Response to are teachers overpaid

That seems like a lot for as little as they work.

I'm a teacher and a coach. I put in a 14 hr day yesterday without overtime pay. What were your hours yesterday, Opie?

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Originally posted by Opie Cunningham:
That seems like a lot for as little as they work.

Wow! Teachers work very hard for their money. During my first 3 months teaching, I worked from 7:15 am to 8:15 at night grading papers and doing lesson plans. If you guys out there don't think teachers deserve the little amount of pay they make, go to your local school and observe for a day. It's no picnic. It's A LOT of work.

I taught HS Math one year in Memphis. It ain't an easy job.

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Originally posted by roarlions!:
I am not sure where people are getting their information, but the starting salary for a beginning teacher is 36,144.

wow. i have been under the assumption that it was more like 28.5k. research shows that i am wrong. in fact, it appears that alabama teachers have the highest starting pay in the nation.

but you need to add the benefit package to the salary. the benefit package is worth about 15 to 20k.

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Originally posted by roarlions!:

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Originally posted by Opie Cunningham:
That seems like a lot for as little as they work.

Wow! Teachers work very hard for their money. During my first 3 months teaching, I worked from 7:15 am to 8:15 at night grading papers and doing lesson plans. If you guys out there don't think teachers deserve the little amount of pay they make, go to your local school and observe for a day. It's no picnic. It's A LOT of work.

agreed 100%. however, after the first 2 or 3 years, the lesson plans are pretty well set and the job becomes much easier. not "easy" but easier.

still, they are paid handsomely for their work compared to private industry. they earn it but they shouldn't whine about how "little" they are paid. teachers who love their jobs simply have it made.

MOST teachers do work hard! Their hours are not just from 7:45-3:30 (still referencing the good teachers). Kuddos to the wonderful teachers we have in this area!
However, there are many people who work just as hard or harder and make far less. I don't have a problem with the the salaries of teachers but I do think they should bear a larger portion of their healthcare premiums. Many families I know pay an average of 300-500 per month for insurance. The budget could be cut significantly if teachers had to do the same.
I agree with the last poster: they should not whine about their pay.

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Originally posted by softball1:
I'm a teacher and a coach. I put in a 14 hr day yesterday without overtime pay. What were your hours yesterday, Opie?

Don't feed the troll.......

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Originally posted by softball1:
I'm a teacher and a coach. I put in a 14 hr day yesterday without overtime pay. What were your hours yesterday, Opie?

I put in 12 hours at least 4 days a week and I work a full year, not just 9 months of it.

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Originally posted by roarlions!:

Wow! Teachers work very hard for their money. During my first 3 months teaching, I worked from 7:15 am to 8:15 at night grading papers and doing lesson plans. If you guys out there don't think teachers deserve the little amount of pay they make, go to your local school and observe for a day. It's no picnic. It's A LOT of work.

OK - saying a person actually worked 11.5 hours (allowing for travel and meals in the hours mentioned above)each of the 180 days that kids are required to be in school - that comes to 2070 hours each year. Going with the original post that teachers start at 36,144, that works out to roughly $17.50 per hour. Before benefits.

And yes, I know teachers spend a couple of weeks in the summer getting their rooms ready, but I also know that on movie and field trip days, they don't grade papers until 8:15, so it averages out. Also, as another poster pointed out, this is more common at the beginning.

I'm not posting this to lessen the importance of teachers in any way. I am very appreciative of what they do - but I do get tired of the "poor us" whining that is so common with many teachers.

sounds like the ones who are whining aren't teaching. teachers are overpaid. teachers get a long vacation. boo hoo. I love my job. I love the kids. We put in a lot of hours and also work during the summer updating our certificate and at other jobs to supplement our income. During the school year we are educators, coaches, nurses, counselors, mediators, fill in moms and dads, janitors, and the list goes on and on. There is never a dull moment. I love my job. I doubt there are many people who can say they actually work at a job they love.

