OT: Teachers of Boneyard...Back to School Time

[RJScootin]

Anyone out there with kids in daycare/pre-school?

We’ve seen massive jumps price recently. I knew it was basically a mortgage going in but a 20-30% jump in cost is a lot ($5k-$6k more per year).

Anyone see the same thing? They say it’s because of inflation, teacher gas costs, they want to increase teacher salaries because they aren’t making much more than minimum wage, budget balancing. I don’t mind paying more but we’re barely getting by as it is. Wild.

My sons daycare went up $25 a week, so not to bad. He could go to kindergarten this year but with a late Dec. Bday we figure let him get another year in before he starts.

Where they get me is having to pay all summer when my wife's a teacher to keep our spot in the daycare for following year.

Although she really doesn't complain about it, enjoys still sending him like 3-4 days a week.

She'll be going into I think year 18 at Park City Magnet in BPT. She's teacher of young kids with special needs. True saint have no clue has she does it.

Best of luck to all this teachers heading back for another year. Hope you all enjoyed your summer.

 

[huskeynut]

Retired several years ago after 33 years as a public school music teacher and band director and department head.

To all the Boneyard educators, all the best as you embark on another year of educational adventures!

 

[Vuce]

My entire family (parents, aunts, uncles) were teachers when I was growing up. Considered doing that too but didn’t. I’ve seen a lot of news stories like the one below referencing major teacher shortages because of how bad everything has gotten. I am very thankful my kids are done with school now. Those of you that are teachers - I assume you are feeling the effects of these crazy staffing shortages?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/08/03/school-teacher-shortage/

 

[husky99]

I am a Museum Educator at Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington. We have school groups ranging from kindergarten to college. If you are not familiar with Hill-Stead, it houses (in situ) one of the country's finest private collections of Impressionist paintings, works by Monet, Manet, Degas, Cassatt and Whistler. Check it out at www.hillstead.org.

I have been a few times and live close. Great place
@Viet Vet

 

[husky429]

My entire family (parents, aunts, uncles) were teachers when I was growing up. Considered doing that too but didn’t. I’ve seen a lot of news stories like the one below referencing major teacher shortages because of how bad everything has gotten. I am very thankful my kids are done with school now. Those of you that are teachers - I assume you are feeling the effects of these crazy staffing shortages?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/08/03/school-teacher-shortage/

Teachers are in shortage where they don't pay, or where working conditions are poor. All across the south, Mid-west etc. there are shortages because they treat teachers like crap. My sister-in-law works in North Carolina in a HUGE regional high school. I make more than their principal.

In CT, there are shortages in science/math, basically. And it's only really a shortage in districts people don't want to work in. In good districts there's still a variety of applicants.

 

[NJHoops]

We had our yearly start of the year let’s get inspired “celebration” today, which, as usual, did the exact opposite.

In my world of special education, we’re short on school psychs and instructional assistants.

 

[Hey Adrien!]

Retired several years ago after 33 years as a public school music teacher and band director and department head.

To all the Boneyard educators, all the best as you embark on another year of educational adventures!

As someone who did marching band, jazz band and the symphony in high school (alto, tenor and baritone sax, respectively) thanks for being a music educator!

One of my highlights of high school!

I remember being super nervous before my first marching band performance because I was worried people would think it was super lame. However, we were like 200+ students, played well and our football team was good, so the sense I got from students was at worst ambivalent and at best lots of support. Pregames were a good party scene too!

I'll never forget talking myself out of getting in trouble for eating edibles on the bus ride to a competition in Virginia . The key was talking myself out of it weeks after I ate the brownies!

 

[tzznandrew]

I'm in the building tomorrow, don't start teaching until after Labor Day.

On balanced schedules: I love summer too much. But I'm at a private school that gives me lots of time off, so it's not quite the same.

 

[superjohn]

Teachers are in shortage where they don't pay, or where working conditions are poor. All across the south, Mid-west etc. there are shortages because they treat teachers like crap. My sister-in-law works in North Carolina in a HUGE regional high school. I make more than their principal.

In CT, there are shortages in science/math, basically. And it's only really a shortage in districts people don't want to work in. In good districts there's still a variety of applicants.

There seems to be shortages all over the country, not just the Midwest and South. I would assume there's a shortage in districts people don't want to work in all over the country.


Face the Facts: Addressing the Teacher Shortage in Conn. – NBC Connecticut

Face the Facts: Addressing the Teacher Shortage in Conn.

