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Arizona Teachers Chatboard

50 Teachers on verge of leaving

by John

Apr 28, 2016

Just saw on news but did not hear where. Googled this and nothing. Anybody know about this?

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cnn On 4/28/16, John wrote: > Just saw on news but did not hear where. Googled this and > nothing. Anybody know about this?

If they're talking about state or nation wide, it is much more than that. Maybe in one district...

Apr 29, 2016

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TEACHER CONTRACT BURNING PARTY

by Buddy

Apr 25, 2016

No raise here and very little benefits. Had to leave! It's bad here for teachers.

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Kb I don't think that's true about New Mexico. They have a tiered licensure system. You have to teach at least 3 years in the state, have an MA and submit a portfolio to the state department of Ed before you can move into the 40,000 a year base salary tier. Then you have to wait three more years and submit another portfolio to get the 50,000 base. I k...See More

Apr 25, 2016

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Denise On 4/25/16, Kb wrote: > I don't think that's true about New Mexico. They have a tiered > licensure system. You have to teach at least 3 years in the > state, have an MA and submit a portfolio to the state > department of Ed before you can move into the 40,000 a year > base salary tier. Then you have to wait three more years and > ...See More

Apr 26, 2016

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MOTHER OF ALL SHORTAGES

by KIM

Apr 9, 2016

LOOK AT THE STATE ARIZONA JOB BOARD FOR TEACHERS. THERE ARE SO MANY JOBS THAT IT IS COMICAL. I WONDER IF ANY OF THESE POSTING CAN PROVIDE A MEANS OF SUPPORT FOR ME WITH MY STUDENT LOANS, CAR PAYMENT, AND HOUSING COSTS?

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Denise On 4/11/16, Mike wrote: > Our Fountain Hills stores wants staff for a starting wage of $1 > $13.75 and hour. > > > > On 4/09/16, Denise wrote: >> On 4/09/16, KIM wrote: >>> LOOK AT THE STATE ARIZONA JOB BOARD FOR TEACHERS. >>> THERE ARE SO MANY JOBS THAT IT IS COMICAL. >>> I WONDER IF ANY OF THESE ...See More

Apr 12, 2016

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Arizona teaching family Both my husband & I are teachers and we love helping children learn. We have raised 3 sons, have 2 vehicles & own a home. We are not millionaires but that is not why we went into education. Sure we would love to make more but that's not what it should be about

Arizona Teaching Family

Apr 25, 2016

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Why Can't Teachers Strike?

by Terri

Apr 20, 2016

I'm 46. With all the hours I put in at home grading papers and looking for exciting lesson plans and created some of my own, I figure my hourly wage is lower than $10 an hour. I will be in my 50's soon and don't own anything and feel like I am giving my time and energy to the school for hardly nothing. What gives with this state? Why do teachers ac...See More

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Denise On 4/22/16, mark wrote:
> On 4/22/16, Denise wrote:
>> On 4/22/16, mark wrote:
>>> On 4/21/16, Denise wrote:
>>>> On 4/21/16, no $ for experience. wrote:
>>>>> On 4/21/16, Denise wrote:
>>>>>> On 4/20/16, anon wrote:
>>>>>>> On 4/20/16, T...See More

