in the near future there will be fewer teachers. Because of high wages etc. will do to the teacher's unions -- what GM did to the Auto Workers union. They replaced 5,000 human welders with bots. The bots don't strike, get sick, show up to work drunk, hung over, steal stuff, sue, or vote. GM's labor cost used to be $73
per hour. It has been cut to $28! And will drop more if they don't go bankrupt, first! GM's stock is trading at the 1930s price of about $10.
This a 4 year old example:
http://www.alicebot.org/directory.html
Choose "Chat"
(Alice lives in a 4 year old laptop computer!)
Just one computerized AI teacher program and you are gone!!!!!
Also, I understand, MIT has all the course work etc on the NET for FREE --- to anyone any place in the world.
I suspect AI home schooling will be the wave of the future.
PS:
AI does not stand for Artificial Insemination.
Sorry, I to have mislead any members of the education lobby.
:(
seven51 - You didn't "catch" me at anything. I posted during my 1/2 hour UNPAID lunch. I am now posting at a little after 3 pm. I stopped getting paid at 2:50.
I do have a suggestion, and I am going to follow my own advice here. I think we all need to just ignore 1AkFox. If you don't feed the troll, maybe it will go away. This person's only purpose in life, it seems, is to slam on teachers and spread false information.
1AKFox
You are actually incorrect
Check with UAF school of Education and see the requirements to become a teacher (atleast in public school)
Bachelor Degree + 1 year student teaching
Sorry political sports fans, I am not into elective affinity.
No matter how you slice dice and shovel the bull.
You are all profoundly over paid!
No worker is worth 2-3 times what other workers make doing the same job. I don't give a *&^% who they are or how fat their ego!
Be assured, I truly resent the use of legalized extortion to fund your wages.
The one and THE only reason your average cost to us tax payers is around $81,000 is YOUR union's political control of the borough assembly gained by block voting.
Without the backing of the borough assembly members --you put into office and keep in office --teachers would not be making a dime more than the private sector teachers providing educational services parents think are worth paying for! After they are extorted to pay your wages.
-------
Keep mind in the long term you will go the way of the GM welders and be replaced by bots.
Because the $150 million FNSBSD budget would easily buy the finest main frame computer, the finest home computers for the students, plus a T1 connection, and one copy of "Teacher Bot 1.0".
Teacher Bot would provide 365 day around clock the teaching service to all students.
One extra nice side effect would be the reduction of disease spread from the number one physical and mental health hazard in America ~ the schools.
Thank you all for the entertainment.
Your wage increase is pre approved any way because it is a political decision by a political body you control.
Re: UAF.
Thank you for the information.
A question:
How does UAF rank in the US News and World annual college and university rankings?
1AKFox-
I graduated from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts with a degree in History and Anthropology. It is ranked 1 in many recent US News and World Reports. I grew up in the Bush and Fairbanks is really as urban as I can stand.
When you can find a computer that can allow my students to actively think, solve problems and maintain student intellectual rigor every single class for the entire class period then replace us.
I teach with professional peers from the best universities in the world. Many have advanced professional degrees including JDs and PHD's. The students from our FNSBSD schools consistently are some of the top recruits for the most competitive colleges.
Two years ago, a Fairbanks school won 9th in the nation in the Academic Decathlon. They were relegated to a small snippet on the back of the education section.
UAF is a good public land grant university and I am proud to be an alumni from their graduate school.
We worry about the skill sets and the development of our human capital products; and then we stand behind them.
I am sorry that some teacher failed you. I don't believe that you would be as pensive and as bellicose as you appear to be.
Sincerely,
Thomas
BTW- Most of my peers from Harvard who are teachers earn between 100-125K per year working at elite prep schools like Phillips Andover Academy or Choate-Rosemary Hall.
I am very satisfied with much less than this.
Have a great day and if you can read this...
Thank a teacher.
As a dropout at the age of 14 I find the word bellicose, very amusing.
Why? Because you have (or had) a propensity to argue? Scratching my head as to why that is amusing.
Re: UAF.
Thank you for the information.
A question:
How does UAF currently rank in the US News and World Report annual College and university rankings?
BTW - for those of you who do not know this, Ms. Dyer's schedule is for high school. Depending on what level a teacher teaches and at what school s/he works, the preparation time may be different.
