I Am Not A Babysitter

Heather, you are right and research backs you up. The fact is, most teachers who quit the profession do so not in search of money but in search of respect. The fact is, excellent teachers spend their summer "vacation" completing coursework and writing next year's lesson plans. The fact is, a teacher who hopes to reach every child will sift through more data than an economist.
I once divided my "8am-3pm" teaching salary by the actual hours I worked with and on behalf of students. Between spring carnivals, PTA meetings, band concerts, parent conferences, staff meetings, mandated professional development and my regular planning & grading, it turns out I made a little less than half of minimum wage.

Ms. Robinson,
Thank you for answering your "calling" in life. You are an inspiration to the profession of teaching. Notice I said "profession". You truly mold the future, and in spite of the negative feedback our profession receives, when we remain faithful to our calling, we know our effort produces achievement. Your building principal is absolutely blessed to have you on staff.

Dan F.

The fact is that if you are realy working from 5 am to after 7 or 8 pm, you aren't paid enough. Period. Especially with the degenerates that you are forced to teach, or at least keep under control long enough so that other's can learn. It's great that you are so committed and not bitter, because there are plenty, PLENTY of bitter teachers who hate their jobs, hate their students and administration, hate thier schedules and blame everyone else for a choice they themselves made. I wouldn't be a teacher because they aren't respected and they aren't paid. It's sad, but true. Thank you so much for your contribution to society - you are amazing and inspirational!

I have always admired teachers and the remarkable job they do. I have always stressed to my own children to never stop learning or to stop teaching in their chosen professions. Thank you Ms. Robinson.