Re: Teaching in Moscow...

[WMSteed@aol.com]

In a message dated 6/1/02 12:19:58 PM, dkaag@turbonet.com writes:

<< But comparing the mechanisms of public school salary increases and
university salary increases is comparing apples and oranges. >>

I wasn't expressly comparing public school salary increases to university 
increases.  I was comparing your desire "to ask for a salary increase that is 
at least ahead of the yearly inflation in the cost of living" to what I 
suspect other employees on the Palouse get.  It's just that the universities 
comprise the largest two employers. My point was, why should public school 
increases be greater than other employees in the area.

<<Consider these facts:  Idaho is 48th in the nation in teacher's salaries.>> 
 According to a Lewiston Morning Tribune article in yesterday's paper,  Idaho 
is 18th in the nation in supporting public schools for every dollar of 
personal income.  Washington is 42nd.  Since salaries are a majority of 
school costs, could it be possible Idaho is not doing too bad in terms of 
paying its teachers in relation to what its citizens are making?

<<I am "maxed out" on the salary grid, so no matter if I continue my 
postgraduate education to improve my teaching, I can earn no more money.  I 
don't think you can
find anyone on the Palouse in a professional position at that educational 
level and with those years of experience who makes as little as I make.>>

Tell me what you make and I'll let you know.

<<That means whatever your educational level, you must earn 6 college credits 
every five years in order to remain certified as a teacher.>>

So six to eight weeks out of twelve are spent in school in one or two summers 
off every five years.  I'm not sure nonpublic school employees would complain 
about that requirement.

<<I teach because I enjoy it.  I love working with kids.  It is a job that is 
continually different, that keeps me young, and that gives something back to 
the community and the future of the country.  If I didn't like doing it, I 
would go do something else. >>

This is the part that really confuses me.  The great majority of Moscow 
teachers are "maxed-out" on the salary scales due to years of service and, I 
understand, openings are really hard to come by.  Teachers obviously knew 
what the pay was when they started, yet constantly complain about being 
underpaid while staying with the job.  I just can't get over feeling that if 
it isn't worth it, quit it.  If it is worth it, quit complaining.

Walter Steed