Re: Job outlook unreal for teachers

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It is said that history repeats itself. Back in the '70's when I
graduated from college there were absolutely no jobs for
teachers. I had to change my job expectations at that point.
The computer industry was starting to grow at that point and I
was able to get into the field and I made quite a bit of money.
However my dream of teaching never left and I switched careers
about 10 years ago. Made half the money I made in the computer
field but I was happier. I was a master teacher there. I came
from a state that valued education in the northeast. I made a
decent living. Then I went to Arizona. An absolute shock.
Education and teachers are not valued commodities here. Yet to
grow we have to have an educated population. Arizona cannot
exist as a service industry state only. A generation from now
Arizona will be a welfare state because a large majority of the
population cannot support itself.

On 11/12/09, Nadine wrote:
>
>> 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