When I graduated from college and started interviewing for teaching jobs, I was one little candidate in a sea of potential teachers. Every interview I went to involved sitting in a vast room full of candidates, all tense and fidgety, clutching portfolios, and waiting to be called for Step One of the interview process. There were always multiple hoops to jump through to attempt to whittle down the candidates to a manageable number. There were essay tests, multiple interviews in front of different panels, and lessons taught in front of interviewers. (Don’t get me started on the interviewers who tried to act like children during those lessons because, seriously?!) So what I’m saying is, the competition was tough.
But today, we’re in the midst of a teacher shortage. Because of that, you are rare, my teacher friend. You are a valuable diamond. That’s why, in my opinion, teachers are finally going to be getting their due. You need to treasure a diamond. You treat it nicely and take care of it. (Diamonds are also indestructible and really pretty; I’m loving this analogy!)
We all know that there is a list of things needed to make teaching jobs more respected and valued. What would be your number one item to keep your diamond self in top shape? Would better pay do it? More administrative support? Time for a bathroom break every once in a while? More planning time? What is the BIG one for you?
I’m ready for our state of NC to value education enough to respect tenured teachers for the experience they bring to the classroom. NC is also one of the lowest in the nation when ranking teacher salary, and recently we received word that our benefits are being reviewed with thoughts of decreasing what little we have. Where’s the love and respect for teachers??!!!!!
More paid planning time. Teachers give so much of their own personal time
I work in the lowest-paying district in my area of Texas. I always stay late to prepare for the next day. I do school work in the evenings, on weekends, and even on vacation breaks. I spend my own money on classroom supplies. (We get a whopping $150 stipend in October of each year). I want a raise!!!