I heard it first on OPB while en route to my first substitute gig of the new school year. Oregon's report card on school performance. Elementary and Middle school is improving or staying the same. High school across the board showed decline. Especially in Science and Math. From the Oregonian
At any rate, I was yelling at the radio as I tooled down the road:
"It's because you (retract retract) haven't hired me!"
Yes. I am certified to teach High School Science and Chemistry, as of June 2010. All I've been able to get is sub jobs. I've nearly two decades of experience working in R&D in various chemical industries. I'm highly qualified.
It is AGONY to sub a science class with 30 or so students, an obviously overwhelmed teacher and know, know with utter certainty that these students are not learning. Know that adding me as a teacher, even part time, would make a huge difference.
So would smaller class sizes. That's a no brainer. Anyone saying differently needs to volunteer at their school. Try the basic 9th grade algebra or science. Required classes that will be large. Look at how many students are just screwing around. Because they can, when there's just 1 adult trying to herd them. (And not allowed a cattle prod- subs, especially, have this sort of fantasy) Now think of trying to manage a science lab using chemicals.
"Oh, but Japan, Korea, China- they all have really large classes and great results!" Sure- they all have cultures that respect their elders (teachers) and parents that demand their kids learn. Here, in the USA, teachers are the problem and many parents are struggling to much to really push their kids on learning. Often, it is enough that their kid is not truant. Who cares if homework is done? If their kid is texting during class? So what if they've got a C-, it's passing.
Is this what our culture comes to? People eager, willing and able to make a difference are shut out from jobs where they are desperately needed. I fully support the Chicago teachers. I hope it pushes awareness that the current drive from right and left sides for 'reform' is hopelessly flawed. I don't think so- what I hear over the radio has been more about what Chicago teachers make. $70000/year on average? What? I know that is not right. I get a little less than $20hr (less at the charter school) to sub. I'd get about the same as a teacher, but with benefits. Oregon is pretty average on teacher pay.
Which is to say, teachers in the USA get paid shit for the level of education and work they are expected to do. Industry pays better. I was working there long enough. And I never called it spectacular pay. With less benefits and vacation when I switched jobs. Well, teachers get summers off, right? You do realize teachers have to continue education to keep their license? No, they do not have time during the school year.
Which bring me to my last rant: I'll probably lose my license in early 2014. Without a job, I can't afford my home much less continuing education. Highly qualified Science and Chemistry teacher never even gets a chance to prove ability.
And those kids I never got to teach?
They'll be the ones building the bridges, designing the buildings you work in, formulating your cancer treatments or operating on your prostate. Are you sure they'll be up to the task? Up to code? Deal with deviations from textbook cases? All they had to do was pass the test.
Unless they had a teacher who strove for teaching them more. A teacher like me.
In case your wondering:
My Masters in Teaching was paid for through Federal Tax dollars (TAA- about 20K). I'd really like you all to get your money's worth.
I own (for now) so moving is problematic (still very few opportunities around the state). I really don't want to move, either. It is a fantastic community in many ways.
No, not having luck with any type of work. I did extract honey this summer, but that was seasonal. I promise, I can say "Would you like fries with that?" with the best of them. I swear, there's just a black hole you throw resumes in. I live in a rural area which makes is even more difficult.
3:31 PM PT: Update: I think I must rant more. Please send me all your good thoughts- I HAVE AN INTERVIEW FOR A CHEM TEACHER POSITION!!!!
Holy cats am I excited! They have no idea how much they need me.