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teacher wrote on Nov 10, 2009 12:05 PM:
NB REZ: I would agree with your assessment about results, but this is the cycle we are experiencing as teachers.
1. 30% of the parents are not holding kids accountable and don't care for them properly.
2. The 30% then don't do their work and cannot meet benchmarks.
3. The parents of the 30% demand their rights to be educated and hold the teacher hostage from teaching the other 70%.
4. Test scores plummet.
If we want a good school system, everyone in the community is going to have to be on board. The school model only truly works if this is true.
1. 30% of the parents are not holding kids accountable and don't care for them properly.
2. The 30% then don't do their work and cannot meet benchmarks.
3. The parents of the 30% demand their rights to be educated and hold the teacher hostage from teaching the other 70%.
4. Test scores plummet.
If we want a good school system, everyone in the community is going to have to be on board. The school model only truly works if this is true.
rianza wrote on Nov 10, 2009 11:45 AM:
Teachers deserve huge pay increases - but only the GOOD teachers. The problem I see is that teachers usually view the glass as half full instead of half empty. By this I mean they're satisfied with the crumbs the union feeds them. The good ones should be demanding more pay at the expense of the poor ones. And the poor ones should be shown the door - NOT protected by the union. Herein lies the problem of our crumbling education system.
Joe Black wrote on Nov 9, 2009 2:55 PM:
State workers agreed to a 2 year pay freeze and are also taking 14 "furlough" days off without pay. Police departments and fire departments throughout the state have agreed to pay freezes and cuts. Other school districts are making cuts and reducing salaries and work days. They are all taking home less than they did last year.
Times are hard everywhere right now. It's time our local teachers step up and agree to what's right in these tough times.
Nobody makes enough but when there's only so much to go around, we all need to be willing to suffer a bit for the greater good.
Times are hard everywhere right now. It's time our local teachers step up and agree to what's right in these tough times.
Nobody makes enough but when there's only so much to go around, we all need to be willing to suffer a bit for the greater good.
somethoughts wrote on Nov 9, 2009 12:33 PM:
George,
Consumer demand is no basis for rational decision making. We all know the system is gamed for the rich when market forces prevail. Just because the NHS works poorly in England does not mean we can not do it better.
Consumer demand is no basis for rational decision making. We all know the system is gamed for the rich when market forces prevail. Just because the NHS works poorly in England does not mean we can not do it better.
george soros wrote on Nov 9, 2009 9:08 AM:
The UK started National Health Services in 1948. The Government owns the hospitals and clinics, which makes all medical professionals Civil Servants, here are just a few of their problems:
1. Insufficient resources have been devoted to health care so that there is less care than consumers would like. This is a consequence of funding the service from taxation - there is no mechanism whereby consumers can signal their willingness to pay more. This explains why the NHS appears to be in continual financial crisis - waiting lists, closed wards and an inability to treat particular patients or particular conditions all reflect a failure to devote sufficient resources to health care.
2.The system is not sensitive to consumer preferences which is difficult to control and not responsive to consumer demand.
3.The NHS is not efficient. Some hospitals needed to be closed and the resources transferred into community health care, which is dismal health care.
1. Insufficient resources have been devoted to health care so that there is less care than consumers would like. This is a consequence of funding the service from taxation - there is no mechanism whereby consumers can signal their willingness to pay more. This explains why the NHS appears to be in continual financial crisis - waiting lists, closed wards and an inability to treat particular patients or particular conditions all reflect a failure to devote sufficient resources to health care.
2.The system is not sensitive to consumer preferences which is difficult to control and not responsive to consumer demand.
3.The NHS is not efficient. Some hospitals needed to be closed and the resources transferred into community health care, which is dismal health care.
somethoughts wrote on Nov 9, 2009 8:14 AM:
Civil Service... Teachers, Fire Fighters, Police... all noble professions. Because of the number of people required in these professions society can not afford to pay high end wages. The economic pie is only so big. Civil Service is a calling that should be rewarded by job security, a sense of fulfillment and the respect of others, with the understanding that extraordinary compensation is an element of the free market (risk not security.) P.S. Medical professionals should also be classified as Civil Servants.
orecoast007 wrote on Nov 8, 2009 4:26 PM:
The teachers are working with disrespectful children and should allowed to give them a kick in the *** since some of those parents are not controlling their kids.. When I was a kid, our teachers got right in our faces if we disrespected them...and then we got our *** kicked when we got home.. How many of you went through the same thing? Maybe the parents need a kick in the ***!!!