The state is facing a shortage of qualified teachers as we head into the new school year. President of the Connecticut Education Association Kate Dias joins Mike Hydeck to give an update on how districts are working to resolve the problem. Mike Hydeck: Hartford is offering $5,000 bonuses and...

www.nbcconnecticut.com

Amid teacher shortage, N.J. looks for ways to make it easier to become an educator

Amid teacher shortage, N.J. looks for ways to make it easier to become an educator

The New Jersey Board of Education Wednesday considered a variety of rule changes regarding standards for the teaching force.

nj.com

New York state facing teacher shortage - WNYT.com NewsChannel 13

New York state facing teacher shortage

As millions of students prepare to get back in the classroom, schools across the country are facing a teacher shortage. It’s causing school districts and law makers to find ways to combat the problem that's been a growing problem for years now. NBC's Jesse Kirsch reports. New York State is not...

wnyt.com

With school set to open in a few weeks, school districts facing staff shortages - What's Up Newp

With school set to open in a few weeks, school districts facing staff shortages - What's Up Newp

Just a few weeks before the opening of schools throughout Rhode Island, many school districts are still trying to fill teacher and other vacancies, according to published reports and comments from leading state educators. But the teacher shortages in Rhode Island hardly compare with other...

whatsupnewp.com

Nearly 1 out of 5 classes in California taught by underprepared teachers | EdSource

Nearly 1 out of 5 classes in California taught by underprepared teachers

A new state database of teacher assignments shows that 17% of K-12 classes in 2020-21 were taught by teachers without the credential or training to teach the course.

edsource.org

 

[uconnfan68]

They've done studies on schedules like that. They're pretty effective in stopping some of that summer slump, but teachers and parents are generally not in favor. It complicates things like summer camp, family vacations, etc. Personally, I'm in favor of it and would definitely vote in favor if given the opportunity. I think most people would get used to it pretty quickly.

AZ is an absolute disaster educationally. They (and quite a few other states) should be embarrassed by what's happening in their public schools.

When politicians are in charge…

 

[M.S.G.]

Welp, finally got my last "no" as far as interviews.. Finalist @ 3 places, missed out on all of them..

Guess I'm back at my school for another year, seems like I'm now trapped, too many years and too pricey, sigh.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Welp, finally got my last "no" as far as interviews.. Finalist @ 3 places, missed out on all of them..

Guess I'm back at my school for another year, seems like I'm now trapped, too many years and too pricey, sigh.

#quietquitting.

 

[8893]

Guess I'm back at my school for another year, seems like I'm now trapped, too many years and too pricey, sigh.

 

[History Geek]

I report on Wednesday, the kids come the following Tuesday the 29th. My district, for whatever reason, is switching from Google Classroom to Schoology - anybody have any experience using Schoology? I had a PD on it at the end of last year and didn't find the interface to be particularly user-friendly.

We are as well. Two year transition. I am part of a group of teachers that will use it this year and then help train the staff next year. Google Classroom was good but Schoology has more functionality.

 

[Hurleyman216]

Thanks to all our teachers out there! Now I know why many of our BY regulars post so much over the summer. Sister-in-law is a teacher and I have to hear the whining and complaining about the “end of summer” every year while I’m lucky to get 1-2 weeks off in an entire year. I can’t empathize with the end of your months long vacations, but good luck this year and thanks for all you do for the kids. Hoping this will be a more “normal” year with regards to Covid.

 

[CallMeBruce]

Our current HOS is an acceptable end-of-his career band aid hire who is starting his fourth year so my guess is we’ll get the gears turning for a new transition towards the end of this year.

This is exactly what happened to us. They fired our old HOS a few years ago and brought someone out of retirement. Then COVID hit so he ended up sticking around for an extra two years. I actually really liked him, but his wife basically dragged him away at the end of last year (though I don't think she had to drag that hard). They started the search too early, so their first two picks turned them down for a job they could start sooner. This guy had never been a HOS before and was willing to wait, and then he got there and has basically been a complete nightmare who was going to get the school sued if he didn't get his act together.

 

[ctchamps]

A pity they let the old punishments die. Was a time detention would find you hanging by your thumbs in the dungeons. God, I miss the screaming.

School district in Missouri allowing students to be spanked for disciplinary reasons.

 

[ctchamps]

Teachers are in shortage where they don't pay, or where working conditions are poor. All across the south, Mid-west etc. there are shortages because they treat teachers like crap. My sister-in-law works in North Carolina in a HUGE regional high school. I make more than their principal.

