I have been in the teaching profession for the past eight years and am shocked and very disappointed that I find myself in a strike situation. Yes, I support the strike because not only do I find the level of pay disproportionate for the job I and my collegues do. I frequently feel frustration at how quick both government and industries in the public sector are to criticize standards of education and yet they value us so little. It has been broadcast that the average pay for a teacher is in the region of £33.000 p.a; however, I after eight years still do not earn that much despite rising to the upper payscale. The fact is that the maximum that a classroom teacher can earn is in the region of £40.000 p.a. It is therefore no surprise to me that younger teachers after studying for four years saddled with university debts leave the profession. Perhaps those in government need to be reminded of the fact that the teaching profession is fundermental to success of future generations.

kaydaw:

I have been in the teaching profession for the past eight years and am shocked and very disappointed that I find myself in a strike situation. Yes, I support the strike because not only do I find the level of pay disproportionate for the job I and my collegues do. I frequently feel frustration at how quick both government and industries in the public sector are to criticize standards of education and yet they value us so little. It has been broadcast that the average pay for a teacher is in the region of £33.000 p.a; however, I after eight years still do not earn that much despite rising to the upper payscale. The fact is that the maximum that a classroom teacher can earn is in the region of £40.000 p.a. It is therefore no surprise to me that younger teachers after studying for four years saddled with university debts leave the profession. Perhaps those in government need to be reminded of the fact that the teaching profession is fundermental to success of future generations.

hi, wouldnt be a teacher today, i would want danger money, unruly kids, violence, not able to discipline...no respect,,I had a great teacher who brought out the best in me and i will forever be in her debt,  but those day when a teacher was to be respected are long gone.

the public sector are to criticize standards of education and yet they value us so little.

Could be they are valued so little BECAUSE of the standards.

It has been broadcast that the average pay for a teacher is in the region of £33.000 p.a; however, I after eight years still do not earn that much despite rising to the upper payscale.

Yes these "average" figures give a very inaccurate picture.  But then £15,000 would be a dream salary to some people (but I suppose some people think they deserve a pittance because they're not "educated"?).

rosiet2008:

the public sector are to criticize standards of education and yet they value us so little.

Could be they are valued so little BECAUSE of the standards.

It has been broadcast that the average pay for a teacher is in the region of £33.000 p.a; however, I after eight years still do not earn that much despite rising to the upper payscale.

Yes these "average" figures give a very inaccurate picture.  But then £15,000 would be a dream salary to some people (but I suppose some people think they deserve a pittance because they're not "educated"?).

I think we should support any sector willing to strike for what they believe to be right for them and their families. British peolple do not complain and make a stand enough.

 

And some whinge even when they're on a good earner relative to others.  Maybe they think they deserve it because they're highly qualified but people who are not so qualified work just as hard for a lot less. 

Some people can't afford to strike for a better deal.  About time teachers quit whingeing.

 

rosiet2008:

Some people can't afford to strike for a better deal.  About time teachers quit whingeing.

 

you have no idea what you are talking about, my wife who you class as a whinging teacher is not being treated after yet again being assaulted in the class room, and you think teachers whinge, you make me sick, you have no idea of the risks teachers face from ill behaved youbs who nthanks to the nanny state get away with next to murder. you think its so cushy and easy, try it for yourself and when you end up in A&E after some little yob decides to assault you come back and talk some sense

May I remind you that this discussion isn't about health & safety, punishment or behaviour in the classroom - it is about teachers striking for more pay.  As they earn a good wage they have nothing to complain about - unless they think that better pay will somehow miraculously compensate for an unruly class? 

That is not strictly true though is it Rosie - this debate has to be about H&S as well as other issues.

It is all about Risk > Reward  - why do you think Policemen get better pay that Street Sweepers? or Firemen get more than Shop Assistants?

The more risk associated with your work the higher your salary, the more skill and knowledge required the more reward etc.......

Finally - it is the basic right of any employed person to withdraw their labour if they are being unfairly treated - surely you cannot argue with that? Just because you view thier salary as being high does not necessarily mean that it is in relation to other professions that require just as much study at University and commitment that bleeds into their personal life.