Elementary = 40 minutes per day (that's 200 minutes, folks), prepping for 2-6 subjects for 20-30 kids (depends on the school)
Middle = 200-300 minutes per day prepping for 1-3 subjects for 100-180 kids
Please tell me how it is humanly possible to tackle all the tasks that are expected of a teacher in the time provided. If teacher salaries are such an issue, then maybe the district needs to provide a plan that takes the money saved from salaries (assuming the teachers settle for what the district wants to offer) and reduces class sizes or increases the preparation time teachers have for all those tasks.
If the district wants the same-o, same-o, then pay teachers a salary that at least keeps pace with inflation!
1AkFox -
"I graduated from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts with a degree in History and Anthropology. It is ranked 1 in many recent US News and World Reports. I grew up in the Bush and Fairbanks is really as urban as I can stand."
Well Momma Mia wash my pen out with soap for what I am about to do!!!
My reply:
Thomas, I thank you for your services.
First, for returning to Alaska.
Second, the amount of time you took compose your brilliant reply while posting your personal resume to impress a single country hick.
Third, the free psychiatric analysis resulting from your studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts earning your Doctorate of Prevarication with some unknown degree in History and Anthropology.
Forth, your steer dung reply has earned you a extra special academic research Ignoble award!
Be assured, I will never mention your name nor post your "reply" to a trivia question posed by my simple mind to Saturday Night Live. In addition, I acknowledge, making a fool yourself while sober, has not qualified you for a Darwin Award, yet.
Only, due to my desire to protect your tenure at our illustrious University of the North and it's funding, you have received an A+.
An "A+" is only given to someone who excelled in the political art of "If you can't dazzle 'um with your brilliance; confound 'um with your logic; at least drown 'um in prevarication."
I therefore pray, Oh God All Mighty, Great Pumpkin, The Ghosts of Christmas , Past, Present and Future, any and all deities known and known in this universe and all other universes --- deliver my humble soul from the prevaricating the half wits infesting this chat room. And, your infinite powers do mercifully multiply their IQ by a factor of no less than 10! However, if you choose to use a .01 multiplier they will continue to type but unable to wipe themselves.
Answer a simple question:
How does UAF currently rank in the US News and World Report's Annual College and University rankings?
FrozenFish-Thank you for your reply. I think with enough public pressure in open forums, such as last nights meeting, the school board will have no choice but to give teachers a more equitable pay and benefits package. Perhaps parents should start a letter writing campaign to the school board to better make their feelings known. It might get started through the PTA. I will do what I can and hope for the best.
Gil-Grow up
"Answer a simple question:
How does UAF currently rank in the US News and World Report's Annual College and University rankings?"
V.I.-If is so simple, pay the fee yourself to unlock your non relevant ranking. And yes it is non relevant--UAF is "the" (sorry Anchorage) school for students from all over Alaska to attend (and quite a few out of state students). North Star Borough does not have a monopoly on who attends.
Better go back to your erroneous 81k, not worth more than a fast food employee, or it takes educators two years to complete their schooling arguments. Clue phone on that last one--4 year degree AND if they stay a teacher, they only have so many years before they have to start working on a grad degree (master's).
Enjoy your day of coming up with repartes.
Clipped from above:
" 8:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
BTW- Most of my peers from Harvard who are teachers earn between 100-125K per year working at elite prep schools like Phillips Andover Academy or Choate-Rosemary Hall.
I am very satisfied with much less than this.
[.... snip ...]"
Regarding earnings vs "peers from Harvard".
1) You DO NOT pay state income tax -- that is probably worth a 15% higher wage.
2) You and each house hold member received $3,200 cash income this year. The house hold average size around here is 4. A gross extra unearned would be in that case would $12,800.
3) You DO NOT PAY sales tax. 8% is a common rate which makes your net after tax income worth 8% more thanks to Donna.
4) You Do NOT pay personal personal property tax. % unknown.
5) Your car license pates are $100 vs other places where they run $350 and up. A $200 savings
6) You DO NOT pay 8% gas tax. It's estimated value is $20 bucks a per month or $240 per year
7) You have political control of the borough assembly and state legislature. Wounder what that is worth vs the private school system's pay scale? So, I will assume your gross cost to FNSBSD is $90,000 because of your Harvard degree.
