Schools everywhere hit with student, teacher strikes
It was the first day of school for millions across the country. But for thousands and thousands, strikes and protests prevented this day from going smoothly. Over 1000 Chicago students protested unbalanced funding in poorer neighborhoods by skipping school and showing up at the wealthier one instead. Some schools near Seattle had to be canceled altogether because of a teacher strike. The same thing is happening near Pittsburgh because of a wage dispute that doesn't appear to have a close ending in site. Across the state outside Philadelphia, contract problems are looming and forced 7,000 students to not start class as scheduled. Detroit avoided a near-miss, but could have a rough ride in next 30 days if disagreements don't get resolved. So what is to be learned by all this? That the American public is completely satisfied with the current state of education.
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8 Comments:
Its a telling day and something needs to be done soon.
Hats off to the organizers in Chicago and more power to the teachers who deserve more pay.
I believe we as Americans need to help set our nations priorities.
Thank you detentionslip for shedding light on these issues!
How did all these schools get so lucky?! I wish my teachers would stand up for themselves.
The teacher will all regret this when they have to make up the missed days over Thanksgiving vacation!!
Teaching as a career is hard to compare to regular professions. Most people work about 2000 hours a year. The average teacher works closer to 1500 hours. When you compare how much a teacher makes per hour their salaries are competitive.
Henry- Great Point!
So what is all the fuss about from teachers?
Before entering the profession, don't teachers know what they are getting into? I am pretty sure they have a general idea of what their salary will be. I was always under the impression that they took the job because they liked kids and wanted to educate the youth of the future.
Put yourself into a faculty break-room at any school across the country and you'll realize that teachers everywhere are unhappy. I think it's inherent with the career.
But on the other hand, what changes could be made to improve school conditions?
I used to be one of those overwhelmed, stressed out teachers in the break room, now I am much calmer teaching 3 kids in my basement! I have all the responsibility, but all of the control. How much sleep, nutrition, discipline, etc., what things need to be emphasized, what can be skipped, how long we work, and how they treat others are all things that no ps teacher has any control over and it drove me nuts!
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