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New Jersey Teachers Chatboard

Teacher opinion

by KR

Jun 6, 2011

What do you think is the main plight of the American teacher?

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Lucy The ultimate plight is the lack of parent involvement. We are here to teach your children academics. While I understand that ultimately we are role models and should model the behavior of a good citizen, please, teach them something about it at home!!!

Jun 9, 2011

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Sandy oor student behavior.

Jun 10, 2011

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How is the situation for teachers in NJ?

by pb

Jun 6, 2011

I was born and raised in South Jersey. I taught school in Cumberland and Gloucester counties up until 1989. I have lived and taught in FL since '89. How is the situation for teachers in NJ now? Situation here in FL is very, very bad for teachers. I would NOT recommend coming to this state to live and teach. I am nearing retirement in the next 3 yea...See More

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Rachel B: I should have made myself more clear. Since I do not have enough information about teaching in other states, I cannot comment on that. I meant that teachers in NJ complain too much. It is much better pay wise in this state, but it should be. We certainly have a higher cost of living than FL. However, all teachers should be treated with respect a...See More

Jun 14, 2011

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PB is right My husband are are (were) teachers in FL. PB is right on. Things here are so bad now we have just got to get out. (and we just moved back to FL last summer!) My husband grew up in NJ and wants us to move north.

I worked with a teacher who left FL and now has a job in NJ. Many of my former co-workers moved to Georgia.

To give you s...See MoreMy husband are are (were) teachers in FL. PB is right on. Things here are so bad now we have just got to get out. (and we just moved back to FL last summer!) My husband grew up in NJ and wants us to move north.

I worked with a teacher who left FL and now has a job in NJ. Many of my former co-workers moved to Georgia.

To give you some perspective: in FL, family health insurance (a terrible plan by the way in our district) would cost us $800 a month. (that does not include dental, vision, or short/long term disability - those are extras if we want them)

Teachers are abused by Principals here and now you will be on annual contract forever! (the entire first year is "probation" now as well) NO tenure ever again. They took away the COLA for the pension, so you'll get a $20,000 pension in year one and you'll still be getting $20,000 twenty years from then (anyone call see that your purchasing power will be nada with any kind of inflation by that time)

Salaries are lower than Mississippi now. Your job automatically ends every June. That's what happened to my husband - we moved back and he had to start back on annual contract. His contract was not renewed because they had to place a tenured teacher into his job in June. He's had 3 interviews this summer, but there are so many teachers fighting for the same scraps now.

I'm ready to go back to my former career in human resources, but the pay is now lower than what I made back in 2001 for the same job!

In any case, we have to get out of FL. Things are just terrible all around down here. There were 2 home-invasions in our little neighborhood. A middle schooler set his girlfriend on fire. A high schooler body-slammed his teacher and then raped a girl on the bus. An illegal ran over and killed a boy at his bus stop. I could go ON and ON like this.

SO we WILL get back to a land with civility and the 4 seasons, one way or another.

On 6/14/11, Rachel wrote: > PB: > I should have made myself more clear. Since I do not have enough > information about teaching in other states, I cannot comment on that. I > meant that teachers in NJ complain too much. It is much better pay wise > in this state, but it should be. We certainly have a higher cost of > living than FL. However, all teachers should be treated with respect and > dignity as we do have the most difficult job in this country. Best of > luck to you. > > On 6/10/11, pb wrote: >> Rachel: >> Congratulations to you. You must be at a school where you are >> appreciated. >> I do not mean to sound like I'm a nagging complainer, but you guys >> and gals in Jersey, DO have it better than the teachers here(FL). I >> understand that situations for teachers across the country are tough, >> and seem to be getting tougher each year. >> I truly feel badly for teachers everywhere. It's enough to deal with >> children who have learning disabilities and/or behavior issues, and >> their parents. When politicians and school administrators add to >> those problems, the life of a teacher can become a living hell. >> Once again, best wishes this coming school year. >> >> >> On 6/09/11, Rachel wrote: >>> Perhaps I had extremely good luck, but I interviewed for a long term >>> sub position, fulfilled the position, and was asked to return this >>> year. I will be finishing my first full year of teaching, and I am >>> extremely happy. I knew no one in the district in which I work. I >>> had NO connections. My advice is: do whatever you have to do. Sub >>> without being disgruntled or bitter. People pick up on attitude, so >>> if you seem bitter or frustrated, everyone will know. I have worked >>> in the private sector and have found it to be an unfulfilling rat >>> race. I truly believe that teachers complain way too much. Be >>> grateful for what you have because there are many who have it a lot >>> worse.