Apr 22, 2016

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Denise On 4/22/16, Denise wrote: > On 4/22/16, mark wrote: >> On 4/22/16, Denise wrote: >>> On 4/22/16, mark wrote: >>>> On 4/21/16, Denise wrote: >>>>> On 4/21/16, no $ for experience. wrote: >>>>>> On 4/21/16, Denise wrote: >>>>>>> On 4/20/16, anon wrote: >>>>...See MoreOn 4/22/16, Denise wrote: > On 4/22/16, mark wrote: >> On 4/22/16, Denise wrote: >>> On 4/22/16, mark wrote: >>>> On 4/21/16, Denise wrote: >>>>> On 4/21/16, no $ for experience. wrote: >>>>>> On 4/21/16, Denise wrote: >>>>>>> On 4/20/16, anon wrote: >>>>>>>> On 4/20/16, Terri wrote: >>>>>>>>> I'm 46. With all the hours I put in at home >>>>>>>>> grading >>>>>>>> papers >>>>>>>>> and looking for exciting lesson plans and created >>>>>>>>> some of my own, I figure my hourly wage is lower >>>>>>>>> than $10 an >>>>>>>> hour. >>>>>>>>> I will be in my 50's soon and don't own anything >>>>>>>>> and feel like I am giving my time and energy to >>>>>>>>> the school for hardly nothing. What gives with >>>>>>>>> this state? Why do >>>>>>>> teachers >>>>>>>>> accept such a low wage because I am soon looking >>>>>>>>> for a >>>>>>>> more >>>>>>>>> lucrative position so my future is also taken care >>>>>>>>> of. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Most states do not allow teachers to strike. Many >>>>>>>> don't allow public employees that right. It makes >>>>>>>> no sense at all except for police and fire because >>>>>>>> of community safety. Because teachers don't have >>>>>>>> the right to strike in 37 states, their "unions" >>>>>>>> are basically powerless. It's worse if they are in >>>>>>>> a "right to work" state. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Do you have Masters degree if so the minimum salary >>>>>>> in New Mexico is $53,000 Deming NM and other smaller >>>>>>> cities need teachers they also have a wonderful >>>>>>> retirement system. >>>>>> >>>>>> I'm guessing a Masters degree is Level 3? I looked up >>>>>> their website/salary schedule. They pay literally an >>>>>> extra dollar or two per year of experience. So >>>>>> someone with 25 years will make about $35 more than a >>>>>> newbie. Their salary, then, is essentially flat >>>>>> regardless of experience. >>>>>> >>>>>> Still, I suppose it is good for a newbie looking for >>>>>> a good starting salary, and I have to imagine small >>>>>> town cost of living would be good. I wouldn't worry >>>>>> about retirement though because with no chance to >>>>>> move up in salary, it is not worth staying beyond a >>>>>> few years >>>>> >>>>> If you have Masters and six years experience you start >>>>> at $53,000. >>>> >>>> And, reading their salary scale, you start at $53,000 >>>> and you stay at $53,000 for the rest of your career. >>>> There is no advancement. >>> >>> >>> Depends are where you are now if your only making in the >>> $30,000 to $40,000 range then where will you be in ten >>> years with that? >> >> True, which makes me wonder why anyone stays in teaching >> at all, except for June, July, and August. > > > What magnificent skills do you have outside of the > teaching world????

New Mexico teacher job fair tomorrow in Glendale Hampton Inn.

Apr 22, 2016

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Target and Wal-mart announce raises

by Cindy

Apr 19, 2016

Is your school offering a raise?

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Are female teachers responsible for low wages?

by Suzie Orman

Apr 13, 2016

Never put yourself on sale girls! Why are you working under such conditions?

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anon On 4/15/16, coyoteboy wrote: > Are you serious? I can't believe I'm even dignifying this > with a response, but it can't go unanswered. Male AND female > teachers are paid based on their YEARS OF EXPERIENCE and > whether or not they have an advanced degree. There is a set > salary scale which is a matter of public record since our &g...See MoreOn 4/15/16, coyoteboy wrote: > Are you serious? I can't believe I'm even dignifying this > with a response, but it can't go unanswered. Male AND female > teachers are paid based on their YEARS OF EXPERIENCE and > whether or not they have an advanced degree. There is a set > salary scale which is a matter of public record since our > salaries are paid with public funds. Male and female teachers > get paid THE EXACT FREAKIN' SAME. When we apply for jobs, > there is no salary negotiation involved, so I don't see how > salary discrimination could be taking place. (Teachers.net > nation, I expect you to set me straight if I'm mistaken > here!) We're not "selling ourselves" short in any sense > except that we could be making a lot more in another > profession...ladies AND gentlemen alike! It's inflammatory > comments like this that are hindering the cause of equal > pay/equal rights. Please keep your ignorance to yourself > unless you can contribute something positive to the dialogue.

Actually, teaching is low-paid compared to other occupations of similar education and difficulty because it is considered a traditional female job and therefore they are paid secondary wages. There are still far more women in this field than men overall, especially on the elementary level.

Women are paid less than men because it is assumed that women do not need the money the way men do. It is assumed all women are married and being financially supported by husbands--the reality of women's work doesn't factor in. Therefore businesses and government entities pay women less in good conscience because they figure the husband's income makes up for the shortchanging of women in their jobs.

