Metlife Teachers' Survey

I found the survey that Janelle attached to her last blog very helpful. It was completed in 2006 and validates a lot of the information that we discussed in class. Specifically, the reasons teachers leave the profession, how administrators and teachers may view their positions differently, and how teacher satisfaction with their profession has improved over the last 20 years.

Survey of teachers/principals/deans

Even though this is a requirement for 519, it reiterates what we learned in 522- very thorough data.
http://www.metlife.com/WPSAssets/81821402701160505871V1F2006MetLifeTeacherSurvey.pdf

Competitive Salaries

I am not going to complain about my salary. I am not going to say it is great, or say it is horrible. I get most frustrated about the "salary debate" when it comes to professionals saying -- "you get out at 3:30 and you get summers off." We all have heard that before -- and yes, we have nice hours and a great summer -- BUT we all bring work home, spend time working on the weekends, and I know I spend some part of summer planning for the next year and participating in career advancement. Those are extra hours we don't get paid for, yet always have to defend. I am not asking for more money (--but don't give me a pay cut!!) -- but please understand that I am very dedicated to my profession.

School Boards

I found it interesting that all of us that work in small towns have entertaining school board stories. It made me realize that it is hard to be a good board member. Maybe the system is fouled up all together. I think we have "good people" on the board but I don't know if our administration would call them "good board members". I guess it is hard to seperate yourself and not get caught up in rumors and opinions.

It Has Been A Pleasure!!!

Throughout the last 3 weekends, I have thoroughly enjoyed the many different discussions that have taken place within our class. It is refreshing to know that my district is not the only one that has had to overcome obstacles. It was great to hear different perspectives from others that have experience in areas different than mine, as well as the implementations that are currently taking place in other districts in my area. I know that many of you will be great resources to use when we attempt to implement changes in our building. It was a pleasure to have met all of you and I hope to see you in the future!!!

Stress

I thought the discussion that we had on “stress” in the workplace was very interesting. I feel that no matter where you work, you are going to have some stress related to the type of work you do. With all of the demands that teachers have placed on them, stress is inevitable. I work with some of the most challenging students in our building and many times have stress related to the behaviors that I have had to deal with throughout the day. Many teachers have asked me how I do it and my answer is simple………I know that I am making a difference! For some of the students that I teach, this is the only safe environment they have, and if I can make their life better just by providing them with structure and knowledge,then it is worth it to me.

What a Difference a Year Makes

It is amazing to me how leadership can affect the work place. In the past there has been a lot of hostility in my school district. Not to mention mistrust, secrecy, manipulation, and down right non truths. Working in this district was not fun, when having to deal with leadership. The students and parents were wonderful to work for, and that is what has kept most of us at this school. A revelation came to me one morning on my way to school - "One day I will have a new boss." This helped me get through the every day dealings with our leadership. Well, that one day has come. This is now a school that everyone loves coming to. People are staying late and volunterring for commities and helping everyone out. This was not possible one year ago. Every teacher feels a part of a team that is working to better our school and our students. The atmosphere is one that anyone who does not like major conflict would enjoy working in. We talked about stress levels and different types of stress. My stess is now on the things that matter most - STUDENTS - not leadership. "What a Difference a Year Makes."