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A Teacher's Private Life

I would report it to the boss if he/she was....

  • watching porn in his/her private time.

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • swearing/being rude in his/her private time.

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • smoking pot in his/her private time.

    Votes: 5 9.1%

  • having affairs in his/her private time.

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Who cares what teacher do in their private lives?

    Votes: 50 90.9%
  • Total voters
    55
Fiddytree said:
For a great many reasons. I receive a saturated list constantly. Lack of discipline, impossible standards, low wages, stress, boredom, and the list can go on. The list can at times be someone who just was not fit for the profession, or there are certainly some issues that could be ironed out with reforms. Are they expected to be "Saints" as I think someone put it? No, but they are held to a higher standard, and I do not think you would have to struggle very hard to consider why thy are. Educators are not merely government workers. At the end of the day, I would hope that teachers have some expectation (not everything, but within reason while preparing to join the profession) of what they are getting into. It's not a job for everyone, and indeed it does require a bit of a "calling". Part of the ethos of the profession is self-worship of the job, which can help teachers as a whole appreciate their own choice.
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So the only people who are right for the job are those who love their job enough to make a small salary for one of the most vital jobs in our country and not make noise about it?
 
Catz Part Deux said:
What part of that would fall into the category of private? That would fall into the misdemeanor category of public lewdness. :roll: I get the sense from your posts that you don't understand the difference between a person's private life and his/her public activities.
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A teacher signs a contract that most often includes those points I listed from the link:

•Immoral conduct or indecent behavior
•Incompetency
•Violations of ethical standards
•Unprofessional conduct
•Misrepresentation or FRAUD
•Willful neglect of duty

I don't know that it makes a distinction between what someone does in the classroom or does out in the open a block away. The fact remains that it's a contract a teacher signs. If they don't like it, they don't have to sign it, and don't have to work there. Seems to me that's the long-and-short of it.
 
tlmorg02 said:
So the only people who are right for the job are those who love their job enough to make a small salary for one of the most vital jobs in our country and not make noise about it?
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They sure don't make small salaries in Illinois:

Name: Abat, Mediha
Salary: $66,594
Position: High School Teacher
Full/Part Time: Fulltime
Percent Time Employed: 100%
Assignment: Algebra
Years Teaching: 1 (first year teaching, not bad, huh?)
Degree: Master's
School Name: Wheeling High School
District Name: Township HSD 214

Name: Benedetto, Richard
Salary: $136,397
Position: High School Teacher
Full/Part Time: Fulltime
Percent Time Employed: 100%
Assignment: Physical Education
Years Teaching: 33
Degree: Master's
School Name: Wheeling High School
District Name: Township HSD 214

Family Taxpayers Foundation
 
MaggieD said:
They sure don't make small salaries in Illinois:

Name: Abat, Mediha
Salary: $66,594
Position: High School Teacher
Full/Part Time: Fulltime
Percent Time Employed: 100%
Assignment: Algebra
Years Teaching: 1 (first year teaching, not bad, huh?)
Degree: Master's
School Name: Wheeling High School
District Name: Township HSD 214

Name: Benedetto, Richard
Salary: $136,397
Position: High School Teacher
Full/Part Time: Fulltime
Percent Time Employed: 100%
Assignment: Physical Education
Years Teaching: 33
Degree: Master's
School Name: Wheeling High School
District Name: Township HSD 214

Family Taxpayers Foundation
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what is jacked up is that a P.E. teacher makes more than twice as much as a math teacher. Something doesn't add up here. of course this guy has been teaching for 33 years, but the gap still shouldn't be that big.
 
So, the fact that someone is employed as a teacher gives Maggie the right to peer through their bedroom windows at night? :roll:

It's a good thing you don't live in my neighborhood, Maggie. I'd set the dog on you.
 
Catz Part Deux said:
So, the fact that someone is employed as a teacher gives Maggie the right to peer through their bedroom windows at night? :roll:

It's a good thing you don't live in my neighborhood, Maggie. I'd set the dog on you.
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Why do posters take things to the extreme and think they're making a valid point of some kind or other? :roll:

OscarB63 said:
what is jacked up is that a P.E. teacher makes more than twice as much as a math teacher. Something doesn't add up here. of course this guy has been teaching for 33 years, but the gap still shouldn't be that big.
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Tell me about it. Taxpayers in Illinois are absolutely disgusted.
 