Jul 27, 2011

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Professional Hours Form Help

by gina

Jun 16, 2011

when filling out the 100 hours form, how are formal graduate courses listed? For instance, I took about 15 credits last year. How many hours is that, or is it okay to just put "15 credits"? Also, how do I find out the provider number? Thanks for any help.

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Thnx sneakjinx. sure wish I hadn't waited till last min. On 6/16/11, sneakjinx wrote: > First, you no longer need provider numbers, so don't worry > about that. As far as the form goes, I believe each district > has their own form. At least, every district I've been in (3 > in NJ) has done it differently. You will need to convert > credits to hours though because you get more than 1 hour p...See More

Jun 16, 2011

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sneakjinx Gina, I'm confused...what do you mean last minute? The 5 year cycle just started this year so you actually have 4 more years to get your 100 hrs. If you mean it's last minute for this year, I really wouldn't worry. I realized last year (at the end of the 5 year cycle) that I had no PD credit from my first year in this district. I was still able to ...See More

Jun 17, 2011

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Career Transition suggestions?

by throwing in the towel

Jun 19, 2011

OK, so I am 50, and have a few years of teaching experience, no tenure, and just got RIF'd. I JUST finished my M.Ed, and am sad to say that I think I need to cut my losses and go back to corporate. I used to be an executive assistant and I don't want to do that anymore.

so, if you were to leave the profession, what would you do?

I...See More

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same boat I'm also close to your age, came from industry, got my masters in teaching to prepare myself for a second career.

So far my teaching experience has sucked. There is no professionalism in the field and teachers are treated like second rate citizens.

The thing is I love working with the kids. I really felt I was making a difference ...See More

Jun 29, 2011

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pension package and retirees?

by ron/nj

Jun 20, 2011

Is there anything proposed in this latest package that affects retirees?

ron

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Richard On 6/29/11, Ellie wrote: > On 6/29/11, ron/nj, NFM wrote: >> . > how so....the freeze on COLAs still stands or did I miss > something? >

Retirees were also hit. Yes no COLAS. That really stinks. I did read somewhere that it might be brought to court. How did that slip by?

Jun 30, 2011

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Ellie how so....the freeze on COLAs still stands or did I miss >> something? >> > > Retirees were also hit. Yes no COLAS. That really stinks. > I did read somewhere that it might be brought to court. > How did that slip by?

it didn't slip by ...there's very little they can do to eliminate benefits except get rid of COLAs ...See Morehow so....the freeze on COLAs still stands or did I miss >> something? >> > > Retirees were also hit. Yes no COLAS. That really stinks. > I did read somewhere that it might be brought to court. > How did that slip by?

it didn't slip by ...there's very little they can do to eliminate benefits except get rid of COLAs because the pensions are legally considered deferred payment.

And even the COLAs are included in this so they can't "get rid" of the COLAs. They didn't do this...they simply said postponed paying them until the fund is 80% funded. That could take 30+ years ...or never.

And yes there are legal actions being taken but that could take 5 years or more to settle. Most likely it will settle in favor or the retirees but that still might do any good. Legal fees will eat up quite a bit and the NJ fund is still in big trouble. The 5 years of accumulated COLA payments could eat up most of the fund.

I'm not in NJ but have been following your state closely because it will probably set the precedence for other states with public pension problems (and there are LOTS). Christi has already said other states have privately called him about how to do similar actions in their states.

One of the big problems with the NJ fund is all the skipped payments by the state. And the unions kept getting what they were asking for so minimal fuss was put up. NO ONE asked what was going to happen years down the line to the retirees when the money ran out. It's very difficult...well impossible...to play catch up on what should have been put in.

In my particular case....and I just retired...I'm not counting on my pension. I'm desperately trying to start a new career. I would like to basically bank my pension and build my private savings. If my pension holds then it's a fabulous plus and I'll spend away later in life. But if it doesn't then I can't afford to find out in my 80s.

The stuff you'll read on what has gone on with our pensions will make you beyond enraged but the bottom line is if the money isn't there ...it's not there. So better to have a backup plan in place and fight like hell for what's rightfully yours in the meantime.

