Where we come from the benefits package is included in the salary. So...they are paying for their own insurance and if they want to add their family to the plan, it's over $500 a month. Doesn't sound like a great deal to me. Also, there is no time figured for lesson plans and grading papers, projects, etc. It always looks greener on the other side of the fence. Most people can't stand to be cooped up with their own children for a day...we should maybe try it with 25 or so of them. I think teachers earn everything they get......provided they are doing their job. Most teachers that I know work very hard and are getting close to burn-out....and me...I homeschooled after 15 years in public school education. Wouldn't want to go back, that's for sure!
My wife was a highschool teacher before she quit to raise a family. Here in northern PA I just saw an ad for the local district paying $82,000 to start. The average family income in our county is under $30,000.
Most teachers that I know work very hard and are getting close to burn-out.
It's the negative attitudes that burn me out more than anything. :)