MaggieD said:
Why do posters take things to the extreme and think they're making a valid point of some kind or other? :roll:
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It's not extreme, that's the drum you've been beating...that you have a right to try and get a teacher fired because you don't approve of his/her activities in their private lives. Sickening.
 
MaggieD said:
They sure don't make small salaries in Illinois:

Name: Abat, Mediha
Salary: $66,594
Position: High School Teacher
Full/Part Time: Fulltime
Percent Time Employed: 100%
Assignment: Algebra
Years Teaching: 1 (first year teaching, not bad, huh?)
Degree: Master's
School Name: Wheeling High School
District Name: Township HSD 214

Name: Benedetto, Richard
Salary: $136,397
Position: High School Teacher
Full/Part Time: Fulltime
Percent Time Employed: 100%
Assignment: Physical Education
Years Teaching: 33
Degree: Master's
School Name: Wheeling High School
District Name: Township HSD 214

Family Taxpayers Foundation
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If she is teaching in Chicago then that amount does not add up to much.
 
tlmorg02 said:
If she is teaching in Chicago then that amount does not add up to much.
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Well, most taxpayers are very uncomfortable with a Phys Ed teacher making $136,000 a year. Their pensions are helping to bankrupt the state.

Catz Part Deux said:
It's not extreme, that's the drum you've been beating...that you have a right to try and get a teacher fired because you don't approve of his/her activities in their private lives. Sickening.
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Where have I said a teacher should be fired for anything? I'm posting information. You get sickened rather easily, yes?
 
Catz Part Deux said:
Ah yes, butter wouldn't melt.
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What are you talking about?

Here are my posts are on this thread:

I didn't choose any on the list, but I do think that teachers in grade school/highschool especially should be held to some kind of morals clause -- and many of them are. Conviction of certain felonies would do it for me -- even if probation were allowed. Stalking, sex crimes. TRO's for cause. An affair with a student. Those kinds of things.
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I agree. It's about what happens AFTER they're hired I'm talking about.
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While I wouldn't make that particular report myself, I think it's dangerous to equate reporting criminal activity to being a tattle-tale. If there were young children in the house, however, I think I probably would.
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Disagree. Many school teachers don't like to live in the same town they teach in -- because their private lives are held to a higher standard. You can't just draw the line at "illegal," imo. If a teacher doesn't like being held to a higher standard, they should change professions. Teachers, by their very job description, should be examples. And good ones.
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Almost every state has a teacher's contract that includes a morals clause. You can argue against it, but it's there nonetheless. They sign the contract or they don't. It's their choice. Grounds for dismisal after due process include:

•Immoral conduct or indecent behavior
•INCOMPETENCY
•Violations of ethical standards
•Unprofessional conduct
•Misrepresentation or FRAUD
•Willful neglect of duty

This link lists by state reasons for dismissing even a tenured teacher after due process. Teachers' Rights: Encyclopedia of Everyday Law
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If he was getting his BJ on his front porch at high noon and people saw it, I'd certainly hope so. ;-)
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I don't know that it makes a distinction between what someone does in the classroom or does out in the open a block away. The fact remains that it's a contract a teacher signs. If they don't like it, they don't have to sign it, and don't have to work there. Seems to me that's the long-and-short of it.
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I don't hear any drums.
 
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rivrrat said:
We already have laws against driving while under the influence, so want to try again?
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Yeah so? And there are still people that drive while under the influence right? And what happens when they are caught? That's right, they go to jail. Why do they go to jail? Two reasons. 1: They broke the law. 2: By putting them in jail they are no longer a risk to society. So nope, no need to try again. You just need to think things through to their logical conclusion.

rivrrat said:
Apparently, you have not met many pot smokers. :lol:
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I've met lots. Hell it's a national past time in the town I live in, especially for the kids since the town is a small town where "there's nothing to do". (at least that's the kid's opinion.)


rivrrat said:
:roll: Yes yes, get the teacher fired for daring to partake in something that might get them mildly intoxicated on their own time. Oooo.... really saving the children there, aren't ya?
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It's illegal so yes. As for saving the children? Yep. They no longer have a stupid teacher teaching them.

rivrrat said:
And yeah, sure, you have every "right" to send your kids to public school. I'm just saying that a great many teachers smoke, or have smoked pot. At least most of the ones I've known. Ditto for college professors. But hey, you keep 'fighting the good fight' to put those evil people in jail where they belong. ;)
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They're not evil. Just stupid. There's a difference. Muslim terrorists are evil. Not idiots smoking pot.
 
