Sandy Supposes....

Teachers?

The Sunday News! In February, teachers throughout the entire state of West Virginia went on strike , citing poor working conditions including low salaries and rising costs of benefits. Strikes by public employees aren't legal in WV, yet the teachers have been willing to take the risk because the situation can't get much worse, and there aren't enough certified teachers in the state in part because starting salaries are startlingly low. What do you think? What's a fair salary for teacher, based on the expectations faculty administrations and parents place on them? Any other thoughts on the topic?

         ARGHH!! I had a blog reply prepared and , POOF, it disappeared... okay, I'll attempt another reply...

         First of all, I'd like to state that I appreciate teachers. I have fond memories of both mine, and the educators of my children. I believe we actually learned things not least of which is to read and write. Thank you! We had mainly great experiences. The teachers in our lives were successful.

         I don't naively believe that a teacher's job is an easy one. They face both praise and criticism. They are weighted with expectations that are not always reasonable. I believe they deserve respect and admiration.

         How do we measure an educator's worth? What is the magic formula for a salary that reflects all that they do? I do not know.

         Here, in Ontario, Canada, teachers seem to earn a comfortable wage. This does not stop them from striking at each contract renewal. They complain about mandatory testing, accountability, reporting requirements, class sizes, pensions, and, of course, salaries. Many times, they have to be legislated back to work. Is this necessary? Is this worthwhile? Who knows for sure. Strikes are never pretty and they take their toll.