Teacher of the year is laid off.

MSgt · Jun 16, 2012

Boo Radley said:
I don't think this a republican / democrat thing. It is a we have to lay off teachers thing.

Absolutely right.

The first thing both parties do when it comes to "fixing" deficits or cutting budgets is slash the military and education. The military deals with it and continues to get paychecks. We will deploy with duct tape and make due to accomplish mission. But teachers get really screwed. How many teachers take money away from their own children so that they can spend it on school supplies that the underfunded schools should supply? How many of our children benefit from teachers buying paste and construction paper instead of taking their own children out to dinner or buy that extra Birthday gift? Neither Party holds a monopoly on this garbage. This is why Washington blows... - Our stewards will preach to us about what is important as they protect their pet projects and campaign financiers. Voters then go to the booths after the sermons hit home. Our politics have really become a religious experience that demands faith without the reward.

C'mon...I'm a really good writer huh?

Boo Radley · Jun 16, 2012

MSgt said:
Absolutely right.

The first thing both parties do when it comes to "fixing" deficits or cutting budgets is slash the military and education. The military deals with it and continues to get paychecks. We will deploy with duct tape and make due to accomplish mission. But teachers get really screwed. How many teachers take money away from their own children so that they can spend it on school supplies that the underfunded schools should supply? How many of our children benefit from teachers buying paste and construction paper instead of taking their own children out to dinner or buy that extra Birthday gift? Neither Party holds a monopoly on this garbage. This is why Washington blows - our stewards will preach to us about what is important while protecting their pet projects and campaign financiers. And voters go to the booths....

Amen brother. Amen.

Comfort Food · Jun 16, 2012

MSgt said:
Absolutely right.

The first thing both parties do when it comes to "fixing" deficits or cutting budgets is slash the military and education. The military deals with it and continues to get paychecks. We will deploy with duct tape and make due to accomplish mission. But teachers get really screwed. How many teachers take money away from their own children so that they can spend it on school supplies that the underfunded schools should supply? How many of our children benefit from teachers buying paste and construction paper instead of taking their own children out to dinner or buy that extra Birthday gift? Neither Party holds a monopoly on this garbage. This is why Washington blows... - Our stewards will preach to us about what is important as they protect their pet projects and campaign financiers. Voters then go to the booths after the sermons hit home. Our politics have really become a religious experience that demands faith without the reward.

C'mon...I'm a really good writer huh?

There is more than enough money invested into education in this country. If your children is going without paper or a teacher is purchasing construction paper without being refunded it is not because of a funding issue. It is an appropriations issue at the local, state and federal level. At what point do you realizing that throwing money at the issue has not solved issues of running out of construction paper? Kids have been "running out of paper" in schools for a long time. During this time cost per pupil has gone up 20-25% in America. And in the last 25 years it has gone up well over 50%. More money isn't a solution. Accountability for the money that is given is. Odds are your local school district has plenty of money to education your children with all the supplies they need and to do so at an above average level internationally. If they are not performing, they are failing you. And rather than throwing money at them you should hold them accountable.

Boo Radley · Jun 16, 2012

Comfort Food said:
There is more than enough money invested into education in this country. If your children is going without paper or a teacher is purchasing construction paper without being refunded it is not because of a funding issue. It is an appropriations issue at the local, state and federal level. At what point do you realizing that throwing money at the issue has not solved issues of running out of construction paper? Kids have been "running out of paper" in schools for a long time. During this time cost per pupil has gone up 20-25% in America. And in the last 25 years it has gone up well over 50%. More money isn't a solution. Accountability for the money that is given is. Odds are your local school district has plenty of money to education your children with all the supplies they need and to do so at an above average level internationally. If they are not performing, they are failing you. And rather than throwing money at them you should hold them accountable.

"As a science teacher, I have an official budget, but that is usually gone by the beginning of the year,” says Hogue, who works in suburban Denver. “When I want to do a science lab, I usually pay for it all on my own.”

Hogue is one of the millions of teachers across the country who are shelling out their own hard-earned cash to pay for books, pens, pencils and other basic supplies that schools have provided in the past.

