Sunday, March 5, 2023

Are You Thinking About Teaching as a Career?

 

Are you thinking about teaching as a career? 

There are an awful lot of discussions out there about teacher shortages. People leaving teaching. Alternate pathways to certification. Testing. Teachers should be paid more. Crowded classrooms. Teachers are not treated like many professionals. The Covid gap. Online learning. One of my favorites–you have summers off!


Perhaps I’ve heard enough. Perhaps I’ve seen one too many video shorts on Facebook. Perhaps I’m just plain ready to do something I enjoy–writing. But whatever has driven me to begin this commentary, please take it for what it is. My view. My opinion based on what I’ve seen and experienced. I cannot nor would not hope to speak for others. I will, however, over the next while, endeavor to bring up topics and ideas someone may find interesting and perhaps slightly thought provoking.


So let’s begin with money. We’re all out there working because we’re trying to support something. Ourselves. Our families. Our hobbies, etc.


I’ve seen many articles stating that starting salaries for teachers are over $60,000. Seriously? Where?


I am in my 16th year of teaching and should be at the top of my local district’s ladder or salary matrix (more on that later). I hold a certification as a Secondary Teacher in History and Geography. I have a Master’s degree + 28 hours (meaning I’ve taken enough classes after my master’s program that I have accrued more than 28 hours of university credit.) This actually does not include classes I took the first several years after I started teaching and I thought I would never need to worry about such things as school district ladders, lane changes etc., so I opted for state continuing education credits which counted toward re-licensure but did nothing for future remuneration benefits. 


If I were working full-time…(more on that later) I should be making $72,000. I don't know if that sounds like a lot to you. My children make much, much more than thatin other industries, of course. And, I live in Idaho. It's 37th in the nation as far as teacher pay.


If I were teaching in one of the largest districts in Utah, I would also make approximately $72,000. But, the price of my little house in Idaho, would cost so much more in Utah. That's actually why I moved from Utah. After I'd sold my house–with a small acreage–I couldn’t afford to buy another plain, simple house.


Most districts spread this salary out over 12 months. Many give you the option to decide if you want it spread out or to fit it into the nine months of full time teaching. I understand in California many districts do not give you that option which means you will not have a pay check during those non-teaching months.


So, if you’re going into education for the money–you may want to re-think. #teachingcareer


(Stats info came from https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/teacher-pay-by-state)


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