E.M. wrote on Nov 8, 2009 6:32 AM:
To SQ, Since you have found it convenient to compare teachers education requirements to those in medicine, maybe you feel they should be payed in kind as well?
coquillian wrote on Nov 7, 2009 4:14 PM:
Sticking your kid on a computer while you go to work isn't the answer for every single student. And the tests and work? They are not proctored, so god only knows who is actually doing the work. Do they have the book open when it is supposed to be closed book? Unless the parents take the book and hide it, who knows. Only responsible parents can use that option and have it really teach the kids. The internet can only go so far. Good "get along with people skills" are PRICELESS! And work ethic. When a kids can open the laptop any time they want, and be wearing their pj's, how does that set a work ethic? I think schools try to do a good job, they don't need to be knocked at every turn. Spend a day in a classroom and you'll get the picture!!
IWanttoknow wrote on Nov 6, 2009 5:54 PM:
IWanttoknow: If anyone is thinking 'outside the box' on this issue? The reason I ask is the comment about Scio's internet school. I have ask several high level educators' from High School to University level this question: How will the internet effect the educational infrastructure in the future? Most stated, 'No change in how classes are taught now and in the near future'. Well, the future must me here, now! Scio is proving it along with other 'long distance' learning institutions. My daughter just received her B.S. degree from a credited college, on line! (She is a Marshfield Grad.) No classrooms, plus she is in the process of getting a M.S. in education. If my daughter can do without the 'brick' school house, anyone can. In my opinion a school district should tell the Teacher's what budget they have for salaries and benefits and let the teachers divide it up as they see fit. Just my opinion and I'm stickin' to it! Bye!
holly72 wrote on Nov 5, 2009 2:37 PM:
You guys I feel like our teacher should get top pay. They work with some VERY, I am mean VERY disrespectful children. Since budget cuts many of our teacher who barely get paid, pays for many things in our childrens classroom from providing snacks to their ABC's which hang on their walls in the classroom to school supply for the children who couldnt afford to send in on the first day of school. Now lets see they also have to take classes durning the summer and through out the school year which they pay for, not the school district.(many are still paying for thier education still) To me our teachers who are with our children many hrs during the school year should start out at 50K a year not 20K. Keep fighting you deserve IT! For those who are complaining you step into the classroom and see how long you last in there.Then come back and you tell me if they are being unreasonable.
mommaof2 wrote on Nov 5, 2009 2:23 PM:
To PIG NUTS:
My Children have the same Daddy and we all live under the same Roof. And I really don't care if you are happy or not. I just hope that your children have better manners the their father. I to have taught my children to respect others and they do contribute. I am very concerned about classroom size and I also care about educating the children who are there to learn. I think the administrators should stop walkng on eggshells and get a backbone. The school board should do a better job at budgeting. I also think the teachers should be paid for the job they do. But I don't feel that all the teachers are doing the best job they can. I have seen and experienced the good and the bad teachers. If there was a way to pay the good and cut out the bad I would be first in line to suggest that. Oh I have the picture.
To CONCENRED: Please keep doing what you are doing You are one of the good ones.
My Children have the same Daddy and we all live under the same Roof. And I really don't care if you are happy or not. I just hope that your children have better manners the their father. I to have taught my children to respect others and they do contribute. I am very concerned about classroom size and I also care about educating the children who are there to learn. I think the administrators should stop walkng on eggshells and get a backbone. The school board should do a better job at budgeting. I also think the teachers should be paid for the job they do. But I don't feel that all the teachers are doing the best job they can. I have seen and experienced the good and the bad teachers. If there was a way to pay the good and cut out the bad I would be first in line to suggest that. Oh I have the picture.
To CONCENRED: Please keep doing what you are doing You are one of the good ones.
sq wrote on Nov 5, 2009 11:37 AM:
To EM:
Thank you for enlightening me regarding my level of education. Also, I am sure that the continuing education credits that those in the medical field take to keep up on the many changes in medicine are just a walk in the park compared to those that the teachers take.
