Why are Teachers Regarded so Lowly....

I read an article this morning about teachers feeling that the dynamics of the classroom has changed over the past few years, and I was taken back by all the comments that people were leaving on the page. Saying that teachers were not worth what they make, that they are the cause of all the problems in our educational system, and that they should all get paid far less than what they are. This really bothered me (as comments like this always do). So I left the following as a comment of my own. I think it sums it up...

"I always find it interesting when people put down teachers because they ask for some respect and support. Teachers across this country are looked down upon because of their jobs, whereas in other countries, teachers are regarded highly (hmmm....could this be a part of the reason that the US is so low in the education of their children). Remember you would not be able to read, do math, write, etc without the help and encouragement of the teachers that you had throughout your childhood.

Teachers may have 3 months off in the summer...be aware that those are NOT paid days, none of the days that teachers have off are paid days. Also, teachers work hours upon hours more than the 8 hours a day that they are paid to work--they do it because they know that they can't do their jobs without giving their own time. Ask any teacher and they will tell you that they go in on weekends and bring things home, all so that the students will be engaged and interested in the lessons that they are teaching.

YES, there are SOME teachers that are burnt out and frankly need to retire. They are grumpy, angry, and no fun in the classroom. But don't lump in those teachers that love going to school every day to teach their students the love of learning--which are most of them.

It's very unfortunate that politics have become the killer of schools. It's not the teachers. I think that those of you that think that teachers are whining and should get paid less, should spend a week in a classroom having to create engaging lessons that follow the benchmark guidelines for a room full of 35 students, that are often at 35 different learning levels, so you must differentiate each and every lesson to all those levels. You will see the time and energy that it takes to be a teacher.

With the dwindling support in the schools it is not only effecting the teachers, who now have to do the job of up to 5 different specialists, but all this effects the students...and aren't they what matters??? Let's stop whining about things, step up to the plate and fund our schools! Oregon can do better!!

And FYI-in my school district the teachers took a pay cut in order to keep as many jobs as they could, without cutting days. But keep in mind, teachers are required to have a master's degree...and yet they are not paid as such, treated horridly, and gain no respect. Teachers also continue to go back to school regularly, to keep learning...where in the private sector is there a job where you do so much, that effects so much and yet receive so little?

Thank god for the teachers that love to teach and touch the lives of their students are willing to work for so little $ and so little respect.

It really is too bad that education is not something that is seen as important in the US...both politically and within the society. Until society changes it's views and prioritizes education, things will never change, and our students will continue to suffer because of it!"