Concern: On page 408, Guthrie mentions that "an individual teacher's possible personal preference for upward mobility is reinforced by the widespread school district practice of paying classroom teachers a higher annual salary if the accrue added credentials or certificate and college credits in addition to their bachelor's degree." Wichita Falls ISD has mentioned that teachers receiving extra monthly stipends for added credentials such as being ESL certified or holding a higher level of education certificate will notice a decrease in their stipend amount. This concern raises the level of importance for participating in higher education. Teachers who are qualified for more than just the general certification for education will not be receiving much additional benefits. This concern raises the question to whether or not higher education is worth obtaining if it is for the purpose of receiving more pay.
Question: Has the level of respect for higher education decreased because of the financial crisis we are facing? Or is having a higher level of education not encouraged for educational leaders of the future since this is an area receiving a pay deficit?
Concern: Page 399 mentions that "today's K-12 education organizations, districts, and schools are larger than ever before in history. There are 53 million school children, 90 percent of whom are enrolled in public schools." With this said, I am concerned with the fact that school are being closed due to funding. Where are these students supposed to go? And, how are they supposed to receive and adequate education?
Question: How are teachers supposed to provide the best quality education to classrooms high in student population when schools are not receiving adequate funds and professionals to help aid in the growth of student knowledge?
Elizabeth - I agree that the decrease in stipend will most likely hinder any teacher's desire for additional certification which will create additional responsibilities. But did you know that in the district where I taught, it was MANDATED that I have ESL certification and NO stipend was awarded. The district didn't even pay for my test, and I had to take it on a Saturday!
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Has the level of respect for higher education decreased because of the financial crisis we are facing? Or is having a higher level of education not encouraged for educational leaders of the future since this is an area receiving a pay deficit?
ReplyDeleteI don't think I would say that the level of respect for higher education has decreased; I believe it is just reality that we don't have as much money in the system as we did previously and hard priority decisions have to be made. Cuts are being made everywhere in order to keep the doors open and retain as many people as possible in their jobs. I've seen this happen before, and the pendulum will swing back. As money loosens up, money will be devoted to encourage what the district decides needs encouraging. Additional education and certifications will probably be added back to the list.
How are teachers supposed to provide the best quality education to classrooms high in student population when schools are not receiving adequate funds and professionals to help aid in the growth of student knowledge?
ReplyDeleteIt is obviously not going to be as easy to provide a high quality education as it was previously. Best case scenario would probably be a 1:1 ratio--and we have rarely seen that in public school. So we go to 1:15 or 1:20, and that is not as good. Now we are looking at 1:24 or possibly 1:25 in grades 1-4. That is less good. But reality is we have so much money and we divide it out as far as it will go. Teaching is going to become more difficult and children who struggle are going to struggle harder. Hopefully, principals will keep numbers low in classrooms with children who need more help. No body likes this at all, and we are all hoping the budget crunch will be short-term.