WHAT has the Alabama Education Association done to warrant these ATTACKS?

Teachers have done nothing to warrent these attacks! AEA is the ONLY "union" and I use that term loosely its not a union but an association in the state of alabama that they targeted. Every other union can have their dues payroll deducted. They are scared of the political power aea has. If it wasnt for aea teachers would be in worse shape than they are in now. This is unfair and I hope these officials get voted out! And while we are on the subject, we need some voting out on the local level too. People need to be very careful who they vote for as far as superintentent and board members. Lauderdale County has THE most political board and superintentent around. The REAL board meeting is the meeting before the meeting. It doesnt matter who is more qualified for a job, who the principal wants or whatever, its what the superintentent wants, who he is kin to or who he or a a board member owes a favor to. People need to stand up, stop believing everything they are told and research and find out the truth...Mr. Valentine was quoted as saying he was the lowest paid in the state...A LIE..look it up...there are 29 pd less than him and its based on how many schools you are over and students involved. So before you believe everything that is told to you by a politician, find out the truth yourself. Stand up for your family's interest and I dearly hope the education of your child is one of them. Teachers do not go into teaching for the money. Thats a joke. They go into teaching because the love they have for YOUR children. Back them up when they need you!

The real problem is that the AEA is a Union and we have a Republican led state now.
It is the stated agenda of the Republican party nation wide to bust the unions.
As we speak, (or write on this forum) , the governor and state congress in the state of Wisconsin has a union-busting bill . The people are rallieing in the streets and Democratic senators have left the state so that a quarm cannon exist for the vote. *BTW, where is the news paper or TV news not reporting on this, last report I heard was that there were 35999 citizens protesting in the streets of Madison, and our right-wing newspaper says not a word.
The gov of Ohio is waiting in the wings to do the same in Ohio, as he has stated, and even went so far as to show his distain for state workers by referring to a police officer as an idiot, 3 times in one meeting, for which he later apologized.
The gov of NJ is also waging war on Unions , as is the gov of Tn, and now it is apparently coming to Al.

You folks wanted Republican rule, well now you got it- in the words of John Bohener-"so be it".

Noted public union opponent stated:

To the National Federation of Federal Employees

"... Meticulous attention should be paid to the special relationships and obligations of public servants to the public itself and to the government. All Government employees should realize that the process of collective bargaining, as usually understood, cannot be transplanted into the public service. It has its distinct and insurmountable limitations ... The very nature and purposes of Government make it impossible for ... officials ... to bind the employer ... The employer is the whole people, who speak by means of laws enacted by their representatives ...

"Particularly, I want to emphasize my conviction that militant tactics have no place in the functions of any organization of government employees. Upon employees in the federal service rests the obligation to serve the whole people ... This obligation is paramount ... A strike of public employees manifests nothing less than an intent ... to prevent or obstruct ... Government ... Such action, looking toward the paralysis of Government ... is unthinkable and intolerable."

1937, noted union buster -- FDR

quote:

Originally posted by seeweed:
The real problem is that the AEA is a Union and we have a Republican led state now.
It is the stated agenda of the Republican party nation wide to bust the unions.
As we speak, (or write on this forum) , the governor and state congress in the state of Wisconsin has a union-busting bill . The people are rallieing in the streets and Democratic senators have left the state so that a quarm cannon exist for the vote. *BTW, where is the news paper or TV news not reporting on this, last report I heard was that there were 35999 citizens protesting in the streets of Madison, and our right-wing newspaper says not a word.
The gov of Ohio is waiting in the wings to do the same in Ohio, as he has stated, and even went so far as to show his distain for state workers by referring to a police officer as an idiot, 3 times in one meeting, for which he later apologized.
The gov of NJ is also waging war on Unions , as is the gov of Tn, and now it is apparently coming to Al.

You folks wanted Republican rule, well now you got it- in the words of John Bohener-"so be it".

Respectfully seeweed,
here is the problem with this argument. All of these Unions, particularly those with defined pension plans, which most of these state unions have, are not properly funded and driving the states to bankruptcy. In California we have state employees drawing 6 figure salaries, while the state coffers are running on empty. Alabama's is no different. In the Wisconsin fiasco, the governor when elected told the Union that they had a choice, they could either lose some of their benefits or lose some of the teachers. They chose to pay more for insurance and have to support some of their retirement, while there was no lose in the workforce. Now that those rules are in place, they are complaining and calling in sick. If the governor would pull a ATC-Reagan move, fire the teachers who are causing the work stoppage, and give those jobs to freshly graduated teachers, it would serve them right.
The problem in Alabama is that Paul Hubbert has kept his claws in the legislators for too long. He pushed his weight around, and told them what they could and could not do. There is no such thing as a free lunch, and now the rooster has come home. Many of these legislators are finding that they have plenty of people on their side who are tired of hearing the call for more taxes and more money for the AEA. The teachers are paid well when you consider the retirement plans and health insurance benfits which they have, as well as the work schedule. I am sure there are many who will happily take those jobs if they are willing to give them up.
I for one do not think that we should be paying someone in Montgomery to collect and then forward the dues collected for the AEA, or any other union. If we want fiscal responsibility from our government it should be fairly distributed and implemented.