There is no question sexism rules in public ed and in the attitudes of reformers seeking to abolish public ed. It is worse for classified employees such as classroom assistants, who are not eligible for UI when they are laid off during the summer, yet loggers, construction workers, and fishing personnel are able to collect? Why is that? Sexism. School districts assume all classroom classified workers are married and supported by husbands.

Apr 18, 2016

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coyoteboy Granted. Sexism is alive and well in many aspects of society, and many industries have huge pay gaps between male and female workers in the exact same positions. Also granted that teaching is a low-paying because traditionally feminine job. I'm not arguing with any of that. What I have a problem with is this poster's assertion that 1) female teache...See More

Apr 18, 2016

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concern - corporal punishment

by Anonymous

Feb 26, 2016

Context: I'm a second year teacher. I had a meeting w/ my principal where we discussed a parent email, how I handled it (not well - and the conversation got heated) and my classroom management and consequences. I mentioned that a consequence I have is that the students miss recess and practice walking laps around the quad in front of the building n...See MoreContext: I'm a second year teacher. I had a meeting w/ my principal where we discussed a parent email, how I handled it (not well - and the conversation got heated) and my classroom management and consequences. I mentioned that a consequence I have is that the students miss recess and practice walking laps around the quad in front of the building near the play ground. Below was the exchange and her response. I've honestly been researching corporal punishment because that assertion made my hairs stand up but am still finding trouble equating it to walking laps. Please read below and tell me if I'm wrong and why. I asked the principal and she was of NO HELP! So I sent this email to HR for guidance on the issue.

Good morning, I'm writing this email out of genuine concern and curiosity regarding corporal punishment. Yesterday, 2/25/16 I had a meeting with my principal wherein, among other things, I explained to her one of my class' negative consequences that I take recess and require that the students walk laps around the quad in lieu of running around, playing and having fun with their friends. My honest rationale being: the students are still getting physical activity during their recess time, it's just less enjoyable. Again, it's a negative consequence that I'm enforcing. However, [Principal] quickly stopped me and said that I couldn't do that because it was considered "corporal punishment," that I could be faced with a lawsuit and equated it to requiring the children do push ups or hitting a child. She also said that "I don't know what medical problems the children may have." I honestly didn't see the comparison and when I asked to expound on that further, she claimed it was "demeaning," but really couldn't (or didn't) offer much beyond that. Obviously it's not my intention or desire to inflict pain upon the children, but I don't see how requiring them to do physical activity during recess time is considered corporal punishment. I just feel like if the claim that I'm utilizing corporal punishment and implying I'm abusing children is going to be made, it merits a full discussion. I even stayed up last night Googling it and still couldn't really see how it equates.

As an HR rep, could you explain to me what the policy is and/or why I'm incorrect?

What do you think? She equated practicing walking at recess to corporal punishment and used "making students do push ups or hitting children" as her comparison.

Thanks, Anonymous

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dm Anyways, I looked it up--could be a faulty source--but AZ is one state where corporal punishment is not illegal.

On 2/27/16, Your principal is wrong.. wrote: > Yes corporal means bodily literally, but corporal punishment > in schools means hitting kids. Making kids move but be silent > during recess is not illegal, nor is it unrea...See MoreAnyways, I looked it up--could be a faulty source--but AZ is one state where corporal punishment is not illegal.

