Teacher Salaries

“Mayor de Blasio, Clean Up Your Mess!” Non-Union Pre-Kindergarten Staff Speak Out.
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“Mayor de Blasio, Clean Up Your Mess!” Non-Union Pre-Kindergarten Staff Speak Out.

Chloe PashmanLeave a comment

This is a guest post by Chloe Pashman, an Education Director of a CBO preschool in the Bronx. She has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for over twenty years. On July 9th, 2019, after decades of unjust, racist, and illegal pay disparities between CBO (Community-Based Organizations) PreKs, and DOE (Department of Education) PreKs,… Continue reading “Mayor de Blasio, Clean Up Your Mess!” Non-Union Pre-Kindergarten Staff Speak Out.

I Witnessed My Mother Endure Blatant Disrespect At The Hands Of Her Students Today
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I Witnessed My Mother Endure Blatant Disrespect At The Hands Of Her Students Today

Vivett Dukes1 Comment

I have been reflecting about the ways students treat their teachers and their school facilities. As a teacher, I’ve always had excellent classroom management. That comes from being a no-nonsense mom long before I became a teacher. Kids are like dogs — they smell fear. They know who to mess with and with whom to… Continue reading I Witnessed My Mother Endure Blatant Disrespect At The Hands Of Her Students Today

Everybody Is Out Here Thinking That Being A Teacher Is Something Anybody Can Do!
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Everybody Is Out Here Thinking That Being A Teacher Is Something Anybody Can Do!

Vivett DukesLeave a comment

I earned my initial certification to teach from New York State upon completion of a very rigorous 128-Credit Bachelor’s degree in English/secondary education, months of student teaching in classrooms that represented the grade-level in which I was seeking certification, and passing three challenging exams that tested my knowledge of not only English content, but professional… Continue reading Everybody Is Out Here Thinking That Being A Teacher Is Something Anybody Can Do!

Gov. Cuomo: “Only 38 percent of the students are graduating at class-level, but 99 percent of teachers are doing well.” What’s the Fix?
Accountability

Gov. Cuomo: “Only 38 percent of the students are graduating at class-level, but 99 percent of teachers are doing well.” What’s the Fix?

Laura WatersLeave a comment

Last week our new blogger Tina Posterli, a parent on Long Island, described her frustration with New York State’s teacher evaluation system. For those catching up, Gov. Cuomo, the State Legislature, and the Board of Regents originally signed off on an accountability system that would link 50 percent of student outcomes on standardized tests to… Continue reading Gov. Cuomo: “Only 38 percent of the students are graduating at class-level, but 99 percent of teachers are doing well.” What’s the Fix?

Work Now, Get Paid Later — Maybe: One Teacher’s Woeful Summer Work Experience
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Work Now, Get Paid Later — Maybe: One Teacher’s Woeful Summer Work Experience

Vivett DukesLeave a comment

I didn’t want to work this summer. I really just wanted to rest from a somewhat stressful school year and revitalize myself in preparation for the academic year ahead. I almost pulled it off, too, but after careful review of my budget post on my daughter’s eighteenth birthday, high school graduation, and prom, I knew… Continue reading Work Now, Get Paid Later — Maybe: One Teacher’s Woeful Summer Work Experience

Why Do So Many Teachers Work Second Jobs?
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Why Do So Many Teachers Work Second Jobs?

Vivett Dukes2 Comments

It’s summertime and, while teachers need to rest after a long school year, I am gearing up to head back to the classroom to teach summer school. Many of my colleagues and I simply can not afford to be home all summer without earning some extra money. Even if you are not going away for… Continue reading Why Do So Many Teachers Work Second Jobs?

“Let’s Be Clear: Teachers DO NOT Have Summers Off!”
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“Let’s Be Clear: Teachers DO NOT Have Summers Off!”

Kalyca Adesina ThomasLeave a comment

I’m a regular at George’s Restaurant in Pelham Bay, Bronx. My waiter knows I’m a teacher. “It’s almost time for your vacation. Do you have any plans?,” he asks. “Yes, study, travel, conference attendance, and time for reflection,” I replied. “You’re lucky, you have the summers off,” he confidently states. Responding more reactively than proactively,… Continue reading “Let’s Be Clear: Teachers DO NOT Have Summers Off!”

The Trickle-Down Effect of Lowering Teacher Standards
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The Trickle-Down Effect of Lowering Teacher Standards

Alina AdamsLeave a comment

“I read that New York teachers don’t have to be literate, anymore. Is that true, Mom?,” my seventh-grader asked last week. He’s recently become determined to “fix all education in America” (I have no idea where a son of mine could have picked up such an interest), and was on the Internet doing research. He’d… Continue reading The Trickle-Down Effect of Lowering Teacher Standards

Ed Trust Needs To Take Several Seats in the Back of My Classroom!
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Ed Trust Needs To Take Several Seats in the Back of My Classroom!

Vivett DukesLeave a comment

In response to New York State’s decision to eliminate the Academic Skills Literacy Test for teacher certification,  Education Trust Executive Director Ian Rosenblum stated on Tuesday, “it is deeply disappointing that the Regents and State Education Department are lowering the bar for teacher literacy skills…We should be focusing on ensuring that prospective teachers receive the support… Continue reading Ed Trust Needs To Take Several Seats in the Back of My Classroom!

Teachers’ Salaries Are The Brunt of the Joke — Except We’re Not Laughing!
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Teachers’ Salaries Are The Brunt of the Joke — Except We’re Not Laughing!

Vivett DukesLeave a comment

“Make sure you contribute to the TDA!,” I hear. “Teachers retire as millionaires!,” I hear.  I listen faithfully and every paycheck a deduction is taken out, set aside for the rainy days of my retirement. I’m pretty confident that when that time comes, the contributions that  I have made to my pension plan will leave… Continue reading Teachers’ Salaries Are The Brunt of the Joke — Except We’re Not Laughing!