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Originally posted by softball1:
sounds like the ones who are whining aren't teaching. teachers are overpaid. teachers get a long vacation. boo hoo. I love my job. I love the kids. We put in a lot of hours and also work during the summer updating our certificate and at other jobs to supplement our income. During the school year we are educators, coaches, nurses, counselors, mediators, fill in moms and dads, janitors, and the list goes on and on. There is never a dull moment. I love my job. I doubt there are many people who can say they actually work at a job they love.

Then why do y'all have such bad attitudes? There's a reason no one likes teachers.

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Originally posted by Opie Cunningham:

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Originally posted by softball1:
sounds like the ones who are whining aren't teaching. teachers are overpaid. teachers get a long vacation. boo hoo. I love my job. I love the kids. We put in a lot of hours and also work during the summer updating our certificate and at other jobs to supplement our income. During the school year we are educators, coaches, nurses, counselors, mediators, fill in moms and dads, janitors, and the list goes on and on. There is never a dull moment. I love my job. I doubt there are many people who can say they actually work at a job they love.

Then why do y'all have such bad attitudes? There's a reason no one likes teachers.

Out of curiosity, who do you like Opie? I don't see many positive comments from you. And to the contrary, a lot of people like teachers.

Although I have an enormous amount of respect for teachers, my answer is: Yes they are overpaid.

thanks Wright! I don't think I have a bad attitude. just defending my profession. people usually defend something they love. 99.9% of the teachers I know work very hard and don't complain. I think the salary is fair and the benefits are great.

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Originally posted by softball1:
thanks Wright! I don't think I have a bad attitude. just defending my profession. people usually defend something they love. 99.9% of the teachers I know work very hard and don't complain. I think the salary is fair and the benefits are great.

When adding the amount of education one must have to become a teacher to the long hours, skill level needed, and put in the aggravation factor then I would say teachers are one of the most underpaid of all jobs.

I believe that the reason a lot of folks (at least me) don’t have a lot of sympathy for the low pay is because of the antics of the unions such as AEA, your 99.9% estimate of teachers being hard working tells me that either you aren’t a math teacher or that you exaggerate! Let’s hope it’s the first guess as there is no doubt that the good hard working teachers would not even come close to being 999 of 1000 as you said but maybe 8 out of 10 which is about 80% and a liberal estimate. Loosen up that union and get rid of the dead weight, you have a lot of folks making your profession look bad. I still consider teaching to be about the most respectable job out there and if the stains on your trade were to be wiped away then I am sure a lot of folks would be on board to give the good teachers a well deserved raise.

BFred07, how do you suppose that I get the union to loosen up? I pay my dues, but have no real say so in how things are run. Just curious. I wasn't exaggerating on the percentage. There are teachers who are better than others, but I do think most try their best. That, of course, is just my opinion in what I see every day. You are right. I am not a Math teacher though.

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Originally posted by wright35633:

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Originally posted by Opie Cunningham:

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Originally posted by softball1:
sounds like the ones who are whining aren't teaching. teachers are overpaid. teachers get a long vacation. boo hoo. I love my job. I love the kids. We put in a lot of hours and also work during the summer updating our certificate and at other jobs to supplement our income. During the school year we are educators, coaches, nurses, counselors, mediators, fill in moms and dads, janitors, and the list goes on and on. There is never a dull moment. I love my job. I doubt there are many people who can say they actually work at a job they love.

Then why do y'all have such bad attitudes? There's a reason no one likes teachers.

Out of curiosity, who do you like Opie? I don't see many positive comments from you. And to the contrary, a lot of people like teachers.

I don't. They're whiners.

Teachers are worth twice what they're paid.

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Originally posted by MADE IN USA:
Teachers are worth twice what they're paid.

Correction teachers THINK they're worth twice what they're paid.

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Originally posted by latoyaah:

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Originally posted by MADE IN USA:
Teachers are worth twice what they're paid.

Correction teachers THINK they're worth twice what they're paid.