In CT, there are shortages in science/math, basically. And it's only really a shortage in districts people don't want to work in. In good districts there's still a variety of applicants.

There is No National Teaching Shortage. The Narrative Does Not Match the Numbers.

Good article. Echoes what you are saying plus additional opinions.

 

[ClifSpliffy]

There seems to be shortages all over the country, not just the Midwest and South. I would assume there's a shortage in districts people don't want to work in all over the country.


Face the Facts: Addressing the Teacher Shortage in Conn. – NBC Connecticut

Face the Facts: Addressing the Teacher Shortage in Conn.

The state is facing a shortage of qualified teachers as we head into the new school year. President of the Connecticut Education Association Kate Dias joins Mike Hydeck to give an update on how districts are working to resolve the problem. Mike Hydeck: Hartford is offering $5,000 bonuses and...

www.nbcconnecticut.com

Amid teacher shortage, N.J. looks for ways to make it easier to become an educator

Amid teacher shortage, N.J. looks for ways to make it easier to become an educator

The New Jersey Board of Education Wednesday considered a variety of rule changes regarding standards for the teaching force.

nj.com

New York state facing teacher shortage - WNYT.com NewsChannel 13

New York state facing teacher shortage

As millions of students prepare to get back in the classroom, schools across the country are facing a teacher shortage. It’s causing school districts and law makers to find ways to combat the problem that's been a growing problem for years now. NBC's Jesse Kirsch reports. New York State is not...

wnyt.com

With school set to open in a few weeks, school districts facing staff shortages - What's Up Newp

With school set to open in a few weeks, school districts facing staff shortages - What's Up Newp

Just a few weeks before the opening of schools throughout Rhode Island, many school districts are still trying to fill teacher and other vacancies, according to published reports and comments from leading state educators. But the teacher shortages in Rhode Island hardly compare with other...

whatsupnewp.com

Nearly 1 out of 5 classes in California taught by underprepared teachers | EdSource

Nearly 1 out of 5 classes in California taught by underprepared teachers

A new state database of teacher assignments shows that 17% of K-12 classes in 2020-21 were taught by teachers without the credential or training to teach the course.

edsource.org

and now, for a change, a reasoned and thoughtful opinion on the subject.
There Is No National Teacher Shortage
edit: i just noticed that fleudslipcon posted this already. props.
i got it from rcp. they're pretty good with numbers stuff.

 

[Hey Adrien!]

Just finished up my second week with students, how is everyone's start to the school year?

To sum it up, I'd say "tiring, but good".

The three-day overnight sleep-away camp trip to the Del Water Gap area of NJ was exhausting, but fun. Perfect weather, the kids were good and the camp's staff/activities were well organized. Fell asleep that returning Friday at 7:30, though, haha.

The week after Labor Day was first week of real classes. My schedule is really weird this year: four of the five days I teach all my classes in a row and then either meetings or prep periods follow so I just have to get used to that.

After two days of awkwardness, the students have seemed to settle in too. Athletics (I'll do cross-country this fall) and electives (I coach the MathCounts team) start up this week, so nice to clock those extra hours for $$$.

Anyone's immune system adjusting oddly? I'm already on my second stomach bug in three weeks.

 

[CL82]

Just finished up my second week with students, how is everyone's start to the school year?

To sum it up, I'd say "tiring, but good".

The three-day overnight sleep-away camp trip to the Del Water Gap area of NJ was exhausting, but fun. Perfect weather, the kids were good and the camp's staff/activities were well organized. Fell asleep that returning Friday at 7:30, though, haha.

The week after Labor Day was first week of real classes. My schedule is really weird this year: four of the five days I teach all my classes in a row and then either meetings or prep periods follow so I just have to get used to that.

After two days of awkwardness, the students have seemed to settle in too. Athletics (I'll do cross-country this fall) and electives (I coach the MathCounts team) start up this week, so nice to clock those extra hours for $$$.

Anyone's immune system adjusting oddly? I'm already on my second stomach bug in three weeks.

Your school trip was to the Water Gap? Nice! Was it just a camp nearby or did you get out on the Delaware at all? Canoeing the Delaware through Water Gap is a blast.

 

[M.S.G.]

