Gov. Chris Christie's teacher bashing: A veteran N.J. educator responds

[no_hypocrisy]

I have been an elementary teacher for 14 years. In light of Gov. Chris Christie’s attack on unions and the people who belong to them, I felt the need to refute some of the “points” that he’s made in recent weeks-- points that he made either directly, or which are the results of his smear campaign on public education.

If only Christie would sit down, talk, and negotiate instead of dictating, maybe some compromises could be reached. I know that we live in the Soprano state, but being bullied and lied to by elected officials is not conducive to reaching a middle ground.

1) So many people think public school teachers have the best deal going, and they've thought this for years. However, what is the reason that most people give for not wanting to go into education? "Teachers don't make enough money." Funny how these people change their tune when it's convenient for them, and when it fits the prevailing political winds.

2) Enough of misguided people comparing the "average" teacher salaries to the "average" private employee salaries! All teachers must have a bachelor's or equivalent; but most have an master's and/or additional college courses. All need 20 professional development hours every year. The private sector encompasses all non-public jobs, from bank CEO's to people with GEDs or less. When people want to compare average salaries, let's make sure the number of years worked in the position and the level of education are equal before the comparison is made.

3) When I entered college, unlike the public's opinion of teacher candidates, I could have gone into any field of my choice. I did not choose teaching because it was easy. I wanted a career where I could: a) Make a difference in kids’ lives, thus effecting positive change in the future; and b) Have stability and good benefits. Many of my friends chose careers where they could make a lot of money right off the bat. We both knew what we were getting into. I knew I'd never live in a mansion, drive sports cars, or go on fancy vacations. They knew that they might make a ton of money, but their job market might be more volatile and they'd have to pay into their benefits. I don't begrudge them for having bigger houses/cars/bank accounts than I do. Don't begrudge me for having good benefits and a pension - that's what I accepted in exchange for smaller yearly wages.

4) I have 14 years into teaching in the same district, a master's and 45 credits, plus numerous accolades and awards. That being said, I averaged my salary over the past 14 years, and it came to about $47,000. The “private sector” people who have the same years of experience, degrees, and commendations have averaged at nearly double that amount or more. Teachers may make a good salary after 25 years in the same district, but we live paycheck-to-paycheck up until that point. And before someone says, “You only work 180 days!” … take a comparable employee and compare days off, vacation, holidays, etc. On average, teachers work approximately 87% of the days their “private” counterparts, while making 65% of their “private” counterparts’ pay.

- more -


http://blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog/2010/03/gov_chris_christies_teacher_ba.html

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Bashing teachers, union busting, charter schools, national tests....

All are steps along the way to destroying what was once the best public education system in the world.

In order to privatize and control it, first they must destroy it.

I am appalled that even President Obama is going along with this tragic course.

[LWolf]

2. Off to the greatest with this one. nt

[Riley18]

3. Teachers are just one more union for politicians controlled by corporations

to destroy. They are doing this quicker now because they are all hiding behind the healthcare drama. By the time the dust settles with healthcare free public education will be just about finished. They are selling our Florida schools faster than even I thought possible. Letters to Senator E. Lynn and others are falling on deaf ears.