Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Just Gotta Vent a Little

I've never in my adult life considered another career, until this week. I promise not to go all political on you, but I have to let some stuff out. 

As many of you know, there's been some major political stuff going on in Wisconsin this week. My heart is broken over the discord caused by Wisconsin's new Governor Scott Walker's plan to cut wages/benefits 10% (by mid-April) and axe collective bargaining for teachers (and other professions) in the name of budget repair. I won't get into the details, except to say that I have never felt so disrespected by comments I've seen/heard people make about teachers in general.

Prior to this week, it was easy to toil in this often-thankless position, to sacrifice lunches every day, to work hour after hour on the weekends, to say "Sure." when a student asked if he could stay after school to catch up, to say, "I'd love to!" when asked to join a committee to benefit students. It was easy to "take one" for the proverbial team, when I thought people valued what I do. Now, though, it's really tough to go about the work of shaping young minds, being ridiculously patient, going above and beyond the call of duty, when I know that so many people resent teachers.

I've typed and deleted much more, but I just can't articulate this feeling.

On the bright side, today I attended my first-ever rally, and I was immediately choked up upon arriving--
We have the right to stand up and speak out against our government, without fear for our safety or our lives.

God Bless the U.S.A.

27 comments:

  1. well out governor is planning to do similar thing here in ohio as well.I hope he leaves the public employees retirement system alone.

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  2. I love my kids teachers and would be so sad if they threw in the towel. I'm sure there are parents that feel the same exact way about you.

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  3. Wisconsin is not going to go Egyptian on us, is it?
    Seriously, I don't understand why teaching doesn't get the top respect of all professions. It does seem there is a general lack of respect all around for follow citizens. Why is it so hard for people to realize the future is the current class of students and the teachers are ones inspiring and training them.
    BTW - do you think school administration heads get too much?
    Good luck and all the best to you and your fellow teachers/leaders.

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  4. I saw the headlines and did a double take because seriously, anti-unionism in the Midwest?

    Teachers never get the respect or pay they deserve. It's wrong.

    One of the things that's happening in the name of budget cuts is jeopardizing the future of this country by not caring for our children in the correct and responsible way.

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  5. I have had some wonderful teachers in my life, as have my children. I have the utmost respect for good and dedicated teachers, which I know that you are and believe that a vast majority of teachers are as well.
    I've always been sickened by the salaries and respect that is 'earned' by professional sports players vs. teachers' salaries. There is something so blatantly wrong with that picture.
    I'm sorry you're going through this right now.

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  6. It makes me sad that the people who are entrusted with our CHILDREN don't have a higher level of respect and appreciation.

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  7. From the things you share here on your blog, I think you a a great teacher the the kids are lucky to have you! Yes, teachers are generally not appreciated but that does not make your job any less important. You affect kids lives every single day! Hang in there!

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  8. I'm so sorry I can't even imagine not respecting and supporting teachers. Wisconsin will regret if you change professions, you are a gem and I'm sure you are surround around many more like yourself. They are doing a ton a budget cuts here also and it's disgusting. I hope your voices are heard.

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  9. For as many that resent teachers, I hope that there are more who value them and I hope they find their voice.

    We've got big changes going on in Indiana that isn't very thrilling, too.

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  10. God bless you sweetie. As we all know ya just can't pay a good teacher enough and ya'll aren't at the top of the pay scale anyway.

    One of the worst days of my career was a couple weeks into the school year the school found there was a terrible 'short~fall' that had to be amended.

    Durin' an ordinary day of school teachers and staff members were one by one called into the office and 'released'(couldn't call it fired...wouldn't be prudent or legal) from their position. There was no warning of this. Many went back to the classroom to clean out their desk for at least the year.

    I have a friend who attended college durin' the summer to qualify for the position she was hired for. She and her Hub's had a loan that they built a new house durin' that summer on the basis of her contract.

    I know this happens and is not an isolated incidence and happens all over this great nation of ours. It isn't fair that you take away from those who sacrifice for their students.

    God bless ya sweetie and rally on!!! :o)

    BTW: Today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day...pass it on!!!

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  11. My husband struggles with the same feelings, seems this lack of respect for teachers is a world wide thing. I am here when he comes home at night, and I listen to the stories and frustrations of a system that demands so much, and expects teachers to comply without listening or repecting them. Unfortunately the kids end up losing out.