On 2/27/16, Your principal is wrong.. wrote: > Yes corporal means bodily literally, but corporal punishment > in schools means hitting kids. Making kids move but be silent > during recess is not illegal, nor is it unreasonable. Of > course common sense is needed; I have severe breathing issues > and I can't walk easily when I have a severe attack..but then > again, I don't/can't go to work when that happens. You have > the right to do this. On 2/26/16, Coach Collins wrote: >> Hello, >> >> I'm very sorry to hear about the troubles >> you've been having. As a second year >> teacher, you will make mistakes and this >> isn't the worst one. >> >> Corporal punishment is any form of >> physical punishment. Whether it's >> striking a child, making him do push-ups, >> compelling him to walk laps, turning the >> A/C too low or high, or spraying him with >> water, educators are not permitted to >> physically punish students in those >> states that have outlawed it. >> >> That being said, teachers use these types >> of punishments in every school where I've >> taught and very rarely are they >> disciplined for minor punishments like >> making a child stand up and hold his >> books for the period or making him walk >> laps. >> >> Our purpose as educators is to teach >> children, not punish them. We should >> provide consequences for wrong choices, >> but punishing children creates hostility >> and contempt, putting us at odds with >> them rather than being on their side. >> I've never hit a student, but we did >> spank our own kids when they were little. >> We realized it made the situation worse >> and created resentment. Also it didn't >> work. >> >> Yes, physical activity is good for kids, >> but not as punishment. Using it as >> punishment may discourage them from being >> physically active because of the negative >> associations they may form with it. >> >> Hope this has been helpful. Good luck. >> >> On 2/26/16, Anonymous wrote: >>> Context: I'm a second year teacher. I >> had a meeting w/ my principal where we >> discussed a parent email, how >>> I handled it (not well - and the >> conversation got heated) and my classroom >> management and consequences. I >>> mentioned that a consequence I have is >> that the students miss recess and >> practice walking laps around the >>> quad in front of the building near the >> play ground. Below was the exchange and >> her response. I've honestly >>> been researching corporal punishment >> because that assertion made my hairs >> stand up but am still finding >>> trouble equating it to walking laps. >> Please read below and tell me if I'm >> wrong and why. I asked the >>> principal and she was of NO HELP! So I >> sent this email to HR for guidance on the >> issue. >>> >>> >>> Good morning, >>> I'm writing this email out of genuine >> concern and curiosity regarding corporal >> punishment. Yesterday, >>> 2/25/16 I had a meeting with my >> principal wherein, among other things, I >> explained to her one of my >>> class' negative consequences that I >> take recess and require that the students >> walk laps around the quad in >>> lieu of running around, playing and >> having fun with their friends. My honest >> rationale being: the students >>> are still getting physical activity >> during their recess time, it's just less >> enjoyable. Again, it's a >>> negative consequence that I'm >> enforcing. However, [Principal] quickly >> stopped me and said that I couldn't >>> do that because it was considered >> "corporal punishment," that I could be >> faced with a lawsuit and equated >>> it to requiring the children do push >> ups or hitting a child. She also said >> that "I don't know what medical >>> problems the children may have." I >> honestly didn't see the comparison and >> when I asked to expound on that >>> further, she claimed it was >> "demeaning," but really couldn't (or >> didn't) offer much beyond that. Obviously >>> it's not my intention or desire to >> inflict pain upon the children, but I >> don't see how requiring them to do >>> physical activity during recess time is >> considered corporal punishment. I just >> feel like if the claim that >>> I'm utilizing corporal punishment and >> implying I'm abusing children is going to >> be made, it merits a full >>> discussion. I even stayed up last night >> Googling it and still couldn't really see >> how it equates. >>> >>> >>> As an HR rep, could you explain to me >> what the policy is and/or why I'm >> incorrect? >>> >>> >>> >>> What do you think? >>> She equated practicing walking at >> recess to corporal punishment and used >> "making students do push ups or >>> hitting children" as her comparison. >>> >>> Thanks, >>> Anonymous >>> >>>

Mar 3, 2016

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a parent Corporal punishment in schools in Arizona is not illegal
but that does not make it right or something you should
do.

Coach posted a perfect response as did a couple others.

Apr 15, 2016

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Arizona Begs for teachers but broke

by Dale

Apr 8, 2016

Yes, you can expect a job here without trying. Expect low pay, lots of hours outside class, and little benefits. Typical of a Republican government in Arizona! Poor teachers !!

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nfm .

Apr 8, 2016

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Princaipals, Beware we know jobs are plentiful

by Kyle

Apr 2, 2016

Don't even think of offering us a low salary and benefits are expected!