According to a new survey, teachers spent an average of $448 of their own money on instructional materials and school supplies for the 1998-99 school year.

Teachers Spend Own Money for Supplies - ABC News

Comfort Food · Jun 16, 2012

Dittohead not! said:
OK, I see your point.

Now, what do you think it means when a ten year veteran in a district the size of Sacramento gets laid off as a reduction in force? Hint: Sacramento is not losing population.

It goes by department. For example, if she were a Latin teacher and the school cut the Latin program she'd get laid off. It doesn't mean that there are no teachers with less than 10 years experience working at the district. What it means is that they did away with her position.

Dittohead not! · Jun 16, 2012

DiAnna said:
Hmmm. From the menu page, the thread title reads "Teacher of the Year gets laid..." Imagine my disappointment.

Come to think of it, getting laid off isn't a bad thing until you get to the last word.

Comfort Food · Jun 16, 2012

Boo Radley said:
"As a science teacher, I have an official budget, but that is usually gone by the beginning of the year,” says Hogue, who works in suburban Denver. “When I want to do a science lab, I usually pay for it all on my own.”

Hogue is one of the millions of teachers across the country who are shelling out their own hard-earned cash to pay for books, pens, pencils and other basic supplies that schools have provided in the past.

According to a new survey, teachers spent an average of $448 of their own money on instructional materials and school supplies for the 1998-99 school year.

Teachers Spend Own Money for Supplies - ABC News

I understand that most elementary school teachers purchase supplies out of their own money. However, there is no reason for it. It is not because of a funding problem for the district, it is an appropriations problem with the way the money they have is spent.

Ockham · Jun 16, 2012

Boo Radley said:
You misunderstand a lot. I said I was saddened because he believed that.

And you conveniently left out the next little sentence:

Boo Radley said:
But, you are wrong.

No...YOU were wrong. Get it yet? No misunderstanding... or are you going to deny you typed that? Fact is, YOU were wrong. Just suck it up - jeeze.

Boo Radley said:
Being declared underperforming by NCLB does not equal that it was under performing or a bad school or that there were issues with the teachers. NCLB was flawed from the begining and really could not and cannot tell us those things. So, you completely misunderstand the comment to begin with.

The NCLB has clear performance standards. If declared as underperforming, those standards were not met. There are administrators and teachers and teachers unions all of whom it behooves to meet the standards. As I identified, some schools did not and were shut down. You're opinion of the NCLB's alleged flaws? Not relevant...

Boo Radley said:
Not sure that is exactly what I said.

Good. So there are no teacher shortages. Glad you cleared that up.

Boo Radley said:
Not sure how increasing size will help, and I haven't seen any evidence the problem was with the teachers.

I never claimed it would help.

Boo Radley said:
Like I said in the education forum, if that is what you want, don't try and fool people about teachers and choice. Neither will fix our problems.

Until the reality of the problems become overwhelming, nothing will fix our problems. Schools can only control what is within their control. The Red Herring of parents and kids being the problem... have always existed. Schools are charged with teaching not just exemplary children, but difficult to teach children as well - its' a package deal you see. Blaming it on parents and kids... huge fail cop out.

Boo Radley said:
I'm sorry, but that is not enough.

It will have to be.

Boo Radley · Jun 16, 2012

Ockham said:
And you conveniently left out the next little sentence:

Keep reading. For meaning this time.

No...YOU were wrong. Get it yet? No misunderstanding... or are you going to deny you typed that? Fact is, YOU were wrong. Just suck it up - jeeze.

Still letting meaning elude you.

The NCLB has clear performance standards. If declared as underperforming, those standards were not met. There are administrators and teachers and teachers unions all of whom it behooves to meet the standards. As I identified, some schools did not and were shut down. You're opinion of the NCLB's alleged flaws? Not relevant...

No, it misses the mark. It cannot test what it pretends to test. Those Standardized tests do not tell us anything about teachers or schools. It presents a false representation.

Good. So there are no teacher shortages. Glad you cleared that up.

Again, read for meaning.

I never claimed it would help.

Which leaves us back to what good does closing the school do?

