NJ Teacher who complained of low pay to Gov. Chris Christie makes >$100,000 with benefits

theblogprof ^ | 10-28-10 | theblogprof

[MrChips]

Try working in the average private school for $35,000 to $40,000.

[CBF]

When you consider that teachers work only eight months a year, that's a lot of money. Way above the national average.

National average based on what level of education? I agree, $86,000 is a chunk of change, but what is being described by this poster as between $45-50,000 is more realistic for most school districts. Teachers who have been in their jobs for 20 or more years often earn up to $60 - 65,000. Yes teachers get two months off each year and all bank holidays, but they by no means have a 9-5 job; many teachers have to work on grading and exams off the clock and on weekends - something they are not compensated for.

Also, when speaking of averages - remember the education requirements placed on educators. Most states require that teachers earn a Masters Degree within the first 5 years of employment; the average cost of a Masters Degree is $20,000. If you want to compare averages, compare an average income for people holding Masters Degrees.

[OldMissileer]

Here in Northern VA they are complaining about not getting pay raises while layoffs and foreclosures are heading up. The people who pay their salaries are hurting and the teachers can't shut their greedy mouths.

A union rep actually went on record in the local paper stating that it wasn't fair that a brand new teacher could not afford to buy a house in our county.

I must point out that the median house price in our county still runs around $250,000! It usually takes both spouses to afford one yet the teachers think they are so special that they deserve to buy one alone! What hubris!!

They want it all without confronting reality. They are just public employees.

[MSF BU]

I read down the thread waiting for somebody to point this out. Thank you.

[texas booster]

Good point about the Masters Degree.

However, most districts will pay for part or all of the teachers’ continuing education, including advanced degrees.

Also, all Masters Degrees are not alike. Get a masters in Physics or Math and get a pay bump over an Education Degree.

If she wants more money then head over to a private college where you can soak the students and their parents for insane amounts of tuition.

Or move to NYC schools or Chicago schools where the pay is even higher.

[CBF]

Yeah well, I’d rather be skinned alive than have to get a Masters Degree in Math, so I’ll take 9 months a year and a decent salary to boot. I’m getting a masters science in teaching, then am thinking about a second in eduction leadership (administration) at some point in the future. I went the route for an endorsement in secondary education and chose a masters (with certification) rather than a 5th year (with certification). Teachers with the post-bacc year still have to get a masters, I on the other hand, will have an extra 6 months and be done. I wasn’t aware that school districts aided in the costs of the masters, but on the other hand, chances of getting hired when I have a masters going in are better than someone with only the post-bacc year... shows I’m committed (or should be committed - depending on your view of educators).

[CSM]

Actually, her wage is higher than that when you consider that she gets the summer off.

$86,389 / 9 = $9,598.78 * 12 = $115,185.33

Teachers generally forget this gem when talking about their “low pay.”

[MSF BU]

In Massachusetts at least, if you do it out week by week, it comes to about eight months. Keep in mind as well, when you consider the school day, typically shorter commutes, defined benefit pension plans, etc. it is not a bad job.