Why are we not liked?

Hello and I am delighted to be back after my little break away from Anseo world!
A lot has happened in teacher land. The Budget!
The government have acted selfishly and without communication from educational partners, teachers, principals and parents…
Looks like they won’t back down and I could go on and on about it. But you know what, no-one is listening, it seems like?
I was directed to an long winded thread on education posts this week. Someone had noticed that on an unnamed wedding website a terrible onslaught on teachers had begun! The public seem not to like teachers very much and don’t really want to listen to their rants and ravings about an “extra child in their class” (their views not mine!)
This got me thinking about why the media, public and generally a lot of parents are not supporting us as much as they should be with regards to the recent budget cuts..This article may get you thinking about what being a teacher means. I think that my thoughts should provoke debate and discussion amongst all teachers and in particular, the “Dip” teachers.
2 Main Reasons why the majority of the government and the general public are not backing teachers in my opinion.
1. Start admitting we have a great job!
When I chat to teachers or chat to family/friends about the life of a teachers, the resounding feeling is “Teachers have it easy, they get great holidays, pay, pensions and security” Guess what? I agree wholeheartedly. Most other teachers I speak to complain about various things that sound petty to members of the public. My friend who works in a bank was telling me about her “2 weeks” yearly holiday, working day from 8-6 with no paid overtime, no salary yearly increments, no pension and the list goes on.
I think we need to stand up and be proud and hugely thankful that we chose to be in this profession that offers so many benefits! I love my job. I love teaching, planning, educating and inspiring and I would never put my profession down by failing to agree with someone when they say ” you have a great job” Yes, I do actually and you want to go qualify, of you go!
Of course, there are negatives..I won’t list them as they are personal to each teacher but what job or profession don’t have their negatives? I cannot name one profession that has as many benefits as we do- holidays, pensions, salary, security, sense of achievement, excellent career and promotional perks (A and B posts, principal positions, time to double job-grinds, tutoring etc.)
I think teachers need to complain about the things that affect the children and the work conditions. Money and Grants being taken away, this is shocking! The Media Campaign has focused on the “poor” teachers and how we feel under pressure..The campaign should have been firmly put into the hands of the parents and children, this is who Batt O’Keefe is hurting…After all, we are still getting a rather attractive 8.5% over the next 3 years! In times of a recession, I think all public sectors need to take a pay freeze. This is the only way to improve classroom conditions. Something has to give just not at the expense of a helpless 9-year old.
2. Teachers who undermine the profession
I have heard countless teachers telling everyone publicly that they get into school at 9 and leave at 3? Where in any other sector does this happen? I have heard many teachers (on public forums and in staffrooms) admit with no guilt that they do no planning after their probationary year, this shocks me! Every teacher that goes into the probationary year should be ready for a career that involves not only teaching but planning, reevaluating and learning. A good teacher teaches. An excellent teachers learns and learns until they retire. I plan diligently every weekend and after work every day. Do you? Hand on heart? Can you see why the public might think we have it easy? Do you honestly give your all to teaching and learning about new ways to stimulate your students? Students are getting more difficult, learning disiblities are becoming the norm and parents are not as effective as they used to be. We, as educational exemplars should be working that bit extra OUTSIDE of the classroom. I have spent the day researching 5th class 2-D Shapes as it is new to me. I don’t want to tar everyone with the same brush as I know that many teachers give that extra bit outside of school but it pains me to hear a “Dip” Teacher proclaiming that “Thank God when the Dip year is over, we won’t have to plan” Think about it, do you think you have learned enough within the year to make you the best you can be? The career of a teacher is a lifelong learning experience.
These are only my opinions. They are not intended to be offensive but they are intended to be truthful. Teachers need to get truthful and admit what part we do have in the future education of Ireland. I trained in Wales. A totally different story over there. The Principal’s job there is to assess his teachers and give them yearly appraisals. Teachers have to constantly keep themselves updated with new courses and work extra hard.
The time is coming very soon in Ireland were there will not be a job for everyone who qualifies in Pats, Hibernia or any of the other colleges. Applicants will have to prove themselves in interview and in their Dip year. If not, they could be pipped to the post by another determined applicant. This is one of the reasons why I have written this article.
Besides, we can all witness the teacher whose idea of teaching is opening a book for each subject and asking the children to read and answer the questions. This may have worked for us as children. Children and society are changing. We, as teachers need to give value for money. We also need to start valuing ourselves and our profession. We need to get out and protest as a professional establishment. We need to expect more from ourselves and maybe the public and the government will. Fianna Fail know how people feel about teachers. Let’s take a scary look inside ourselves. The next protest is in Tullamore next Saturday, there is no excuse. The last rally was during mid-term break and a lot of teachers had booked a holiday for themselves. Next Saturday, young and old teachers and parents need to get to Brian Cohen’s Office and tell him that we are an esteemed profession, we are a lucky bunch of people but we deserve more for our children. Most people work weekends, why don’t we work one this year? Buses will be leaving from most towns, contact your local branch.
Until next week.
With love and good intentions
Rozz