By: Sue Workman

Sue Workman — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:47:54 +0000

I had to laugh when I read this post. I love to hear non-teachers talk about the great hours, especially when I’m on my computer at 10 pm, having just finished my word study lists for next week.
I had a mentor teacher who put this just right: it all depends on whether you prefer working 40 hours a week 50 weeks per year or 50 hours a week 40 weeks per year. Teachers work the same hours as anybody else, and the best ones work a whole lot more! On an hourly basis, I’d say I would probably make as much as a Starbucks manager, and how many of them have Master’s degrees?
As for the “great” insurance benefits, I don’t receive them, because I get better insurance through my husband’s job at Home Depot. So I can’t comment. (Except I guess that is a comment.)
I’m not one of those teachers who complains about my job. I knew going into this profession that I would work hard and just make a living. (I definitely didn’t anticipate HOW hard I would work, though!) Teachers obviously aren’t in the profession for the bucks, and most days I really love my job. However, I do get a bit defensive every time I have to hear about how easy we have it. The only person I know who hears this refrain more than I do is my brother-in-law, who is a sports photographer and gets to hang out on the sidelines at all the Bronco games. I guess I have to admit it though; I don’t have much sympathy for him either.

Comments on: Are School Teachers Getting a Raw Deal? Maybe the Truly Great Ones

By: Sue Workman