15% for state income on $90,000 = $13,500 Else where your wage would $103,500
Family of 4 unearned income $12,800
Adding on the $12,800 your income would need to be $116,300
No sales tax on net income is unknown. So I will assume you spend a generous $40,000 in the local economy at 8% and you save $3,200
Adding on to the $116,300 the sales tax savings of $3,200 the equivalent wage here in Fairbanks is $119,500 Rounded to $120,000 because it is easy to type.
Looks to me like you are doing about as good as your friends.
I am confident you figured all this out before you came to Fairbanks.
Since the money issue is about equal prep school wages back East (and elsewhere?).
Why are you here?
I am amazed such simple question remains unanswered.. I am starting wounder why!!!
What are you all hiding????
How does UAF currently rank in the US News and World Report's Annual College and University rankings?
It not exactly a Harvard quality question!
Such as: "Is sex endothermic?" or explaining how quantum anomalies could create alternate universes.
You guys got your raise bagged!!!! Prop A passed.
And you still have control of the borough assembly, to boot!
Yes some union members do live better than other union members, because the live off of us.
My name is Julie Watson, and I am the PTSA president at Ben Eielson Jr./Sr. High School. I would like to respond to some of the teacher-bashing comments on the 'Raises Needed' blog. I taught as a substitute teacher for a year when my girls enrolled at Ben Eielson. I've had the opportunity to see up-close-and-personal what our teachers go through each day. I must say, they are some of the most under-appreciated people I know.
The battle the teachers are fighting right now isn't all about money. It has a lot to do with them feeling unappreciated and under-valued. Have we become so busy in our lives that we can't take a few minutes to let our kids' teacher's know we appreciate them? If you are a parent, do you know your child's teachers? Have you spoken to them? Have you ever thanked them for educating, encouraging, and supporting your kids? You know, my husband has been in the military for over 20 years, and I cannot tell you how many times people have come up to him or me and thanked us for his service to our country. Sometimes they are complete strangers! The gratitude and pride that swells up in me every time that happens is incredible. Those feelings help keep me grounded when the requirements of his job become a source of stress in our lives. Isn't it time for us to start thanking those who are serving our own children? I think a simple word of appreciation will go far in helping our teachers know that they are indeed valued and respected for their dedication. Whatever side you may be standing on regarding the district/teacher negotiations, I think we should all be able to agree that we need our teachers and they deserve our respect and support.
About a month ago, I talked to a young man about (20 years old). I asked him if he plans to go into the military, he said no way. I then ask him if he knew anything about World-War 2. He said he did read about 3 pages on World-War 2, in a School here in Fairbanks. I then ask him if he knew what “D-Day” was. He said “He was Not Sure, but he thinks its some kind of Holiday, with a day off! The Girl with him didn’t know either.
** Now I read that the Teacher’s wants “Raises!
I have a better Idea, let Firer the Teachers and the School Supervisors, and Out-Source the Jobs to the India. That way we will get Good Teachers that knows how to teach, and they will be happy with the money they get paid. Also, The Kids will know something when they get out of school. As for Moms and dads of the kids, for each course the kid fails in school, fine the parents of the kid $500.00 per course failed, or 200 hours of Social-Work.
If we don’t do something like this, we will keep having kids getting out of High School that doesn’t know anything, and turning into Democrat Voters!
Dear Disgruntled FSNBSD employees,
~~~ Your Imaginary Termination Notice ~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sniveling, wo-is-me, egotistic, belly aching, cry baby, whiners do not deserve any job including "teaching".
You only deserve a job because your are ABLE, WILLING, of sound mind and physically able to do the job, at labor cost affordable by your employer.
If it where not for your union status:
Your resignation is accepted effective immediately for the following reasons.
1) your NEGATIVE attitude is being transfered to the students.
2) your NEGATIVE attitude shames other FNSBSD employees, causing disrespect, and public hostility.
You will not receive a favorable reference recommendation for any future employment as "teacher"
Your termination check will be mailed Money.
PS.
Try Sam's, they have an effective attitude adjustment program.
~~~~~~~~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY ~~~~~
~~~~~~ Welcome to the Real World ~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Public respect is earned!!!! Not given.
Your extortion, greedy, self serving, self righteous behavior turned me off years ago.
Be VERY thank full am NOT setting public employment policy and have ZERO political stroke.
All I can do is cast 1 single vote against every one of your candidates!
