After a real rough week on the teaching front, a parent was kind enough to drop one of my all time favorites on me today..."My husband would love to be a teacher, but then I would have to work." I have also heard, "I would love to teach but there is no way we could make ends meet." And this doozy, "My husband would love to teach...when he retires."
Look, I appreciate the sympathy, but I am not doing this for pennies. I don't put out my guitar case at the end of the day. I also have news for these people. I actually do earn money for my job. I meant to work for no pay, but the district will not allow it. Nor will state law. One other point: Sure, I would love to make more money but much of why I teach is purely selfish. I love it. I wake up every morning excited to go to work. I found my dream job and how many people can actually say that? Sure, it is cool that I actually do help kids, but I also have so much fun.
One other thing as long as I am on a teaching rant. Just once I would love to be known as "a good teacher" rather than "a good male teacher." I know it is rare that a male teaches in the younger grades, but that alone does not a good teacher make. Just to cut you off in the comments - no I am not willing to have a sex change.
4 comments:
Abe, what a perfect blog for today! My friend viewed my blog today and saw the link to yours so she looked at it too. I emailed her to let her know that yes, your stories truly are true but I think that your personality (the same one that makes you do all that crazy stuff you blog about) is perfect for a 1st grade teacher and I would be honored if Nathan gets a teacher as good as you (male OR female!).
As for money, you guys are more financial set than we are so you must make a lot more than the news likes to say!
Thanks Tammy! I appreciate it your nice words. Unfortunately, I do make about what the news says. You can see exactly what I make (and any other Utah State employee) at http://www.utahsright.com/h_salaries.php
I've seen the utah's right page and looked up everyone's salaries (I guess I'm kind of nosy). It's an absolute shame, I'll just leave it at that.
I'm glad you teach because you love it. Our kids love your class and you're the best, so it works for me.
Anyone who's read your marathon/poop post knows you're no saint :) I suppose that could happen to a saint too.
haha, yes Eric...I am not positive, but I am sure at some point in history a saint has indeed pood their pants.
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