I find it very
interesting that the salary information for every school district employee was released in the same season as the blow to the School District and SRC from the PA Supreme Court; exactly one month to the day to a provocative deadline to receive money or else delay the opening of schools; in the same season when they are looking for concessions from the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers; and when public support for teachers and school employees is rising!
Is this the hope? That upon reviewing the salary data, that public opinion and support for its teachers would wane? That support for calls for salary cuts would increase? That teachers would feel so violated, they'd leave?
It is important to keep in mind, that these salaries are not the starting salaries of 22 year old young adults fresh out of college. For many, it took 10+ years to reach salaries that other professions easily pay fresh-out-of-college kids.
It is important to keep in mind, that these are teachers with families and high taxes.
It is important to keep in mind that these salaries have also been stagnant for two years, when every. thing. else. has. not. been. stagnant.
It is important to keep in mind, that these salaries, HARDLY represent our worth and work! We get one salary and perform the function of teacher, cop, social worker, advocate, counselor, psychologist, therapist, school supplier, chef, tutor, clothing supplier, interpreter, driver, parent, sometimes a babysitter, and other jobs to most if not each child in our care!
They want class sizes at 40+, when we see 33 already in elementary school or 150+ in high school! Cool! Give us the top paying salary of each of the professions mentioned, FOR EACH CHILD!
So, cool!!! They want to make salaries easily accessible to any Joe Shmoe, then PLEASE put it in the right perspective (as we check to see how much the politicians and executives at Comcast, Walmart, and other such entities make per year)!!