Until the reality of the problems become overwhelming, nothing will fix our problems. Schools can only control what is within their control. The Red Herring of parents and kids being the problem... have always existed. Schools are charged with teaching not just exemplary children, but difficult to teach children as well - its' a package deal you see. Blaming it on parents and kids... huge fail cop out.

When you remove responibility from one half of the equation, you can not longer expect to get honest results. If two sides of a bridge are falling, it will still fall if you only address one side (even if it is easier). NCLB not misdiagnoes the problem, but it doesn't even address the problem it pretends to address. You cannot test teachers by testing students, particularly when you tell them they have no stake in the test.

It will have to be.

Nothing from nothing is still nothing. You simply have not provided enough.

Boo Radley · Jun 16, 2012

Comfort Food said:
I understand that most elementary school teachers purchase supplies out of their own money. However, there is no reason for it. It is not because of a funding problem for the district, it is an appropriations problem with the way the money they have is spent.

Somehow,. it isn't getting where it is needed.

Catawba · Jun 17, 2012

Rhapsody1447 said:
Right, so your argument is: National Republicans caused the recession because of focusing on "military hegemony and wealth tax cuts" (with zero proof provided). Therefore every state's budget deficit is the fault of the Republicans from 4 years ago. Keep taking the blue pill!

Deregulation and supply side economics are what put us in the ditch. Some may believe that more of the same will get us out of the ditch, but I'm not buying it.

j-mac · Jun 17, 2012

Catawba said:
Deregulation and supply side economics are what put us in the ditch. Some may believe that more of the same will get us out of the ditch, but I'm not buying it.

Well, Keynesian wild spending haven't done ****, except add more debt in a shorter time frame than any other President, and would be for this administrations lying about the numbers, we have a worse economy to show for it.

j-mac

j-mac · Jun 17, 2012

Boo Radley said:
When you remove responibility from one half of the equation, you can not longer expect to get honest results. If two sides of a bridge are falling, it will still fall if you only address one side (even if it is easier). NCLB not misdiagnoes the problem, but it doesn't even address the problem it pretends to address. You cannot test teachers by testing students, particularly when you tell them they have no stake in the test.

Why is it that the students have no stake? Could it be the misguided practice of moving problem kids along through the grade system regardless of whether or not they have mastered the skill supposedly taught?

You teachers helped create this monster, then want to sit back and not take ANY responsibility at all, but rather blame parents, blame even the minor student, but when it comes to the teachers responsibility I guess the answer is like the old sit com, Chico and the man, 'It's not my job, man!'

Well it damned well IS your job, and you shirk your duties, and bitch and moan that $50K isn't enough money, and 10 weeks in the summer, with every conceivable holiday, along with at least 2 teacher 'in service' days per month, and to work at 7, GONE at 3 sharp is too much to ask in teaching the kids, and it's their fault?

What a joke.

People are fed the hell up with you lib public sector, pampered crybabies, and they aren't going to take much more of it I tell ya.

j-mac

Catawba · Jun 17, 2012

j-mac said:
Well, Keynesian wild spending haven't done ****, except add more debt in a shorter time frame than any other President, and would be for this administrations lying about the numbers, we have a worse economy to show for it.

j-mac

"Ballooning defense spending and substantial tax cuts beginning in the 1980s ushered in a new period of rising federal debt."
U.S. Deficits and the National Debt - Council on Foreign Relations

When people get serious about reducing the deficit, we will have to reverse that trend.

Middleground · Jun 17, 2012

j-mac said:
Why is it that the students have no stake? Could it be the misguided practice of moving problem kids along through the grade system regardless of whether or not they have mastered the skill supposedly taught?

You teachers helped create this monster, then want to sit back and not take ANY responsibility at all, but rather blame parents, blame even the minor student, but when it comes to the teachers responsibility I guess the answer is like the old sit com, Chico and the man, 'It's not my job, man!'

Well it damned well IS your job, and you shirk your duties, and bitch and moan that $50K isn't enough money, and 10 weeks in the summer, with every conceivable holiday, along with at least 2 teacher 'in service' days per month, and to work at 7, GONE at 3 sharp is too much to ask in teaching the kids, and it's their fault?

What a joke.

