Last week, I witnessed amazing teachers springing into action to protect and calm frightened students stuck at school during a severe storm and tornado warning. As the threat dragged on, teachers stayed positive and relieved children's fears through the worst of the storm despite the fact that many were separated from their own loved ones. Eventually the storm passed and all made it safely home. This is what teachers and school staff do, we care, protect, and act in the best interests of the child.
Today, the governor announced a new plan to reward teachers. On the surface it may sound good but let's do the math before we draw conclusions. If average teacher pay is $40,000, a 2% raise would mean an additional $800 per year or about $64 per month after taxes. As most of us know, this doesn't even cover the increased cost of gas or groceries in our current economy. Teachers have not received a raise in 5 years while costs of living have drastically increased. As a result, many teachers are leaving the classroom to find jobs that can support their own families. Adding to the problem, fewer young people are choosing to become teachers in the first place (http://www.wbtv.com/story/25430788/unc-charlotte-sees-steep-decline-in-students-wanting-to-major-in-education). Who will care for and educate our children if all the teachers are gone?
Let's really thank our teachers....show our appreciation by restoring pay to the level they should have been paid if salary had not been frozen.
The link below will help you locate your elected representatives in the General Assembly.
Use your vote and your voice to let the General Assembly know that you support teachers!
http://www.ncleg.net/representation/WhoRepresentsMe.aspx
No comments:
Post a Comment