Submitted by Conie Spolar (not verified) on March 26, 2008 - 18:21.
I agree that in order for more men to enter the teaching profression, salaries need to be competitive. In fact, many years ago, my husband completed the requirements for a Single Subject credential in Mathematics, but he didn't have the units required. He considered taking the Praxis, or returning to school for additional subject matter classes, but he decided to return to working as a Union construction worker because teaching wouldn't support his family. My daughter-in-law just completed her nursing credential with a B.S. degree which took her 4 years to earn. After working 6 months, she now earns as much as I do with a Master's Degree and 9 years of experience. In order to become a "highly qualified teacher," I had to put in the additional time working on my credential, pass the MSAT, and finish a 2 year BTSA program. My principal strongly advised earning my Master's Degree. After completing my Master's degree, as well as the time it took to move over on the column for step increases, I earn after 9 years what she earns after just 4 years and 6 months. When she receives a raise in 2 months, my daughter-in-law will be earning more than I do, and although she doesn't get the summer off, she works a 12 hour day just 3 days a week. There are many days that I work for 12 hours! I think that I entered the wrong profession! I love teaching, but considering the stress of NCLB and testing, and the time and effort required for the pay received, I would not encourage anyone that I cared about to enter the teaching profession. In fact, I would do everything that I could to encourage them consider nursing instead. It's fulfilling, valued by society, and much more financially rewarding for the time required!
Highly Qualified and Teacher Salaries
Submitted by Conie Spolar (not verified) on March 26, 2008 - 18:21.
I agree that in order for more men to enter the teaching profression, salaries need to be competitive. In fact, many years ago, my husband completed the requirements for a Single Subject credential in Mathematics, but he didn't have the units required. He considered taking the Praxis, or returning to school for additional subject matter classes, but he decided to return to working as a Union construction worker because teaching wouldn't support his family. My daughter-in-law just completed her nursing credential with a B.S. degree which took her 4 years to earn. After working 6 months, she now earns as much as I do with a Master's Degree and 9 years of experience. In order to become a "highly qualified teacher," I had to put in the additional time working on my credential, pass the MSAT, and finish a 2 year BTSA program. My principal strongly advised earning my Master's Degree. After completing my Master's degree, as well as the time it took to move over on the column for step increases, I earn after 9 years what she earns after just 4 years and 6 months. When she receives a raise in 2 months, my daughter-in-law will be earning more than I do, and although she doesn't get the summer off, she works a 12 hour day just 3 days a week. There are many days that I work for 12 hours! I think that I entered the wrong profession! I love teaching, but considering the stress of NCLB and testing, and the time and effort required for the pay received, I would not encourage anyone that I cared about to enter the teaching profession. In fact, I would do everything that I could to encourage them consider nursing instead. It's fulfilling, valued by society, and much more financially rewarding for the time required!