People are fed the hell up with you lib public sector, pampered crybabies, and they aren't going to take much more of it I tell ya.

j-mac

I can guarantee that if you switched jobs and became a teacher, you'd be singing a different tune. You have absolutely zero concept of what it takes to do that job, yet you have no issues sharing a naive and bare-bones basic point of view.

j-mac · Jun 17, 2012

Catawba said:
"Ballooning defense spending and substantial tax cuts beginning in the 1980s ushered in a new period of rising federal debt."
U.S. Deficits and the National Debt - Council on Foreign Relations

When people get serious about reducing the deficit, we will have to reverse that trend.

It's always defense with you libs. One of the few Constitutional duties that government has, and you always want to eviscerate it, especially when you consider that entitlements make defense look like small potato's....

America's Problems
Decades ago, politicians promised Baby Boomers health and retirement benefits but provided no way to pay for them. Now we are faced with the consequences of their neglect. U.S. debt held by the public equals nearly 70 percent of GDP and is rapidly growing.

Medicare and Social Security face nearly $40 trillion in long-term unfunded obligations - over $200,000 for every American. We cannot leave these burdens for our children and grandchildren. We must begin now to solve these problems. And we all must share the burdens those solutions will entail.

Heritage Solutions
Our plan transforms the main federal entitlement programs - Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid - into real insurance programs. We provide financial security to retirees, guarantee assistance to people who need it, and reduce government payments to those who are truly prosperous.

Obamacare is repealed and replaced with a system that gives consumers affordable choices among private, competing health care plans, much as federal employees have long enjoyed.

The tax system is made simple and fair, with a single rate for all. Our reforms encourage businesses to invest, fueling economic growth. Complementing the aims of reforming entitlement programs (Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid), our tax plan helps Americans to save throughout their working years and achieve economic security so they won't have to depend on government in retirement.

Our plan permanently balances the budget within 10 years. By immediately reducing government benefits to the wealthiest Americans, our reforms immediately begin reducing deficits that threaten the economy. We reduce government where it has exceeded the powers authorized by the Constitution. And we responsibly address ruinous public debt that will otherwise overwhelm not only ourselves but also our children and grandchildren.

Saving the American Dream Plan: Solving America's Problems

j-mac

j-mac · Jun 17, 2012

Middleground said:
I can guarantee that if you switched jobs and became a teacher, you'd be singing a different tune. You have absolutely zero concept of what it takes to do that job, yet you have no issues sharing a naive and bare-bones basic point of view.

:boohoo: Oh boo freakin' hoo, cry me a damned river!

No one forced you to become a teacher, YOU chose that profession. And IMO, many of today's teacher chose it because of the perks involved, and they thought it would be a cake walk. Now, you get into it and bitch because it isn't all berries and cream? Look, my job is hard as well, and I think it is worth more than what I am paid to do it, plus I don't think your whinny arse could do it.

I didn't become a teacher because I don't have the temperament to deal with the kids on that level. I know my limitations. Problem is that many teachers that got into that field don't. And they stink at the job, but then are protected from being let go based on performance, while a teacher of the year is gone based on little more than time put in.

Your job should be based on performance, and when you don't cut the mustard, buh bye now. Period!

j-mac

Crosscheck · Jun 17, 2012

j-mac said:
:boohoo: Oh boo freakin' hoo, cry me a damned river!

No one forced you to become a teacher, YOU chose that profession. And IMO, many of today's teacher chose it because of the perks involved, and they thought it would be a cake walk. Now, you get into it and bitch because it isn't all berries and cream? Look, my job is hard as well, and I think it is worth more than what I am paid to do it, plus I don't think your whinny arse could do it.

I didn't become a teacher because I don't have the temperament to deal with the kids on that level. I know my limitations. Problem is that many teachers that got into that field don't. And they stink at the job, but then are protected from being let go based on performance, while a teacher of the year is gone based on little more than time put in.

Your job should be based on performance, and when you don't cut the mustard, buh bye now. Period!

j-mac

Maybe you should reconsider returning to school and becoming a teacher. If you care about the following generations.

