Posted by
Maestro on Monday, April 02, 2007 11:44:09 PM
Teachers continuously bemoan their fate. I often find myself on the outside looking in when discussions develop about our pay and benefits. "We are not paid enough!", exclaims one veteran teacher in the district that I work in. Another mentions how they feel disrespected. I shutter at that thought. I never have been one to feel that my employer must give me 5% rather than 3.5% so as to make me feel respected. I have enough self-respect to garner feelings of self-worth that remain impenetrable to the antics of any school board. If they offered zero it would not impact my sense of respect or worth. The reason is simple: I chose to be content with what I am paid. If I desire better pay or a better benefits package than I would move to a different district. It is part of the free market economy, you do not have to buy electronics from Best Buy, shop at Circuit City if you like. It is time to stop bemoaning our positions and lots in life, rather we should acknowledge that we are paid well as professional educators. I would ask my colleagues, when you are enjoying your summer vacation or months off throughout the year...ponder what being an educator means. We are undivided in our drive, our purpose is clear, and our goals are altruistic. We are here for the kids. That is not a bumper sticker friends, that is our mission in life. Choose to appreciate the blessings you have received and share them with your students. The negativity that you can avoid may add more to your blessings. Think it over and do what is right.