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Denise On 4/07/16, anon wrote: > On 4/07/16, anon wrote: >> On 4/06/16, Mark wrote: >>> On 4/05/16, Denise wrote: >>>> On 4/04/16, anon wrote: >>>>> On 4/04/16, mark wrote: >>>>>> On 4/04/16, anon wrote: >>>>>>> On 4/03/16, dm wrote: >>>>>>>> I don'...See MoreOn 4/07/16, anon wrote: > On 4/07/16, anon wrote: >> On 4/06/16, Mark wrote: >>> On 4/05/16, Denise wrote: >>>> On 4/04/16, anon wrote: >>>>> On 4/04/16, mark wrote: >>>>>> On 4/04/16, anon wrote: >>>>>>> On 4/03/16, dm wrote: >>>>>>>> I don't know....is salary up to principals to >>>>>>>> negotiate, or >>>>>>> is it >>>>>>>> an HR thing? >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> One asst. principal I had when the economy was bad >>>>>>>> boldly told the school leadership team that "Our >>>>>>>> teachers will do anything we tell them to do. They >>>>>>>> are afraid to lose their jobs." How the pendulum >>>>>>>> swings.... >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 4/02/16, Kyle wrote: >>>>>>>>> Don't even think of offering us a low salary and >>>>>>>>> benefits are expected! >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In public education (and many private/charter >>>>>>> schools), you do not "negotiate" your salary. It is >>>>>>> based on years of experience and education. You take >>>>>>> it or you leave it. Period. >>>>>> >>>>>> There is some wiggle room in public education. If you >>>>>> have >>>>> years >>>>>> of experience elsewhere, they can either give you the >>>>>> years or not. There can be some negotiation there, >>>>>> but you can't start >>>>> at, >>>>>> say: step 10 on the salary scale (which would usually >>>>>> be given >>>>> to >>>>>> someone with 10 years experience) when you have no >>>>>> credible experience elsewhere. You won't get the >>>>>> Master's degree salary lane if you don't have a MA. >>>>>> If you're a BA step 1, then that >>>>> is >>>>>> all they can give you. >>>>>> >>>>>> Sadly, Arizona salaries are very bad. Don't expect >>>>>> much, and >>>>> the >>>>>> job market also dependent on your teaching sub-field. >>>>>> You >>>>> might >>>>>> be more in demand if you're in a shortage field, but >>>>> elementary >>>>>> teachers still might not have much need. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> There is NO "wiggle room" in public ed. Districts >>>>> might give you credit for experience, but it is still >>>>> the step system that applies. That is the ONLY fair >>>>> way you can do it in the public sector; otherwise, you >>>>> would have a lot of favoritism and unfairness in >>>>> salaries. Therefore, you have NO bargaining chip for >>>>> salary. You take it or leave it. It does not matter if >>>>> it is a "shortage" area. You don't get paid more and >>>>> should NOT get paid more just because you were trained >>>>> in math or science as opposed to kindergarten, which >>>>> is vastly more difficult work. It is not like private >>>>> sector employment. There is no salary or benefit >>>>> "negotiation" unless you are a senior administrator or >>>>> a superintendent. >>>> >>>> >>>> There are sometimes stipends for shortage areas in >>>> public which there should be because obviously it is >>>> more for Math and Science teachers/ have to be smart, >>>> and Special >> Education >>>> nobody wants those jobs.. Otherwise these would not be >>>> shortage areas everybody would just get there degrees >>>> in >> these >>>> areas, been the shortage areas for 20 years.. >>> >>> Math and science majors have other employment options >>> outside of teaching that typically pay better. As a sped >>> teacher, I would say that teaching special education was >>> like banging >> your >>> head against a brick wall for 10 years, but that would >>> insult and demean people who literally bang their head >>> against a >> wall >>> for a living. Its not the kids, its the nonsense >>> administration puts on us. >> >> >> A stipend is not the same as paying different salaries >> based > on >> your field. Just because you were a hotshot in math and >> science in college and in the private sector doesn't mean >> it > is >> more difficult work to teach it in public ed than working >> in special education or in the primary grades, which in >> fact are vastly more difficult. Different salary scales >> based on the major cannot be done in public ed because of >> the highly political atmosphere of the workplace. > > And, I would argue, paying math and science teachers more > than elementary or special education teachers is arguably > sex discrimination since men tend to dominate in science > and math majors, while women dominate in special education > and elementary ed.

I get paid higher for Sped shortage area. My Sister in Law is a Math teacher her planning takes a lot more time, and grading she is smart and teaches Math makes more money, and had lots of job offers.

Apr 7, 2016

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mark On 4/07/16, anon wrote: > > There is NO district in the country that has different pay > scales for certified employees. None. Zip. They are all on > the same scale based on years of experience and education. > These salary scales are designed to prevent favoritism by > administrators. > > People here have no understanding o...See More

Apr 7, 2016

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