I've been flat out exhausted these first 2 weeks of school. The other 3 teachers in my department either left or were let go, so now I'm the only veteran teacher (of 1 year at this school - 16 overall) left. We don't have department heads at my school, but I've taken on holding the common planning time meetings in my room and running them.. Also have sat in on classes for the 2 first year teachers we hired.. My classes are a piece of cake but all of these added layers (that I may not even get paid for doing) makes it all the more exhausting.

 

[husky429]

I am a dean now. Administration is weird. I don't have to be "on" mentally nearly as much, but the harder moments are much less forgiving and more frequent. I am working less hours but also much more energized after work. I can pee when I want, stare blankly at the wall for a minute and no one throws a chair, plus my salary close to doubled. Life is pretty good at the moment.

We have 11 new teachers, 8 of whom are right out of college. 1 was fired on day 4, but thankfully a person who just retired agreed to step in for a few weeks until we get a new person. Working with the new teachers has been my big job. A couple of these new kids it's already pretty obvious that they aren't cut out for the classroom. A few others look pretty strong though.

Had 7 or 8 ISS kids so far, and only a handful of attendance issues. Lots of mouthy kids cussing me out but I'm used to it lol. Not too bad.

 

[temery]

I am a dean now. Administration is weird. I don't have to be "on" mentally nearly as much, but the harder moments are much less forgiving and more frequent. I am working less hours but also much more energized after work. I can pee when I want, stare blankly at the wall for a minute and no one throws a chair, plus my salary close to doubled. Life is pretty good at the moment.

We have 11 new teachers, 8 of whom are right out of college. 1 was fired on day 4, but thankfully a person who just retired agreed to step in for a few weeks until we get a new person. Working with the new teachers has been my big job. A couple of these new kids it's already pretty obvious that they aren't cut out for the classroom. A few others look pretty strong though.

Had 7 or 8 ISS kids so far, and only a handful of attendance issues. Lots of mouthy kids cussing me out but I'm used to it lol. Not too bad.

How does someone get fired after four days?

 

[Hey Adrien!]

Your school trip was to the Water Gap? Nice! Was it just a camp nearby or did you get out on the Delaware at all? Canoeing the Delaware through Water Gap is a blast.

It was a YMCA camp at Fairview Lake in NW NJ just a few miles from the river.

The lodging and obviously the lake wasn’t as impressive as when we used to do this trip in southern Lake George, but the two hour drive was a huge bonus especially getting back early on Labor Day Friday.

 

[CL82]

It was a YMCA camp at Fairview Lake in NW NJ just a few miles from the river.

The lodging and obviously the lake wasn’t as impressive as when we used to do this trip in southern Lake George, but the two hour drive was a huge bonus especially getting back early on Labor Day Friday.

My kids middle school in Northern NJ used to go to Fairview lake for a middle school trip as well. They enjoyed it. As a parent, it was always interesting watching some kids get their gear out of the car versus watching others moms and dads do it. Kids who travel for sports, scouts, etc. sling a bag over their shoulder and are ready to go. Other kids look absolutely lost. But that’s really the point of the trip, to stretch kids a little bit. I always appreciated the teachers who went out on these trips because it always seemed above and beyond the call of duty. A lot of fun though, I’m sure.

 

[husky429]

How does someone get fired after four days?

Adding kids on social media where you have... let's call them "lewd but not nude" photos... and proceeding to flirt with said students on social media via DMs... doesn't end up working out career-wise. People and adding kids on social media. Happens once in a while, never ends up being a positive thing.

 

[husky429]

Adding kids on social media where you have... let's call them "lewd but not nude" photos... and proceeding to flirt with said students on social media via DMs... doesn't end up working out career-wise. People and adding kids on social media. Happens once in a while, never ends up being a positive thing.

I should add... I don't think it was like a majorly perverted thing as much as really REALLY poor judgment and someone who has gotten what she wants in life by being pretty, personable and flirtatious. Well... I hope

 

[temery]

gotten what she wants in life by being pretty, personable and flirtatious.

Need ... a ... link ... please.

 

[temery]

Adding kids on social media where you have... let's call them "lewd but not nude" photos... and proceeding to flirt with said students on social media via DMs... doesn't end up working out career-wise. People and adding kids on social media. Happens once in a while, never ends up being a positive thing.

We had a new teacher who used the phone tree to drunk dial male teachers saying she needed some lovin. Funny thing is that particular principal would have obliged, but she wasn't drunk enough to call the boss.

This was Labor Day weekend (25 years ago). If only she had called me first.