Of course there are bad apples and I bet every occupation here has bad apples. But too often people such as you use such a broad brush to paint teachers. My daughter is a teacher and I know for a fact she puts in far more hours than you paint. Is her job as hard as a bucker on a logging crew? No, and I doubt if your job is hard as one on a logging crew. But there are some tough jobs a teacher does that the logger doesn't have to deal with.
She has busted her ass to get her students to improve their education and just two months ago stepped in to rescue one young boy from an abusive and neglected living arrangement that nobody around him stood up.

I think a problem with our young in education does come a lot from the home. Americans don't seem to value educating the mind as much as other cultures. Look on any Saturday and you will see sports fields loaded with soccer, baseball, football, and basketball youth association games. Ever see a math/science club for youth gathering on a Saturday here in America? No, of course not. Check out the names of your physicians at your local clinic and see how many were raised here in our country.

Middleground · Jun 17, 2012

j-mac said:
:boohoo: Oh boo freakin' hoo, cry me a damned river!

No one forced you to become a teacher, YOU chose that profession. And IMO, many of today's teacher chose it because of the perks involved, and they thought it would be a cake walk. Now, you get into it and bitch because it isn't all berries and cream? Look, my job is hard as well, and I think it is worth more than what I am paid to do it, plus I don't think your whinny arse could do it.

I didn't become a teacher because I don't have the temperament to deal with the kids on that level. I know my limitations. Problem is that many teachers that got into that field don't. And they stink at the job, but then are protected from being let go based on performance, while a teacher of the year is gone based on little more than time put in.

Your job should be based on performance, and when you don't cut the mustard, buh bye now. Period!

j-mac

I am not a teacher. I just have a lot more common sense then you do. I also know some teachers and realize how hard they work. I also remember, since I was a student for all of my formative years. Are you that naive to think that teachers do not do extra curricular activities? Do you not think they have any prep work? Do you not think they have to grade papers and tests? Are you that naive to think that by 3:00 their day is done???? You know little to nothing about what you're bitching about.

Problem is that many teachers that got into that field don't.

Wow, really? Got numbers to back that up or is this something that you just pulled out of your ass?

nota bene · Jun 17, 2012

j-mac said:
Why is it that the students have no stake? Could it be the misguided practice of moving problem kids along through the grade system regardless of whether or not they have mastered the skill supposedly taught?

You teachers helped create this monster, then want to sit back and not take ANY responsibility at all, but rather blame parents, blame even the minor student, but when it comes to the teachers responsibility I guess the answer is like the old sit com, Chico and the man, 'It's not my job, man!'

Well it damned well IS your job, and you shirk your duties, and bitch and moan that $50K isn't enough money, and 10 weeks in the summer, with every conceivable holiday, along with at least 2 teacher 'in service' days per month, and to work at 7, GONE at 3 sharp is too much to ask in teaching the kids, and it's their fault?

What a joke.

People are fed the hell up with you lib public sector, pampered crybabies, and they aren't going to take much more of it I tell ya.

j-mac

So unfair to accuse teachers of shirking; most of them are among the most hard-working and dedicated professionals I know. And they take their work home with them, unlike those lucky enough to leave it at the office at closing time. None of my kids' teachers ever left at 3 sharp.

VanceMack · Jun 17, 2012

Catawba said:
No problem. Glad I could help you learn that the effects of the greatest recession since the Great Depression extended far beyond June, 2009.

Thank goodness California's debt problems began in 2009...right? Its not like they had a problem overspending even pre-dating Grey Davis.

I'm personally a little tired of all the whiny "its not our fault" rhetoric. Other states have managed to responsibly govern and fund their budgets appropriately. But if you insist on blaming the federal government and the democrats that controlled the budget since 2007 and caused this tragic 2009 recession which you blame for every problem in the world...so be it.

ttwtt78640 · Jun 17, 2012

j-mac said:
It's always defense with you libs. One of the few Constitutional duties that government has, and you always want to eviscerate it, especially when you consider that entitlements make defense look like small potato's....

j-mac

Not only is national defense always the "massive federal spending" excuse, the left takes great pains in diguising "welfare" and "entitlement" spending as other budget items. We used to have HEW (Health, Education and Welfare) but that got too much attention, do it was "split" into DHHS and DOEd, making "welfare" simply seem to disappear. Take for example the recent "farm bill"; 80% of it was SNAP (food stamps) yet, it was still called the FARM bill, not the FOOD STAMP bill. Entitlement reform is ALWAYS about SS/Medicare, the programs that now generate a budget SURPLUS, yet never about welfare/medicaid that are the HUGE black holes in the federal budget that are PURE SPENDING.