Hello Everyone, My name is David Emig and I am a Junior at Ben Eielson Jr./Sr. High School. I've been attending this school since the ninth grade and I have gotten an excellent chance to get to know all my teachers fairly well. Ms. Christine Dyer is my 11th grade English teacher, and is undoubtedly one of the best in the district.
I stumbled upon this Letter to the Editor upon reading another blog, and as I read through the comments, there is just a few things I wanted to touch base on this subject with everyone who is pathetic enough to deny these teachers a raise.
First,Someone stated that a good reason kids aren't getting an education in school is the way they dress and wear makeup. First off, you amaze me. *claps hands slowly* I just wanted to point out that a child's ability to learn is in no way effected by other people AT ALL. The child's ability to learn relies deeply on their desire to learn. I know this from experience, and I myself have struggled with it. If your child is doing bad in school, it is their problem, nobody else's, so STOP. BLAMING. IT. ON. EVERYONE. ELSE.
Now second, our teachers put so much work into their days, more than pretty much everyone else does, and they rarely get commended for it. Not to mention the teachers, by contract, were supposed to get a raise this year. It has been 100 days and 17 hours since the teachers have been working without a contract. Now, as much work and dedication teachers put into their jobs they literally DESERVE this raise, and not only this raise, but they deserve to be paid more than what they are being paid. The school district has so much money, some of which was supposed to go to the raise, and they need to start giving it to the teachers in the district. Teachers do so much at our school and are not getting the credit they deserve. For example, our wonderful Drama teacher spends time after school and on WEEKENDS working on the set for the semester play, and has been since she has been the drama teacher. My jazz band teacher takes a few days out of his schedule to stay behind after school to hold volunteer jazz band practice for kids who are passionate about music and being in jazz band, but cannot be in the class for their numerous and private reasons. Not to mention all the other teachers in the school who hold other clubs such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes and even just the teachers who stay behind a few hours at school to get grading done.
Just ask this question to yourself: If you had a job, and you had to spend more than half of what you work doing work on your free time, wouldn't you wanted to be paid and acknowledged for what you work?
If you would like to respond to me in anyway, you may e-mail me at David_emig2000@hotmail.com due to the fact that I probably will not re-visit this Letter to the Editor.
Thanks for reading!
Bye =]
I am a current student and Ben Eielson High School. I have attended this school since I was in seventh grade, and luckily enough, my parents have been granted one more year on Eielson Air Force Base so that I can finish my senior year here. At the moment I am a junior, and Mrs. Dyer is my eleventh grade English Honors teacher. I absolutely LOVE her class. I have learned so much in the weeks that I have been at school from Mrs. Dyer. I am proud to say that I attend BEHS, and I love the enviroment provided there. I feel safe at my highschool, and I enjoy waking up every morning to attend school. This satisfaction would not be possible without the care and encouragment provided to me and my fellow peers by our teachers, not to mention the excellent teaching i receive everyday. I come into school early some mornings, and I always come across many teachers working in their classrooms. I also stay late after school for sports and I see many teachers working hours past the time school has ended. My mother is also a teacher, and I know firsthand the dedication that many teachers provide to their students and schools because of this. My mother works hours after school ends everyday, and she often wakes up as early as four in the morning to make time to get all her work finished. She also goes into her classroom on Sundays, and will stay there all day long working. Many teachers provide this kind of work ethic, and this just proves how a raise in is need. I believe that our teachers deserve this raise, and I believe that my teachers deserve respect for all the hard work they do just to improve their students lives. Without their teaching and hardwork, the futures of all students would be completely lost.
sincerely,
a grateful ben eielson raven:)
so as i was reading all of these i have two things to say mrs. dyer was my 11th grade teacher and at the begging of the year i couldent right to save my life and by the end of my junior year i could write b papers thanks to her hard work OUTSIDE of her paid hours so ya teachers do need a raise would it really be that hard to give them one?
and secondly after all the comments i have read i laugh at 1akfox everytime.
Wow nutt. Glad to see your "education" was so good.
Re the prior (A post by an alleged Junior High student --Don't they teach computer security? Never ever post your real name or email address on net. )
--------
A Social science experiment:
You believe your teacher needs a raise, ok?
Prove you care! Give your teacher a check for 1/2 your last PFD.
--------
Political Science History Lesson: Politicking for Profit.
In 1999 there was state wide ballot prop to,
by law, take and give -- you, your family members, and all your friends-dividends to- your-teacher.