No, I think they are worth twice as much. I don't believe teachers are that smart because if they were, they wouldn't have the job at any price.

Government should not be involved in education. Our education system sucks and gets worse with the more money we throw at it. Tell me something isn't wrong with that picture.

The school system, for better or worse, is a mere reflection of or society and political system. Nobody to blame but us voters.

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Originally posted by Opie Cunningham:


Then why do y'all have such bad attitudes? There's a reason no one likes teachers.

How much do you think a teacher should be paid Opie? What sounds fair to you?

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Originally posted by HootersChik:
Although I have an enormous amount of respect for teachers, my answer is: Yes they are overpaid.

In your opinion, is there a profession that is NOT overpaid ?

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Originally posted by Opie Cunningham:

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Originally posted by softball1:
I'm a teacher and a coach. I put in a 14 hr day yesterday without overtime pay. What were your hours yesterday, Opie?

I put in 12 hours at least 4 days a week and I work a full year, not just 9 months of it.

And do you get paid overtime for your extra hours?

I want my children's teachers to be happy. I want them paid well, healthy, and not worried about insurance and retirement. I think my child deserves the best education by the right people. I sure don't want to price it out to the lowest bidder. That's just my opinion.

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Originally posted by HootersChik:
Although I have an enormous amount of respect for teachers, my answer is: Yes they are overpaid.

I do not think they are over paid. I think they overly b**ch that they are under paid and over worked.

I happen to work 50 hours every week and do not get paid any over time. I do not get 3 months off a year either.

You work in those summer months not to supplement your income but to earn extra income because you have a job that gives you 2 months off in the summer.

If you have to supplement a 40k - 50k a year job you should find another profession or get a new life style. But don't b**ch to the tax payers that you need more money.

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Originally posted by wright35633:
I want my children's teachers to be happy. I want them paid well, healthy, and not worried about insurance and retirement. I think my child deserves the best education by the right people. I sure don't want to price it out to the lowest bidder. That's just my opinion.

If you're operating under the theory that happy teachers make better teachers..........
Why not build spa's on campus for faculty? Daily massages, hot tubs, mani-pedi's, the works. While we're at it we should send them all to the beach for a couple of months each summer. Let the poor over worked dears catch up on their rest. Increase their wages and lighten the work load. Yep, happy teachers...that's what we need.

Isn't also true that teachers, as well as all state employees, do not pay state tax on their retirment benefits? That it a pretty good benefit that you hardly ever hear anything about as well.
i do not think they are overpaid, but lets face it, it is a pretty good job working for the state, with great benefits, and tenure, and being represented by the most powerful "lobby"/union in the state.
Like has been said in earlier threads, if you are not interested in the job, there are tons of young people graduating every year who would like to step into that role.

barksdale, I never complained about hours and pay. I said I loved my job and I said the salary was fair and the benefits are great. I did say "we" (teachers) work extra in the summer to supplement pay. What is wrong with wanting to earn more for the betterment of yourself or your family? I don't work during the summer. It is great to be home with my kids. That is one reason why a became a teacher. It seems like the people complaining here aren't teachers.

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Originally posted by teyates:
Isn't also true that teachers, as well as all state employees, do not pay state tax on their retirment benefits? That it a pretty good benefit that you hardly ever hear anything about as well.
i do not think they are overpaid, but lets face it, it is a pretty good job working for the state, with great benefits, and tenure, and being represented by the most powerful "lobby"/union in the state.
Like has been said in earlier threads, if you are not interested in the job, there are tons of young people graduating every year who would like to step into that role.

It is true we dont pay any state tax on our retirement benifits. The insurance and retirement is the one of the reasons I worked for the state for 26 years. One thing is for sure, your not going to ever get rich in a state merit system job. For 26 years I also had to listen to people telling me how they were paying my salary with their tax money.

