Re: Job outlook unreal for teachers

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> AZ worst economy in the nation
> The supermarket strike - these people should be where I am
> at - no union - no help - they are out of their minds
> walking off in this mess!

The one nugget I hope that you learn from this is that
Every Educational Decision is a Political Decision.

I'm sad, too and 've been here a while. This is kind of a
"good news, bad news" situation.

First -- the good news: There is a Teachers' Union here and we
are currently seeking members -- there should be a link to
use -- but here's the address:

http://www.arizonaea.org/

The Arizona Education Association

and we have membership options to fit just about every
teaching (or non-teaching) situation.

Now -- the bad news - Arizona is a "Right to Work" state --
and what that means is that joining the union cannot be a
condition of employment. What it also means is that membership
tends to be low. The way the law is written -- an employer
doesn't have to recognize a bargaining unit unless membership
is at 30% or higher. Reading the public commentary on the
Republic's website about the impending strike is a huge
mistake because of the anti-union sentiment that people
express. Right to work, in my opinion -- means right to work
for a low wage - with no protections.

Not to mention that a large portion of state funds comes from
Sales Tax (how smart is that?!) -- if you haven't noticed,
property taxes are quite low -- and loopholes, tax credits,
and tax cuts for businesses & the wealthy are plentiful.
(Guess what? -- a political decision)

I've had the privilege to work in a "bargaining" state before
coming to AZ -- and working conditions (and pay) were
considerably better. I also got into teaching when the job
market was highly competitive. I took a job in a parochial
school so that I could at least use my degree while I waited
to get into public school (and yes, I joined their teachers'
association). My salary nearly doubled when I got a job in
public schools. And then I moved here.... I had no idea....

The biggest thing that has happened -- and I'm deeply saddened
to know that not very many professors have shared this with
students -- is how the budget crisis has effected the job
market for teachers in AZ. The most recent thing that has
happened is that we have lost seniority rights and (not
'tenure' -- we still have the right to Due Process) and the
Preferred right to recall is gone, and the districts can
change the salary of any teacher at any time for any reason.
The dates to notify a teacher if she/he has a job for the
following year are gone.

So, you are right -- the outlook isn't good -- it wasn't good
when I graduated, either. There are plenty of jobs you can
take (if you are appropriately certified) outside of the
public school setting until things look better.

And PAY attention to what your legislators are doing!! Let
them know how you feel -- and next November -- Vote!! Because
-- Every Educational Decision is a Political Decision -- any
way you slice it.

I am annoyed,though, that districts are turning away
applicants to sub -- we've gotten word at least 3 times in the
last 2 weeks that no subs are available for a certain day/date
and if we needed to be absent, they would have to split our
classes.... Really?! A discussion for another day.

Wish I had better news. Nadine
 

Arizona Educaiton Association