Lol. More than half of my teachers are overall grumpy and useless educators. And I for one find it imposible to respect a teacher who demands respect but doesn't show a shred of repect for their students. Just my opinion about at least half of my teachers.
We are grumpy because we are treated poorly, and grown adults don't even have respect for teachers. However, I DO agree that teachers should respect students, as students are expected to treat teachers.
-Great job security (once you've been there a little while unless you fuck up big time you just about can't be fired)
-Great vacation time (Three entire months off, plus things like Spring break, Christmas, most government holiday) Yes, a lot of teachers spend that time preparing for the next year or grading papers and whatnot over holidays, but a lot of that preparing is only done the first few years, then they already have most of it down for the next year. Lot of jobs you are lucky to have Thanksgiving day and Christmas day off, let alone paid vacation.
-Fairly good retirement. Used to be better, but you still get a pretty good deal with both a pension and your own 401k/PERA/etc.
-Good hours. Only 7 hours (including a lunch) and usually teacher's have some sort of "planning period" to work on their classes or grade homework or whatnot, so they don't have to bring it all home (And yes I know a lot of teachers do all that and still spend a lot of time after school doing work)
I'd still agree that most teachers are under payed, but its really not as bad as a lot make it out to be.
You pick your benefits when you pick your job. Flexible hours, paid vacation, job security, retirement package, Insurance (forgot to mention that one above, teachers get good insurance), other fringe benefits (helping with tuition or providing day care for kids), telecommuting, company vehicle, etc.
All of these things cost the employer some and are considered part of your "pay". When you add in all the things teachers get, its not bad at all.
Where are teachers getting this stuff you speak of? Telecommuting and company vehicle? No. 7 hours a day? No. There are meetings upon meetings, many of which we have to have during our planning time. Which means we end up planning on our weekends, nights, and vacations. On top of professional development (required to stay certified) we must attend countless IEP, parent meetings, district meetings, and various others. Ahh unless you are a teacher, it's hard to understand the full responsibility of the teacher. I guess it isn't your fault that you don't truly know. At least all of what I've said is true where I'm at.
-Great vacation time (Three entire months off, plus things like Spring break, Christmas, most government holiday) Yes, a lot of teachers spend that time preparing for the next year or grading papers and whatnot over holidays, but a lot of that preparing is only done the first few years, then they already have most of it down for the next year. Lot of jobs you are lucky to have Thanksgiving day and Christmas day off, let alone paid vacation.
-Fairly good retirement. Used to be better, but you still get a pretty good deal with both a pension and your own 401k/PERA/etc.
-Good hours. Only 7 hours (including a lunch) and usually teacher's have some sort of "planning period" to work on their classes or grade homework or whatnot, so they don't have to bring it all home (And yes I know a lot of teachers do all that and still spend a lot of time after school doing work)
You pick your benefits when you pick your job. Flexible hours, paid vacation, job security, retirement package, Insurance (forgot to mention that one above, teachers get good insurance), other fringe benefits (helping with tuition or providing day care for kids), telecommuting, company vehicle, etc.
All of these things cost the employer some and are considered part of your "pay". When you add in all the things teachers get, its not bad at all.