To Concerned: I do not feel that you should take a reduction in pay either, but the reality of it is that there is not enough money to support a raise. And, as unfortunate as it is, those of us left in the work force are having to absorb the work load of those laid off so we ALL are putting in longer hours for the same amount of pay.
Thank you for enlightening me regarding my level of education. Also, I am sure that the continuing education credits that those in the medical field take to keep up on the many changes in medicine are just a walk in the park compared to those that the teachers take.
To Concerned: I do not feel that you should take a reduction in pay either, but the reality of it is that there is not enough money to support a raise. And, as unfortunate as it is, those of us left in the work force are having to absorb the work load of those laid off so we ALL are putting in longer hours for the same amount of pay.
NB_Rez wrote on Nov 5, 2009 9:10 AM:
If teachers are doing such a great job at teaching, why do American students consistently lag behind internationally in areas of math and science? I've taken classes at a couple of universities and colleges while pursuing my degree as an "older" student and these kids coming in for their freshman year can barely string together a coherent sentence. All I hear is how the schools are underfunded and teachers need more money, money, money. Show me some real progress by way of smarter kids and I’ll be happy to support more funding. If other countries are doing it better with far fewer resources then so can we.
E.M. wrote on Nov 5, 2009 6:36 AM:
To SQ: Go back to school and earn a Masters degree and the many required post masters degree credits to keep your license to remain a teacher in the state of Oregon and then tell me you should make as much as a teacher.
concerned wrote on Nov 4, 2009 9:52 PM:
SQ,
I know I am not the only one making a difference. I know that if I take the district offer I will go backwards in pay. I am not asking for a raise in times like these, but I don't think I should loose 9.5%.
I know I am not the only one making a difference. I know that if I take the district offer I will go backwards in pay. I am not asking for a raise in times like these, but I don't think I should loose 9.5%.
laughinghard wrote on Nov 4, 2009 6:22 PM:
I as reading this and was thinking about last year when the district was talking about going to a 4 day week. Many of these same people who think teachers make to much money were on here wanting to know who was going to feed, and watch the kids on the extra day a week off! Amazing.
Pig Nuts wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:31 PM:
Mommy Dearest Of 2
Sorry to break it to you but I have SIRED three offspring & get this... they all have the same mommy too & we all live under the same roof.
They are held accountable for their actions, unlike their father they have manners because they do not live in a barn!
They have been taught to respect the learning of others & they contribute to the success of the educator. Do you understand the concept?
I think not or you would be less concerned with my happiness & more concerned with classroom sizes, educating the children who are there to learn & getting rid of the behaviorally impaired. Just compensation for teachers & state of the art technology to give our children the finest education possible.
Yes I am unhappy that administrators have to walk on egg shells & do not have the spine to back their employees.
I am unhappy that there is a school-board that lacks the foresight to see & plan appropriate allocation of fiscal resources.
Get the picture?
Sorry to break it to you but I have SIRED three offspring & get this... they all have the same mommy too & we all live under the same roof.
They are held accountable for their actions, unlike their father they have manners because they do not live in a barn!
They have been taught to respect the learning of others & they contribute to the success of the educator. Do you understand the concept?
I think not or you would be less concerned with my happiness & more concerned with classroom sizes, educating the children who are there to learn & getting rid of the behaviorally impaired. Just compensation for teachers & state of the art technology to give our children the finest education possible.
Yes I am unhappy that administrators have to walk on egg shells & do not have the spine to back their employees.
I am unhappy that there is a school-board that lacks the foresight to see & plan appropriate allocation of fiscal resources.
Get the picture?
mommaof2 wrote on Nov 4, 2009 11:01 AM:
I have a child in school and I know that the teachers work very hard to give my child a good education. I don't think they should take a pay cut. but I also don't feel they should get a pay raise. I also have to agree where is the so called lottery money going towards?
To PIG NUTS: I only hope that you do not have children because they would be the disruptive indigents you have wrote about. You sound as if you are a very unhappy person.