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Originally posted by latoyaah:

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Originally posted by wright35633:
I want my children's teachers to be happy. I want them paid well, healthy, and not worried about insurance and retirement. I think my child deserves the best education by the right people. I sure don't want to price it out to the lowest bidder. That's just my opinion.

If you're operating under the theory that happy teachers make better teachers..........
Why not build spa's on campus for faculty? Daily massages, hot tubs, mani-pedi's, the works. While we're at it we should send them all to the beach for a couple of months each summer. Let the poor over worked dears catch up on their rest. Increase their wages and lighten the work load. Yep, happy teachers...that's what we need.

Sounds like a winner to me. There's a few of my kids teachers that I'll volunteer massage duty for

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Originally posted by latoyaah:

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Originally posted by wright35633:
I want my children's teachers to be happy. I want them paid well, healthy, and not worried about insurance and retirement. I think my child deserves the best education by the right people. I sure don't want to price it out to the lowest bidder. That's just my opinion.

If you're operating under the theory that happy teachers make better teachers..........
Why not build spa's on campus for faculty? Daily massages, hot tubs, mani-pedi's, the works. While we're at it we should send them all to the beach for a couple of months each summer. Let the poor over worked dears catch up on their rest. Increase their wages and lighten the work load. Yep, happy teachers...that's what we need.

Your hate and jealousy filled response makes no sense and is counter-productive. Of course no one wants spas in schools for teachers. I simply mean that we should provide a healthy workplace and appropriate wages.

Wright, I'm gonna have to call you on that one. Don't see how you got hate or jealousy fom my post. A little tongue in cheek, perhaps but hate and jealousy....don't think so.

I will point out that teachers are human therefore, they are responsible for their own happiness. We can't make 'em that way with a paycheck and benefits. If that were the case they would want more every time they felt a little sad.

Are you forced to pay those dues? I only ask because I have been told it is an option to be a member. If that's true, then perhaps you should not finance their efforts. If more and more people opted out then their control would be weakened. I know there are some wonderful teachers and maybe even the majority are, but I would have to agree with whoever said you might be a little off with your estimate. I think you were being overly optimistic, but if not, I wish my kids attended school where you are at because we sure have got several (at least 15-20%) pitiful excuses for teachers.

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Originally posted by softball1:
BFred07, how do you suppose that I get the union to loosen up? I pay my dues, but have no real say so in how things are run. Just curious. I wasn't exaggerating on the percentage. There are teachers who are better than others, but I do think most try their best. That, of course, is just my opinion in what I see every day. You are right. I am not a Math teacher though.

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Originally posted by latoyaah:
Wright, I'm gonna have to call you on that one. Don't see how you got hate or jealousy fom my post. A little tongue in cheek, perhaps but hate and jealousy....don't think so.

I will point out that teachers are human therefore, they are responsible for their own happiness. We can't make 'em that way with a paycheck and benefits. If that were the case they would want more every time they felt a little sad.

I guess I misunderstood your response. Please accept my apology. Not that I have a dog in the race as I am not a teacher. The problem I have with your line of thought is that money is not the only motivator for happiness I mentioned. Retirement, health care, cleanliness of facilities, access to the proper supplies, friendly colleagues, understanding administrators, responsible parents, and a multitude of other factors are just as important in the grand scheme. I had a teacher in High School that really made an impact on me. Without his guidance I might not be where I am today. It is teachers like him that create the level to which I wish others to inspire. Okay I'm getting off the soapbox now.

Dues are not mandantory. I will still pay mine and so will every other teacher in Alabama. Benefits of AEA are TOO great to forego.

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Originally posted by Opie Cunningham:

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Originally posted by softball1:
I'm a teacher and a coach. I put in a 14 hr day yesterday without overtime pay. What were your hours yesterday, Opie?

I put in 12 hours at least 4 days a week and I work a full year, not just 9 months of it.

You chose your job, right? You went to college, right? Were you denied acceptance into the school of education while in college? You made your choices. Don't be jealous or bitter because someone else chose something that gives them better quality of life than you.