Ignorance Of Teaching
Currently, in Ohio, there is a proposed Senate Bill that would affect unions in the sense of teachers, firefighters, and policemen. I honestly don't know the exact details about this bill. Since I am going into the teaching field, I know some of the basics as to how this bill will affect the teaching field. The bill is known as Senate Bill #5. One of the big issues with this bill is that it will affect teacher's way in such a way where a student's performance determines how a teacher will be paid. Overall though, a teacher's pay is expected to suffer even more with the passage of this bill. There is tons of discussion and conflict going around about this. I haven't read the entire thing, but I know many people have brought up their thoughts about the teaching career. Many believe that teachers don't have real jobs, they only do half the work, they deserve half the pay, and if they want to complain, they should just get a second job.
These words upset me beyond belief. The amount of ignorance is unbelievable. I have observed the teaching field much more than the average student. The amount of work done by a teacher is remarkable. I'm speaking for what I see in my home town at my old high school. First, based on hours, teachers work their weekly eight hours. Teachers are expected to be in their classroom - or in general at the high school - by 7:00AM. The school day begins at 7:25AM. Teachers are scheduled to depart at 3:00PM. The school day ends at 2:15PM. 7:00AM to 3:00PM is eight hours. Their lunch break is maybe 22 minutes, and all teachers are given an hour planning period. Teachers don't sit in their classrooms for the hour with fuzzy slippers and their feet on the desk watching the TV. They are working on material for the upcoming days and classes later in the day. Sure, maybe some days they sit at their computer and browse the internet, but who doesn't do that at work on an lazy day? It happens to everyone. Teaching, in the sense of scheduled hours, surely isn't any less of a job.
The timecard only tells part of the story. Teachers do plenty of work outside of the classroom. The biggest activity is grading. I have graded papers for teachers. It has fun moments and horrible moments. It's enjoyable when no red slashes have to be given, but sometimes a red slash through a butchered response provides a good laugh. Yet, after a few graded papers, the pile seems never-ending. The letter grades continue to vary. It's important to always mark the incorrect answer on every paper. Sometimes an incorrect response is left untouched. Once all the papers are graded, a grade book cries for updating. This can either be done once or twice. Some teachers enjoy having a written grade book and a electric one, while some rely on technology solely. All of this thrilling entertainment isn't done in the classroom. It's done at home. The hours at home aren't rewarded. They are expected, and the pay and time card do not reflect the work done.
Grading is more than quantative stress. The assignments vary on expectations and content. An English paper from a remedial class has different standards than that of an advanced placement class. What about a teacher who teaches three subjects in one day? Not only does the grading complicate, but the planning extends. Weekly plans for one class is enough work as it is, but three classes just builds up pressure. While many teachers do not follow precisely the directions from college about lesson planning, plans are indeed made. Preparing three different subjects with assignments, notes, and instructions is an adventure.
The adrenaline for such adventure is fueled with love and care. Teachers do a lot of work behind the scenes. Their fifty minutes in front of any student have to be captivating and meaningful, even during a test. It's upsetting when this isn't understood by people. I know I didn't like getting homework and reading assignments. Behind all the work, there's a meaning. Teachers want us to learn, grow, and succeed. I look back at all of the assignments I have received. I may not remember the criteria, but I remember the lessons learn. Teachers have a gift to do what they do. They are hard-working people of society. It's a real job with real hours. Ignorance unfortunately shadows all of this. I hope I can one day turn on a light to help vanquish the shadow.
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