Jun 30, 2011

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posted openings

by ron/nj

Jun 21, 2011

June 20, 2011

TO: All Certified Personnel

RE: Certified Vacancies

Applications are being received in the Personnel Office from certified candidates desiring to be considered for the position(s) listed below:

G & T Teacher – Middle School Instrumental Music Teacher/Band Director – Woodbridge High School ...See More

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Pennsylvanian here looking for a Jersey Beach vacation spot.

by Your recs considered and appreciated (more inside)

Jun 28, 2011

Hi all, And thanks for reading this/your anticipated suggestions. I'm from NEPA and would like to visit the Jersey shore for a vacation in a few weeks. I've only been to Wildwood Crest, which was nice, but I'm looking for somewhere new--specifically, somewhere where I don't have to walk what feels like miles to the ocean, where it's family oriented...See More

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PattiLou On 6/28/11, Your recs considered and appreciated (more inside) wrote: > Hi all, > And thanks for reading this/your anticipated suggestions. > I'm from NEPA and would like to visit the Jersey shore for a > vacation in a few weeks. I've only been to Wildwood Crest, > which was nice, but I'm looking for somewhere > new--specifically,...See MoreOn 6/28/11, Your recs considered and appreciated (more inside) wrote: > Hi all, > And thanks for reading this/your anticipated suggestions. > I'm from NEPA and would like to visit the Jersey shore for a > vacation in a few weeks. I've only been to Wildwood Crest, > which was nice, but I'm looking for somewhere > new--specifically, somewhere where I don't have to walk what > feels like miles to the ocean, where it's family oriented > and not overly rowdy OR overly expensive. I've talked to a > motel manager in Long Beach Island (Lorry's End Motel) who > seemed nice, and has vacancies, but the website says it is > not beachfront (though it supposedly is 200 yards from the > beach). And I talked to a woman in Pleasant Point who was > pushing that spot, saying Long Beach has "nothing" at all > except a beach, yet it gets very crowded. So now I'll go to > the Source, Those Who Know---New Jersyians. What do you > recommend?

My family really enjoys Ocean City because it's a true family resort with a great boardwalk and a nice beach. They let you ride bikes or use a surrey on the boardwalk early in the morning. The nighttime rides are good for children. If your rental is near the boardwalk--which happens to be really long, you can walk to the rides and restaurants. We do.

We've also vacationed in Brigantine, Avalon, Long Beach Island and Cape May.

Cape May is lovely with large Victorian homes/hotels. It's a quiet, classy town where you can enjoy nice walks. If you would rather stay in a hotel instead of a B and B or rental house, the Grand Hotel is nice, but kind of expensive in season. Be sure to take a trip to the Cape May Zoo if you haven't already been there.

Brigantine is lovely but there might not be enough for a family to do besides the beach activities.

Remember that Ocean City and Avalon are near Atlantic City but I would never consider renting in AC. Good luck in choosing a resort town. You'll definitely enjoy your NJ shore vacation. FYI, you have to pay for beach tags but the cost isn't bad.

Jun 30, 2011

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posted openings

by ron/nj

Jun 30, 2011

June 30, 2011

TO: Certified Personnel

RE: Certified Vacancies

Applications are being received in the Personnel Office from certified candidates desiring to be considered for the position(s) listed below:

Elementary Classroom Teacher Elementary Academic Literacy Coach Teacher of Social Studies

All letters...See More

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ron/nj une 30, 2011

TO: All Certified Personnel

RE: Administrative Vacancy

Applications are being received in the Personnel Office from certified candidates desiring to be considered for the position(s) listed below:

*Supervisor of English, Media Centers and ESL/Bilingual (Grades 6-12)

*Job Description Attached...See More

Jul 7, 2011

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breaking a contract

by birdmomma

Jul 16, 2011

Need help: teacher contract states that teacher will give sixty days notice for resigning. It doesn't say what happens if you don't give the sixty days notice. Does anyone know what the consequences would be of giving less than the sixty days notice? Thanks

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sb State law says if you breach your contract your NJ teaching license may be suspended. That being said, I have only seen a teacher unwillingly held to the 60 day notice in the contract once. She notified the district that she planned to accept a position elsewhere in August and they made her stay until her replacement could be found and approved by ...See More

Jul 17, 2011

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Lee br> >> Need help: teacher contract states that teacher will give >> sixty days notice for resigning. It doesn't say what >> happens if you don't give the sixty days notice. Does >> anyone know what the consequences would be of giving less >> than the sixty days notice? Thanks

Depends on your administration....See More

Aug 3, 2011

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What kinds of teachers are needed most?

by Kristin

Jul 17, 2011

Teaching is my passion and life's path. I just need a venue! I have a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, a NJ certification and experience. Right now, my focus is elementary education, but I am flexible. What kinds of teachers are needed the most in NJ? I welcome all comments, suggestions and advice. Thank you!

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any advice I will be certified Pre to 3rd, come this Spring 2012. How can I address future job prospects of my accreditation and master’s degree without being lost in the shuffle of other resumes? Should I just put in bold print across my resume MAT teaching in Early Childhood/ Special Education P-3 and Special Education? Any advice would be greatly appreci...See More

Jul 30, 2011

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