Former Fort Myers Teacher Among U.S. Casualties in Afghanistan [left teaching for more pay in army]

The Naples Daily News ^ | March 6, 2002 | Mary Kelli Bridges and Karie Partington

[summer]

bttt

[JulieRNR21]

A tearful BUMP....May God grant his brave soul eternal peace and joy!

His death was 'not in vain'! He died in the cause of "Enduring Freedom". He deserves America's enduring appreciation.

[summer]

BTTT.

[homeschool mama]

Okay. Thanks for the good info. :o)

[Future Snake Eater]

Hooah that, just what I was thinking. One hard mofo...

[Registered]

Lowest and Highest**
District Average Teacher* Salary by Degree, 2000-01

	Lowest		Highest		Difference
Degree Level	Salary	District	Salary	District	Dollars	Percent
Bachelor's	27,382	Union	39,159	Palm Beach	11,777	43.01
Master's	31,034	Union	47,197	Dade	16,163	52.08
Specialist	29,418	Franklin	55,548	Sarasota	26,130	88.82
Doctorate	27,539	Gadsden	55,501	Dade	27,962	101.54
All Degrees	28,920	Union	44,065	Dade	15,145	52.37

Combine those figures with the fact that many teachers can work during the summer.

[Prodigal Son]

Not if he can do math. A SPC with [correction] over 3 years gets $1599.60 a month. His starting pay was likely $1303.50 as a PFC.

Yeah, but the thing is- even if he was an E-nothing, if he really wanted to he could save practically 100% of the money. Eat in the Mess Hall, live in the barracks. Basically, no expenses. Few soldiers actually do this but I did meet quite a few that did- they left after 4 years with a nice little wad of cash. Plus he would've been getting jump pay- a small bonus to be sure, but as a Ranger he would have been in the field more and have less opportunity to spend money. From what I understand of teacher's pay, he probably did do better in the Army.

[summer]

RE your post on teacher pay in FL.

OK, now I will post the TRUE and accurate information. You have have posted "AVERAGE" teacher pay -- and half of FL teachers are so old they are retiring. Consequently, they are at the top of the pay scale. Marc was not.

What Marc was earning is called NEW TEACHER pay. And when you see that pay scale, it is QUITE different than what YOU posted.

[Prodigal Son]

Since Anderson had a degree he'd go in the military as an officer, right? They make more $ than enlisted I believe. In addition, there may have been a bonus for joining up..which would take care of some education loans.

Actually, quite a lot of people with degrees go in as enlisted. This is their choice. One of my best friends in the Army had a Bachelor's- said he wanted to experience the Army from the Enlisted perspective. It makes me sick to hear liberals refer to the enlisted ranks as knuckle draggers or stupid because there are actually a lot of very sharp pencils in the enlisted drawer. Enlisting with a degree, you're going to make rank quickly. Four years of college and you've maxed out on Civilian Ed points. Keep your nose clean and you'll be SGT in 2-2 1/2 yrs easy.

[summer]

As a new teacher, with a Bachelors, now, in Lee County, Marc would earn: $28,500. Just as I said: in the $20's.

But, you have to remember, he was in the service for the past four years (according to news reports I am hearing on FOX). So, seven years ago -- when Marc started teaching -- his beginning salary was at least $5,000 less in Lee County (and other schools districts).

Consequently, figure that he was earning a huge starting salary of about $23,000. It may have gone up to $25,000 during the three years he taught. And, in my book, that is STILL in the $20's -- and NOT a lot of money.

FL Teacher Salaries - Bachelors, Minimum, by County

[fnord]

if you are saddened by teachers who get paid "in the 20's" (for a 9-month job), how do you feel about the military getting the same, or less, for a full-time job that can get you killed?

btw, I know you are not disparaging the military, just trying to make a point that most make substantially less than a teacher does.

[Mad Dawgg]

"if you are saddened by teachers who get paid "in the 20's" (for a 9-month job),..."

Excellent Point!

I Myself hav never earned more than 19K a year from a Paycheck! And I mean never! Yet I have never lacked anything I need (Nor my Family) Summer should I feel Demeaned because I dont Make more?

I wonder how Many of these "underpaid" Teachers waste those dollars that came from the ever-more-burdened Taxpayers?

[summer]

I think an excellent point, and one which should be made more often -- although, I would add that teachers get murdered on the job too, sadly enough. However, that does not diminish your point in any way -- our military personnel deserve far more pay. BTTT to you.

[summer]

I agree with fnord, but not with your point. I would say to you and others who agree with you to first see this thread about FL House Speaker, Mr. Fiscal Conservative Feeney -- who generously pays $55,000 to a state employee who does not meet one requirement of the state job she holds.

[Mad Dawgg]

"Yeah, but the thing is- even if he was an E-nothing, if he really wanted to he could save practically 100% of the money. Eat in the Mess Hall, live in the barracks..."

BINGO! I Have a Friend who is using that same approach as we speak! He is sending home a nice Chunk of Change and investing a large portion in an excellent "DRIP" portfolio! His Wife loves it! Best Part is they are youg (20ish) and if they hold to this strategy they will be Millionaires by their mid forties! Too bad we cannot make this kind of info about money Mandatory teaching in our schools!

[Mad Dawgg]

"I agree with fnord, but not with your point."

"Straw Man" Argument aside prove to me teachers don't WASTE their salaries! (Don't bother trying... you can't) Many come to the USA from other Countries and make huge fortunes starting out with much less! The Problem is Most Americans are worried about what they are not Getting rather that Taking care of what they got!

The POINT is Anyone can, with a little fiscal discpline, become quite Wealthy on less than 20k a year! Yet Most Americans WASTE the opportunities we have to make the Money we have make more money! Instead WE SPEND IT ALL?

America would be alot better off if we taught the basics of financial Discipline and the Magic of Compounding interest in school but alas "PC History" and "Feel Good" Math take up most our Teachers time.

[summer]

Rant away, but also see my reply #1 and the link I provided above. I'm curious what you think your chances are as to getting hired at $55,000 per year for Mr. Feeney. After all, you don't sound like a former Hooters waitress.

[Mad Dawgg]

"I'm curious what you think your chances are as to getting hired at $55,000 per year for Mr. Feeney."

Government Money Being Wasted???? I'm Shocked!!! (/Sarcasm)

Now must I sit around and whine because I am not getting that much? Or I could Focus instead on what I have and How I can My money make more! Try it out sometime, it will set you free! BTW Read A book called the "Richest Man inn Babylon", it will explain the point much better than my feeble attempt posted here!

[lepton]

I didn't mean to so sidetrack the thread...just point out that he likely didn't make the change for higher pay. Debt relief, perhaps, but not higher pay.

Some military jobs are laborer-level skill, but others require skills for which when they get out they will do less for $80 grand. Few people WITH a job get join the military for the pay.

Some teachers get iinto the field because they can't do anything else and get paid,. Others get into it at great cost to themselves because they love it, or feel a sense of duty. Same with soldiers.

[Joe Boucher]

2 years ago I visited Arlington Cemetary. Hadn't been there since 1974. Wanted to Look at D.C. from Mr. Lees mansion again and visit friends and heros again. During a walk around Arlington I took a random picture of the gravestone of a Medal of Honor recipient,(There are many). Came home a few days later and went on line and looked up what this hero had done. It went on and on and on during WWII. Wounded and recovered and wounded 4 different times in four different areas of battle. On the last he died saving his company. America has so many heros and just doesn't get the news. Each time I hear of an American soldier that has lost his or her life I take it to heart and I shed tears and say a prayer to GOD for their soul.