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For the record, I didn't make the "6 digit salaries" claim. I'd be thrilled if world-class (or even top 5-10%) teachers could command those kinds of rates witho

For the record, I didn't make the "6 digit salaries" claim. I'd be thrilled if world-class (or even top 5-10%) teachers could command those kinds of rates without having to teach in the richest school districts for decades. I'd also note that those are salaries (and similar for others in this discussion) are for 187-day school calendars, or 37.4 weeks/year. Generously applying the same rate to a 46 week/year "full time" calendar puts the top end in Round Rock at over $78,000. The median household income in Round Rock is around $70,000[1], suggesting that it isn't outrageous for a couple of married teachers there to earn well above average, even without summer income. Also, at least in MA, many teachers are not required to pay Social Security tax, but instead pay into a much more generous pension system. Other benefits are also competitive relative to the private sector. Again, though, I'm all for teachers making more money so more talented people are encouraged to teach. But the tenure system is not the way to get that result. [1] http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/4863500.html http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/4863500.html

cschneid 11y ago
ugh, summer argument. First: teachers typically work days not on the student's school calendar, so it's more like 39 or so weeks by your calculation. Second: they work WAY more than an 8 hour day. Last night she did 7am - 4pm in the building, then 2 or so hours at night grading. (and that was a light day since she had gotten her planning done previously this weekend). Third: summer is where you can finally catch up and plan classes. Girlfriend did a major revamp of her AP US History class so she was in-line with the new standards. Last year was Western Civ revamp. Next year will be the standard US History class. You're right, benefits are in-line (not better, just in-line) with corporate america. Mediocre, but existing health care. A pension style retirement plan that's reasonable, but at the mercy of underfunding by politicians (which seems to be expected at this point).
selimthegrim 11y ago
http://www.governing.com/columns/public-money/FICA-free-lunch-crowd.html http://www.governing.com/columns/public-money/FICA-free-lunc...

cschneid 11y ago

ugh, summer argument. First: teachers typically work days not on the student's school calendar, so it's more like 39 or so weeks by your calculation. Second: they work WAY more than an 8 hour day. Last night she did 7am - 4pm in the building, then 2 or so hours at night grading. (and that was a light day since she had gotten her planning done previously this weekend). Third: summer is where you can finally catch up and plan classes. Girlfriend did a major revamp of her AP US History class so she was in-line with the new standards. Last year was Western Civ revamp. Next year will be the standard US History class. You're right, benefits are in-line (not better, just in-line) with corporate america. Mediocre, but existing health care. A pension style retirement plan that's reasonable, but at the mercy of underfunding by politicians (which seems to be expected at this point).

selimthegrim 11y ago

http://www.governing.com/columns/public-money/FICA-free-lunch-crowd.html http://www.governing.com/columns/public-money/FICA-free-lunc...