Kal'Stang said:
Yeah so? And there are still people that drive while under the influence right? And what happens when they are caught? That's right, they go to jail. Why do they go to jail? Two reasons. 1: They broke the law. 2: By putting them in jail they are no longer a risk to society. So nope, no need to try again. You just need to think things through to their logical conclusion.
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The risk isn't drinking or smoking pot. It's driving while under the influence of ANYTHING - even painkillers. Doesn't have to be an illegal substance. Hence my "try again".

I've met lots. Hell it's a national past time in the town I live in, especially for the kids since the town is a small town where "there's nothing to do". (at least that's the kid's opinion.)
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Sounds like you're just pretty biased then.

It's illegal so yes. As for saving the children? Yep. They no longer have a stupid teacher teaching them.
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So just because it's illegal it's "wrong" and "stupid"? That's your litmus test? Legality? Lordy I hope no teachers in VA are having sex out of wedlock. Or with the lights on. It's illegal after all. :roll:

They're not evil. Just stupid. There's a difference. Muslim terrorists are evil. Not idiots smoking pot.
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Again, what makes them stupid?
 
Kal'Stang said:
Yeah so? And there are still people that drive while under the influence right? And what happens when they are caught? That's right, they go to jail. Why do they go to jail? Two reasons. 1: They broke the law. 2: By putting them in jail they are no longer a risk to society. So nope, no need to try again. You just need to think things through to their logical conclusion.



I've met lots. Hell it's a national past time in the town I live in, especially for the kids since the town is a small town where "there's nothing to do". (at least that's the kid's opinion.)




It's illegal so yes. As for saving the children? Yep. They no longer have a stupid teacher teaching them.



They're not evil. Just stupid. There's a difference. Muslim terrorists are evil. Not idiots smoking pot.
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Cripes. Are you for real? Might I ask you this question:

Do you stand on your front porch to make sure "those damn kids keep off my (your) lawn!"
 
I think that there are some people in this thread thinking that people go out of their way and "peek in their bedrooms at night". What you all seem to be forgetting is that if something like smoking pot becomes public knowledge then they obviously did something where they were caught. If however they keep it within their home then no one will find out unless they have a blabber mouth of a "friend". In which case it just became public. In which case, more than likely, their students are going to hear about it. And since a teach is suppose to be a role model for their students and have a significant impact on their students they should be held to a higher standard.

Is it fair? Probably not. But that is the way it is. Get over it. Whoever said life was fair? If you want fair then go dream. Cause that is the only place where it will be.

Edit note: FYI, I have nothing but respect for good teachers and have no problem with them getting payed even $200,000 a year.
 
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tlmorg02 said:
So the only people who are right for the job are those who love their job enough to make a small salary for one of the most vital jobs in our country and not make noise about it?
Click to expand...

In a word: yes. In three words, yes and no.
Government workers are more imbued in a sense of importance of their job than the private sector counterparts. A legendary fable involves a janitor working at NASA believing his job aided getting a man on the moon. Public school educators are even more legendary for their sense of duty and virtuous lifestyle.

It has become cliche for teachers to tell each other and their students "you don't do this for the money" for a reason. Could salaries be better? Sure. Do I think that teachers are really poor? No. It is also well-known that teachers are hardly quiet dissenters. However, at some point, my sympathies no longer travel in the direction of "oh you poor dears".
 
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The Uncola said:
Cripes. Are you for real? Might I ask you this question:

Do you stand on your front porch to make sure "those damn kids keep off my (your) lawn!"
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Yes I am for real. No I don't stand on my front porch yelling at kids.
 
