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More Education Cuts – 12th Grade?

Jennifer Wagaman — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:08:30 +0000

States all across the USA are facing debilitating budget deficits. (So are individual families, but that’s another issue entirely) The problem with state budget deficits, is the fact that when faced with tough decisions, politicians’ true opinions on what actually matters in the world become stark.

Teacher salaries – ok, so there’s a lot of debate about this one – how much should teachers make for babysitting a bunch of kids? Why pay teachers more when kids are not passing state tests? (Note the sarcasm – if in fact you added up the amount of money a babysitter would make to simply sit and play with 20-30 kids from 8-3 five days a week, that argument would go away in a hurry… and that doesn’t include the actual teaching…think about it).

But, if teacher salaries doesn’t make a difference to you, what about 12th grade? Should highschool seniors go to school or is it a waste of money? In Texas, that question is on the table.

So let’s think about this – heaven forbid those politicians consider taking a pay cut, (it’s easier to cut teacher salaries, they’re a dime a dozen) only so many teachers you can cut? Well then let’s start looking at cutting entire grade levels, no one needs 12th grade, right?

And people wonder what’s messed up with the public school system.

How to Get a Job as a Teacher

Jennifer Wagaman — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:20:48 +0000

Becoming a teacher is becoming more and more difficult as the economy struggles to rebound. Teachers are still being let go and wages continue to not only be frozen but to be cut with furlough days. Still, many dream of making a difference in the life of a child and indeed good, dedicated teachers are more necessary now than ever.

Here are some tips on how to become a teacher, from preparation to accepting a position in a school:

First, in preparation, a teacher candidate needs three things:

A professional portfolio

Character Reference Letters

A Professional Resume

Once these are prepared, then it is time to apply for open positions. It is vital to keep the job search organized because teacher candidates are likely to need to send in many applications. Here are some helpful tips.

Organizing Your Job Search

Once the prospective teacher has secured an interview, it is time to prepare to wow the administrative staff who will be conducting the interview. Preparation is important at this stage as well.

Interview Help for Teachers

Interview Questions for Teachers

Once you have received your first job offer, accepted a position and signed the necessary paperwork, your job is not finished yet. Until you are tenured, you will be the first to go when budgets are squeezed and cuts must be made. Find how how to keep your position.

How to be the Best Teacher Candidate to Get or Keep a Position

Not enough info? Find out more!!

Getting a Job as a Teacher

2011 Proposed Budget for Teachers

Jennifer Wagaman — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:06:19 +0000

President Obama has proposed quite a change to the 2011 budget for schools.

Of worthy note:

An increase of 4.5 billion dollars of discretionary funds.
An increase of 1.35 billion dollars towards Race to the Top incentives
500 million for the investing in innovation program, a competitive awards program.
900 million for the school turnaround grants designed to help administrators turn around the 5,000 lowest preforming schools over 5 years
950 million for teacher and leader innovation program, creating incentives for effective teachers
405 million for teacher and leader pathways, promoting alternate certification routes
1 billion for effective teaching and learning for a complete education, a new program to support college and career readiness.
490 million for expanding educational options, which consolidates 5 programs into one, focused on charter schools and public school choice.
450 million for Assessing Achievement authority, which will help improve assessments for ESL students and students with disabilities, among other assessment developments.
210 million for the Promise Neighborhoods initiative, a competitive award for neighborhood programs working against poverty.
410 million to consolidate 6 authorities into one Successful, Safe, and Healthy Student authority. This program will provide communities the ability to focus on improving school climate and safety for students.
7.5 billion over 10 year to expand the income-based repayment options in post-secondary student loan programs.

Note among the proposals the amount of funds that are provided as rewards, awards and grants. This is a huge shift towards incentive based pay, a concept that many in administrative positions think is the solution for raising student test scores.

The fact, though, is that restructuring the way teachers are paid will not have a significant impact on the student test scores. Changes need to be made in the resources available to teachers as well – curriculum options, how time is spent during the school day, and similar changes.

What do you think will make a difference? Will these proposed budget changes bring about the needed turn-about in public education?

Extra Jobs for Teachers

Jennifer Wagaman — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:12:51 +0000

Many teachers are finding their salaries lower than expected with many school districts not giving teachers their yearly step (raise) or COLA (cost of living adjustment). Additionally, many teachers are finding their paychecks lower than expected as a result of furlough days.

To compensate for the loss of income, many teachers are finding it necessary to get a second job. Two most common jobs include:

after school tutoring
working at a commercial tutoring center

Working as a private tutor pays well, but it can be difficult to get the clientele. Working for a commercial tutoring center takes a lot less work but the pay is much less as well. Parents are also less likely to be willing to pay for a tutor if their job situation is shaky as it is for so many today.

Alternative job options for teachers

Teachers may have difficulty finding a good part-time job in a slow economy, but with a little creativity and a willingness to work hard, there are part-time jobs to be had. Learning to bake bread and sell it to other teachers is a great way to make a little extra money. Selling products for one of the many independent consultant companies such a Mary Kay is another way teachers can make extra money.

For more ideas, read creative ways to make money.