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  12. The Republican governor your state voted in will now be showing his true colors. One of his main issues is to break unions. I am so sorry to hear of someone I care about as much as I do you be feeling the effects personally. I hope you continue to speak out and attend rallies and I hope all the professions that would be affected by the horrific cuts get together in large numbers and don't stop until you are able to end this.
    It seems the Wisconsin governor is not including firemen and police in the cut.

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  13. I'm so sorry about what's happening there. I'm stunned watching it from afar. I sure hope you all on the good side win in the end.

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  14. i just don't understand why people want to crap on teachers!!! they have such a hard job to do AND there are many times where they are given the responsibility of raising the children that parents won't raise!!

    there are many other areas that can get cut before hitting teachers salaries. i have no problem with cutting across the board if ALL folks get cut, even pensions. you can't hit the folks educating the future leaders of our country without some bad things happening. hand in there, mrs. 4444 and i truly appreciate any person who has the heart to teach children!! God Bless!

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  15. This is very distressing to hear. It is very shortsighted, on the part of the Governor, to jeopardize the quality of the future workforce by driving quality staff out of the teaching environment in Wisconsin.

    Come on down to Illinois. We LOVE good teachers. At least, as parents we do.

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  16. Ditto to what everyone commenting above my comment says. We are the beneficiaries of teacher's retirement benefits, and so we agree that the governor of WI is behaving in a very highhanded manner. It isn't as though unions are exactly flourishing as it is! It isn't encouraging to see him governing by fiat!

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  17. I haven't listened to what has been going on, but I have to agree with you that it truly a blessing that we can disagree with our govt and not get tossed in jail because of our opinions.

    Stand up for what you believe in. We love you :)

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  18. My husband has been a teacher in California for five years. It's been that bad for even longer, here. Teachers have been laid off every year for the last four and the ones that stay pick up the janitorial duties, the text book review duties, the recess duties, etc. It's just not right--teachers are the ones who are with our children all day. They need to be treated well. On the other hand, so do the police and the firemen, etc. etc. It's hard to know what the solution is.

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  19. I can't wait for Sheldon to grow up and be a teacher just like you.

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  20. This is just the beginning of the Republicans assault on the right to collective bargaining. John Boehner has made it clear that he's in your governor's camp. This is going to make a lot of work for the courts and lawyers but will only hurt the public sector employees who work very hard for all of us. Don't give up. And watch Rachel Maddow on MSNBC.

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  21. Ugh. The treatment of teachers in this country makes me want to scream. I have so much respect for what you guys do.

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  22. The same thing is happening in TN, as I type! Loss of bargaining power, threats to abolish tenure, and getting rid of licensure requirements!!) to teach. I know they are trying to smash the union, but in the process they are going to destroy the American education system. Who are these idiots - oh yeah, the same ones who introduced NCLB. I didn't vote for them into office, but if/when I have to quit teaching, I sure as h@&# will vote them OUT! GO GIRL, and I hope to join you in rallying down here!

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  23. It is shocking to read the comments of people who constantly bash teachers. But I'm guessing those same people bash everyone. They are never happy, no one is good at their job, everyone is lazy, blah blah blah. Except them of course. The complain about youth today but don't do anything to help. They think all teachers are awful but they don't want to give districts money to hire good ones. Nothing is ever good enough. I know you feel like you are in a thankless job right now, and that sucks, but I'm sure that the parents of your students are very thankful for you, even though the rarely, if ever, show it. Unfortunately we are in a time when only parent's who care about their kids do anything to support education. It's heartbreaking, and it will be the demise of this great country if it doesn't change soon.

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  24. I think your job has become infinitely harder throughout the years. I'm sorry that you're fighting a big battle there now. :(

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  25. Thanks so much for your intelligent, sensitive comments. Clearly, some teachers (as well as your parents, of course) have made a difference in your lives (and you in theirs, no doubt :)

    Fire/police workers will be expected to make the same financial sacrifices, but they will not lose their collective bargaining rights.

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  26. I am hearing you discouragement and feel for ya sis. It must be very painful, and I applaud your efforts to maintain a positive attitude in a hurting week, but allow yourself to go through whatever emotions that you need to. You were born a teacher, and you will always be one, no matter what job you have and no matter how many folks don't appreciate teachers. Those people are ignorant... Yes, that must have been something to have been at that rally. Passion is a good thing. Keep it up in whatever form you feel led. Have a better Friday! Love, me

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  27. I wholeheartedly appreciate what you are doing.

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