Catz Part Deux said:
So, the fact that someone is employed as a teacher gives Maggie the right to peer through their bedroom windows at night? :roll:

It's a good thing you don't live in my neighborhood, Maggie. I'd set the dog on you.
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No. American teachers are not living the lives of those on Big Brother or Survivor.
 
Kal'Stang said:
Yes I am for real. No I don't stand on my front porch yelling at kids.
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But you obviously think that it's your place to play "private life cop." I'll refrain from saying anything more.
 
MaggieD said:
I didn't. I copied it verbatim --
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No, I asked because I looked at your link and saw that it said "incompetence" - your post has it changed that to "INCOMPETENCY". I was just curious.

Fiddytree said:
-- Part of the ethos of the profession is self-worship of the job, which can help teachers as a whole appreciate their own choice.
Click to expand...

And there was me thinking most went into it for what the profession could do for those in their charge. Self worship? No, that kind of person would be putting on a perormance for their own benefit and not for the children / students.

But back to the topic - maybe if there is a mythical "higher standard" which involves people's private lives then that should be more widely known or discussed with potential teachers so that they would know being a teacher was more than just helping people to achieve and to fulfil their potential but also that their private lives would no longer be private?

Kal'Stang said:
-- What you all seem to be forgetting is that if something like smoking pot becomes public knowledge then they obviously did something where they were caught. If however they keep it within their home then no one will find out unless they have a blabber mouth of a "friend". In which case it just became public. In which case, more than likely, their students are going to hear about it. And since a teach is suppose to be a role model for their students and have a significant impact on their students they should be held to a higher standard --
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That's just terrible.

So not only is your private life not your own "private life" anymore but you also have to worry if an ex friend or ex wife / husband decides for whatever reason to release any previously private intimate details that might constitute illicit behaviour in the eyes of the seraphs among us!
 
Sorry Maggi D - I just checked again and your link includes both versions of the list. On the first list, it states - "INCOMPETENCY" and further down the same list says "incompetence."

The fact the list is repeated fooled me.
 
And there was me thinking most went into it for what the profession could do for those in their charge. Self worship? No, that kind of person would be putting on a perormance for their own benefit and not for the children / students.

But back to the topic - maybe if there is a mythical "higher standard" which involves people's private lives then that should be more widely known or discussed with potential teachers so that they would know being a teacher was more than just helping people to achieve and to fulfil their potential but also that their private lives would no longer be private?
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Self-worship was a slightly exaggerated term I threw in there, because I suppose I sometimes become a bit more critical of it. Essentially, however, there is a high sense of mission and they are not afraid of letting everyone know it. It keeps group morale, and they also believe in it.

Your second paragraph: They do let potential teachers know this. This is what the education requirements in the colleges and universities also let students know: there are certain differences between this job and other jobs. They won't tell engineering students this, because they aren't exactly enrolled in the College of Education.
 
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Fiddytree said:
-- They do let potential teachers know this. This is what the education requirements in the colleges and universities also let students know: there are certain differences between this job and other jobs. They won't tell engineering students this, because they aren't exactly enrolled in the College of Education.
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Maybe this depends on the path into teaching you take. Some people go into teaching after engineering / physical education etc degrees and get a post grad teaching qualification. I certainly don't ever remember being given the impression my private life would be given over to others to paw over and judge.

Do all teachers in the US only come into teaching through Colleges of Education and Teaching Degrees?
 
The Uncola said:
But you obviously think that it's your place to play "private life cop." I'll refrain from saying anything more.
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Do you know what happens when you "assume" something? No I don't play private cop. Not even slightly. But if I do find out that a teacher is smoking pot you can be sure that I will report it. But I don't go looking to find out if they smoke pot.
 
Infinite Chaos said:
Maybe this depends on the path into teaching you take. Some people go into teaching after engineering / physical education etc degrees and get a post grad teaching qualification. I certainly don't ever remember being given the impression my private life would be given over to others to paw over and judge.

Do all teachers in the US only come into teaching through Colleges of Education and Teaching Degrees?
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I went into teaching via a "5th year" program at grad school after working in industry for several years. No one mentioned anything to me about having to be a paragon of virtue to keep a teaching job.
 
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