The ballot prop was funded by the oil companies, endorsed and promoted in class by your teachers, UAF, FNSB, Cities of NP and Fairbanks, the News Miner, both Mayors, the Governor, Lt Governor, and over half of the state senate and house.
The people "for" the prop spent $5million dollars; those against the prop spent $350k.
On election day, the ballot prop FAILED IN EVERY SINGLE voting district in the STATE OF ALASKA and state wide by 83%!!!!
Only 17% of the population voted to give the money to your teacher. (many later said they marked the wrong box my mistake because of the ballot prop's wording)
This year you received $2,066 because the voters in 1999, in no uncertain terms, told the teachers -----"NO!!!! You are not worth it"---
I have NEVER EVER seen such a blistering political defeat of greed driven idea and massacre of ballot proposition.
Maybe if teachers stuck to teaching actual subjects instead of personal values and ideals, they would have sufficient time to prepare their lessons and won't have to spend all the extra time. Let the parents instill values and worth to their children.
Dear 1AkFox,
Well, I though I should write you a public little comment because I believe your last comment was directed towards me.
First, You should learn how to read, or maybe pay teachers so you can go back to school and learn how to analyze any form of literature, becuase I believe I stated that I was a Junior in High School. And if you cannot comprehend that this time, that means that I am in 11th grade.
Second, As a reply to your statement, that of which being "Never put your name or email address on the net." Umm... So? I have nothing to fear by putting my name on the internet and I like to allow people the privelage of knowing who I am when I write things.
Third, My most favorite point. I just absolutely love how I know a majority of people on this comment page, people who go to school with me I might add, who are bashing you heavily and making more sense than you ever will.
So... Now will you stop complaining about funding a situation that the world needs at this point in time? Or are you just going to keep whining?
Bye Bye, everyone!
=D
Another student of Ben Eielson and former student of Mrs. Dyer here. First of all I think some people should read her letter before they choose to respond to it. Secondly, I think some people should come to school and sit in the classroom and see what kind of influence Mrs. Dyer has in this school. I know it would take more than one day to see all that she has done, but I think even in one day you would be able to see something special about her classroom. I have had a special influence from many of the teachers at this school and none more than Mrs. Dyer. There is no doubt that she cares about her students academic progress and she does her best to help them in any way. As a former student of hers I know I can say that she did everything to help me. For one of my papers, Mrs. Dyer stayed at the school past 6 o'clock helping me finish it. Yes, that is her choice. And her choices should be rewarded along with other teachers with the pay raise. Thank you Mrs. Dyer and all the teachers at Ben Eielson for what you have done for your students. It will not go unappreciated.
*yawn*
One more thing to add to all you non-believers before I depart to bed.
Really... Come on. You must have the I.Q. of a salad fork if you do not want to support public education and the teachers that commit themselves to teaching us and promoting our lives everyday.
Everyone, including the most important people in the world claim that "Child are our future" well, better yet, "Children are YOUR future". So if you do not want to support our education, you are just digging yourselves a deeper hole, because soon we will all be in charge. Education is the most important factor in any society in the world today, and since America's educations is far from what it should be, why damage it more and only bring it down? Seriously, where is the logic in not supporting America's educational system?
The only way I can describe the people who do not support education is that they are arrogant, self centered people who really are full of themselves, or are just out looking to make someone else's life terrible.
You all are bad people...
... And Communists =O < My face of utter surprise.
Oh, and from what I learned in English, Joseph McCarthy did not like the Communists one bit!
So, for hopefully the last time,
Bye!
=D
I see the term raise used over and over again. Excuse me, but the last time I checked, all civil service employees <read: those who collect a paycheck from the government coffers> are on a fixed salary schedule. By the way, what is practically the only job on the government payroll that doesn't get a COLA???? Teaching. Soooo, when teachers have to negotiate for a "raise" every three years, let's call it what it is...the COLA that all other civil servants take for granted. The difference is that teachers have to grovel through negotiations every three years for a raise <read:COLA> while listening to the petty beratings of such intellectual anti-education system people as evidenced in this thread.
School district, get a clue. With inflation at 5-6% annually (and around here, groceries and energy much higher) you need to give all your employees (non-teachers as well) raises, every year. A 1.5% raise is just an insult.
Quit taking advantage of your employees and get on with your mission of educating.
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