To PIG NUTS: I only hope that you do not have children because they would be the disruptive indigents you have wrote about. You sound as if you are a very unhappy person.
sq wrote on Nov 4, 2009 10:26 AM:
To Concerned:
I am glad that you are making a difference in the lives of children, but you are not the only one doing so. I nurse those same children back to health when they are ill or have been mentally or physically abused. I, too, encourage them to like themselves and be who they are. However, I do not take part in the PERS system nor do I make as much as most teachers. I accept what I am paid because my real reward is seeing happy, healthy children.
I am glad that you are making a difference in the lives of children, but you are not the only one doing so. I nurse those same children back to health when they are ill or have been mentally or physically abused. I, too, encourage them to like themselves and be who they are. However, I do not take part in the PERS system nor do I make as much as most teachers. I accept what I am paid because my real reward is seeing happy, healthy children.
concerned wrote on Nov 3, 2009 9:51 PM:
You want to know what I make?
I make parents see their children for who they are
and what they can be.
You want to know what I make?
I make kids wonder,
I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them write, write, write.
And then I make them read.
I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, definitely
beautiful
over and over and over again until they will never misspell
either one of those words again.
I make them show all their work in math.
And hide it on their final drafts in English.
I make them understand that if you got this (brains)
then you follow this (heart) and if someone ever tries to judge you
by what you make, you give them this (the finger).
Let me break it down for you, so you know what I say is true:
I make a difference! What about you?
I make parents see their children for who they are
and what they can be.
You want to know what I make?
I make kids wonder,
I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them write, write, write.
And then I make them read.
I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, definitely
beautiful
over and over and over again until they will never misspell
either one of those words again.
I make them show all their work in math.
And hide it on their final drafts in English.
I make them understand that if you got this (brains)
then you follow this (heart) and if someone ever tries to judge you
by what you make, you give them this (the finger).
Let me break it down for you, so you know what I say is true:
I make a difference! What about you?
concerned wrote on Nov 3, 2009 9:45 PM:
Teachers do not want a raise. They just don't want to take a pay cut. They are asked to do more every day. They should at least take home what they did last year for doing all the extra. For all of you who think teachers should go into something else if they are not happy with the pay all I have to say is spend one day in the shoes of a teacher. You will see them bing a child's nurse, counselor, parent, custodian and usually the most stable person in their lives.
dan milburn wrote on Nov 3, 2009 8:42 PM:
My daughter teaches elementry. She is alwyas concerned about the kids. 100%.
She loves her work and cry's the last day of school. I respect all teachers at all levels very much and am thankful for each and every one of them.
They shouldn't have to bargain for their wages. Here's the job and benefits take it or leave it. Each level and time of year brings a different paycheck. That being said, I am wondering why the lottery isn't funding these issues. Where is the promised lotto-dollars? Don't shoot the book keepers with limited funds to pay out, make the State Lottery do what they promised. God Bless you teachers and students!
She loves her work and cry's the last day of school. I respect all teachers at all levels very much and am thankful for each and every one of them.
They shouldn't have to bargain for their wages. Here's the job and benefits take it or leave it. Each level and time of year brings a different paycheck. That being said, I am wondering why the lottery isn't funding these issues. Where is the promised lotto-dollars? Don't shoot the book keepers with limited funds to pay out, make the State Lottery do what they promised. God Bless you teachers and students!
Q wrote on Nov 3, 2009 4:51 PM:
And... when there are no teachers to educate the youth... who will be crying then?
All of you working parents... who will watch your children from 7 to 3 everyday? Who will teach your children the math, reading, and writing skills that JUSTRITE so very obviously missed?
Thank you, Lynda, for being a teacher I remember inspiring me to get out there and greet the world. I'm sorry other people don't see the value of your own education and determination to teach even the most difficult of students.
I am neither a teacher, nor a relative of one, but I see the benefits of educating the youth. Hopefully, someday, the parents of this county's students will understand you are all well worth every penny - and then some!
And hopefully, it won't be too late...
All of you working parents... who will watch your children from 7 to 3 everyday? Who will teach your children the math, reading, and writing skills that JUSTRITE so very obviously missed?