Ockham · Jun 17, 2012

Middleground said:
I am not a teacher. I just have a lot more common sense then you do. I also know some teachers and realize how hard they work. I also remember, since I was a student for all of my formative years. Are you that naive to think that teachers do not do extra curricular activities? Do you not think they have any prep work? Do you not think they have to grade papers and tests? Are you that naive to think that by 3:00 their day is done???? You know little to nothing about what you're bitching about.

That applies to many if not the majority of occupations, yet when those other workers retire, they don't get the same perks nor tenure that teachers do. $100k pensions for a construction worker who retires at 55? Lots of people work very hard, have to do prep work and work 12+ hours a day. I could only WISH I had "tenure" could retire at 55 with $100k a year, healthcare coverage, etc. Problem is, I'd hate teaching..... I knew at least 3 teachers from my HS who hated teaching too but they stayed because of the perks. Where else would they get those types of benefits and retirement?

Dittohead not! · Jun 17, 2012

j-mac said:
Why is it that the students have no stake? Could it be the misguided practice of moving problem kids along through the grade system regardless of whether or not they have mastered the skill supposedly taught?

You teachers helped create this monster, then want to sit back and not take ANY responsibility at all, but rather blame parents, blame even the minor student, but when it comes to the teachers responsibility I guess the answer is like the old sit com, Chico and the man, 'It's not my job, man!'

Well it damned well IS your job, and you shirk your duties, and bitch and moan that $50K isn't enough money, and 10 weeks in the summer, with every conceivable holiday, along with at least 2 teacher 'in service' days per month, and to work at 7, GONE at 3 sharp is too much to ask in teaching the kids, and it's their fault?

What a joke.

People are fed the hell up with you lib public sector, pampered crybabies, and they aren't going to take much more of it I tell ya.

j-mac

You obviously have no idea at all what it's like to teach a class, so there's no point addressing yet again how "cushy" a teaching job is.

As for holding kids back vs. social promotion, keeping them back has never, but never ever proven effective.

The best way to raise test scores would be to give the test on line and give immediate feedback and an occasional reward of some sort for correct answers. Next would be to shorten the test. No ten year old likes to sit for hours taking a test, and most won't try after the first 20 minutes or so.

Middleground · Jun 17, 2012

Ockham said:
That applies to many if not the majority of occupations, yet when those other workers retire, they don't get the same perks nor tenure that teachers do. $100k pensions for a construction worker who retires at 55? Lots of people work very hard, have to do prep work and work 12+ hours a day. I could only WISH I had "tenure" could retire at 55 with $100k a year, healthcare coverage, etc. Problem is, I'd hate teaching..... I knew at least 3 teachers from my HS who hated teaching too but they stayed because of the perks. Where else would they get those types of benefits and retirement?

When someone retires after paying into a pension plan all of their working life, what the **** is wrong with that???

PS. Construction workers, plumbers and electricians make a ton more than our teachers. At least here in Canada.

Teacher of the year is laid off.

MSgt

Read Some Books

Boo Radley

Comfort Food

Boo Radley

Comfort Food

Dittohead not!

master political analyst

Comfort Food

Ockham

Noblesse oblige

Boo Radley

Boo Radley

Catawba

Disappointed Evolutionist

j-mac

j-mac

Catawba

Disappointed Evolutionist

Middleground

2-Lipped Beaver!

j-mac

j-mac

Crosscheck

Middleground

2-Lipped Beaver!

nota bene

VanceMack

Less like the tiger...more like the lion.

ttwtt78640

Sometimes wrong

Ockham

Noblesse oblige

Dittohead not!

master political analyst

Middleground

2-Lipped Beaver!