Teachers' strikes
Teachers are slated to go on strike on Wednesday (4/5) with the complaints that they are overworked and underpaid. They have not put forward any detials of how the underpayment is calculated but a quick check of the ABS shows that in NSW, a graduate's average salary is $66,481. A 4 year trained teacher in NSW will start on $72,137 and can rise to $118,626.
Teachers want more time away from the classroom to "prepare" although they only 'face-to-face' teach 4.25 hours per day now. I take issue with the "preparation" needed as lesson plans are submitted at the start of each year to ensure correct teaching methods are carried out. As each year arrives a lot of this work is "cut and paste".
I read that one particular teacher complained that she starts at 7.00am each day to prepare for the lessons and "bid for a classroom" and works until 9.00pm. I have no idea what "bid for a classroom" is as there was no detail given. I have worked in a different industry where some people needed to start early and finish late because they weren't cut out for the job.
I don't begrudge teachers their holidays, that's the nature of the job specifications. I do, however, point out that as NSW public servants they are only entitled to the same annual leave as any other public servant. The extra leave is classified as Stand-down Leave. On this basis, why do teachers need so many pupli-free days at the start and end of the holidays? Why are they not called in from Stand-down leave to do those things that are done when students should be back in the classroom?
My last point is simple, if you don't like the pay and conditions then do what the average worker does: move on. We are told that there are not enough teachers to fill the positions now but each year more trained teachers leave university and are unable to get full-time work with the Education Department. They find other careers.
The teacher may spend a lot of time at school and at home. Is all the time productive?
I live across the road of a Primary School and have noticed for the past 8 years they have trouble finding the designated teacher car parking area. They park in the street blocking off any parent from a drop off.
I questioned the Principal one day" How do the teacher's find their teaching room each day when they can't find the all day car parking set aside for them" He looked at me in total amazement. I knew he was not the sharpest tool in the shed as he had no idea what I said.
He is in charge of the school.
What chance do the students have when the Principal has no idea and the teachers don't showany respect to the parents for a safe drop off place.
Don't worry I was a TAFE lecturer for 10 yrs+ and showed respect to my students, as a result anywhere I go I always have a street meet with former students. I also comment on how they have progressed in their field of study with a congratulation.