Thank you, Lynda, for being a teacher I remember inspiring me to get out there and greet the world. I'm sorry other people don't see the value of your own education and determination to teach even the most difficult of students.
I am neither a teacher, nor a relative of one, but I see the benefits of educating the youth. Hopefully, someday, the parents of this county's students will understand you are all well worth every penny - and then some!
And hopefully, it won't be too late...
Pig Nuts wrote on Nov 3, 2009 4:31 PM:
GLORIFIED BABYSITTERS
Until you weed out the disruptive indigents by holding the parents or in most cases parent accountable for their child's behavior we will not have quality education in our public school systems no matter how much money teachers get paid.
Thank the spineless bureaucrats who run our school systems for the ignorant society we have created.
Add to it management in the private sector that tip toes around the feelings of a few to the detriment of all.
Wallow in it!
Until you weed out the disruptive indigents by holding the parents or in most cases parent accountable for their child's behavior we will not have quality education in our public school systems no matter how much money teachers get paid.
Thank the spineless bureaucrats who run our school systems for the ignorant society we have created.
Add to it management in the private sector that tip toes around the feelings of a few to the detriment of all.
Wallow in it!
villarios wrote on Nov 3, 2009 4:28 PM:
I was on the picket line back in the 1980s when the bus load of scabs rolled into Sunset Middle School.
That said, the real question and real issues are never addressed.
There's not a school district in the state of Oregon, nor any taxing entity, that doesn't spend an obscene percent of its available money satisfying public retirement system obligations.
Fix that first and then cry on my shoulder later.
That said, the real question and real issues are never addressed.
There's not a school district in the state of Oregon, nor any taxing entity, that doesn't spend an obscene percent of its available money satisfying public retirement system obligations.
Fix that first and then cry on my shoulder later.
m00npenny wrote on Nov 3, 2009 4:15 PM:
Education is going the way of the internet. Connections Academy in Scio, yes just north of us is doing a stellar job in online elementary, middle and high schools. Plus they give the student family a computer/monitor and printer so the student(s) can be more successful. To the parents, there is no cost. No cost for the education, no cost for the computer/monitor/printer and I think there’s even a voucher that will give you $20-$25.00 off your monthly internet bill. I think Coos Bay SD needs to implement a online school here. At least the dollars will stay here and not fly off to Scio. If you think losing 80 students is detrimental, you should probably get used to it. The school in Scio actually supports the entire state. So you can live way out in The Dalles and go to school, online. As the internet will be taking on more students from Kindergarten to 4 year college degrees, teachers, it may be time to branch to internet teaching
coos bay person wrote on Nov 3, 2009 4:03 PM:
Some teachers aren't paid enough, but with some of us out of work I can't see giving the teacher a raise. Hey at least they have health care and a job. If they don't like what they have let them stand in the unemployment line.
sq wrote on Nov 3, 2009 3:41 PM:
I believe that most people work hard for their money whether they are teachers, doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, etc. I also believe that teachers are making a fairly decent wage. They need to come to the realization that we are in a recession and that money is tight. I am getting a little tired of hearing that teachers are being underpaid for what they do. What about all of the other professions? Many are laying their lives on the line and not being compensated as well as teachers.
The Brutal Truth wrote on Nov 3, 2009 1:07 PM:
JUSTRITE's choice of wording is interesting, and very telling of the public's opinion of teachers....they should have to "suffer".
Heaven forbid somebody should be doing well during these "tough times" (boo hoo).
DISCLAIMER: I am not a teacher, nor am I related to one.
Heaven forbid somebody should be doing well during these "tough times" (boo hoo).
DISCLAIMER: I am not a teacher, nor am I related to one.
coosbayite wrote on Nov 3, 2009 12:55 PM:
Yes, for the most part, teachers are underpaid. However, in these economic time a person should be real happy and thankful to just have a job. Greed is not an attractive attribute.
orecoast007 wrote on Nov 3, 2009 12:49 PM:
I agree with JUSTRITE why should teachers recieve a pay raise... If they are not happy then they can find another job... TEACHERS, Deal with what you are getting paid!!!!!!!!!!
laughinghard wrote on Nov 3, 2009 12:28 PM:
Teachers deserve more than they are given. They work long hard hours and are educating the future.
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