quote:

Originally posted by teyates:

quote:

Originally posted by seeweed:
The real problem is that the AEA is a Union and we have a Republican led state now.
It is the stated agenda of the Republican party nation wide to bust the unions.
As we speak, (or write on this forum) , the governor and state congress in the state of Wisconsin has a union-busting bill . The people are rallieing in the streets and Democratic senators have left the state so that a quarm cannon exist for the vote. *BTW, where is the news paper or TV news not reporting on this, last report I heard was that there were 35999 citizens protesting in the streets of Madison, and our right-wing newspaper says not a word.
The gov of Ohio is waiting in the wings to do the same in Ohio, as he has stated, and even went so far as to show his distain for state workers by referring to a police officer as an idiot, 3 times in one meeting, for which he later apologized.
The gov of NJ is also waging war on Unions , as is the gov of Tn, and now it is apparently coming to Al.

You folks wanted Republican rule, well now you got it- in the words of John Bohener-"so be it".

Respectfully seeweed,
here is the problem with this argument. All of these Unions, particularly those with defined pension plans, which most of these state unions have, are not properly funded and driving the states to bankruptcy. In California we have state employees drawing 6 figure salaries, while the state coffers are running on empty. Alabama's is no different. In the Wisconsin fiasco, the governor when elected told the Union that they had a choice, they could either lose some of their benefits or lose some of the teachers. They chose to pay more for insurance and have to support some of their retirement, while there was no lose in the workforce. Now that those rules are in place, they are complaining and calling in sick. If the governor would pull a ATC-Reagan move, fire the teachers who are causing the work stoppage, and give those jobs to freshly graduated teachers, it would serve them right.
The problem in Alabama is that Paul Hubbert has kept his claws in the legislators for too long. He pushed his weight around, and told them what they could and could not do. There is no such thing as a free lunch, and now the rooster has come home. Many of these legislators are finding that they have plenty of people on their side who are tired of hearing the call for more taxes and more money for the AEA. The teachers are paid well when you consider the retirement plans and health insurance benfits which they have, as well as the work schedule. I am sure there are many who will happily take those jobs if they are willing to give them up.
I for one do not think that we should be paying someone in Montgomery to collect and then forward the dues collected for the AEA, or any other union. If we want fiscal responsibility from our government it should be fairly distributed and implemented.

Well said. The state or even a company that is dealing with a union is under no obligation to payroll deduct and forward dues. This is usually a part of the contract negotiation, and the union will bend a lot to get agreement to this provision.

First of all, AEA is the only "union" in the state of alabama being targeted. Every other union can have their dues payroll deducted. Secondly we are not considered a union but an association. WE the so called well paid teachers pay the dues for this. I challenge any of you that think teachers are paid well to come step in our shoes for one week. We work 187 days and are "laid off" the rest of the year, we do not get paid for the time we do not work. For a job that requires a degree we are at the bottom of the totem pole in pay. And as far as insurance and retirement? Thats a joke. Our insurance goes up every year without as much as a cost of living raise so we are making less every year. We use our OWN money to buy classroom supplies so that YOUR children can have a quality education. Yes our retirement has been good in the past. But if you look right now at the bills waiting to be passed, they want to take the one thing away from teachers that we use to look forward to. #1 want all teachers to work till they are 60 no matter how many years teaching they have in. #2 no more retirement-401k....and you ask why we need AEA fighting for our rights? Please get your facts straight before you go judging teachers. Teachers do NOT go into this profession for he money, thats a joke.They go into it for the kids.

quote:

Originally posted by bamagirl34:
First of all, AEA is the only "union" in the state of alabama being targeted. Every other union can have their dues payroll deducted. Secondly we are not considered a union but an association. WE the so called well paid teachers pay the dues for this. I challenge any of you that think teachers are paid well to come step in our shoes for one week. We work 187 days and are "laid off" the rest of the year, we do not get paid for the time we do not work. For a job that requires a degree we are at the bottom of the totem pole in pay. And as far as insurance and retirement? Thats a joke. Our insurance goes up every year without as much as a cost of living raise so we are making less every year. We use our OWN money to buy classroom supplies so that YOUR children can have a quality education. Yes our retirement has been good in the past. But if you look right now at the bills waiting to be passed, they want to take the one thing away from teachers that we use to look forward to. #1 want all teachers to work till they are 60 no matter how many years teaching they have in. #2 no more retirement-401k....and you ask why we need AEA fighting for our rights? Please get your facts straight before you go judging teachers. Teachers do NOT go into this profession for he money, thats a joke.They go into it for the kids.

I trust that you do not teach English. beterU, where are you? High school students are kept from graduating because of grammar and composition errors which you exhibit. Be careful when you ask for that raise! You are shooting yourself in the foot! (Edited for typo)

Teachers are lucky that their compensation isn't linked to the results they achieve.

Call it what you want but at the end of the day the AEA is a public employee union.

In 2010 the school employees had the first increase in their health insurance premiums in 27 YEARS. The premium for single coverage went from $2 to $15 per month. The cost of family coverage went from $132 to $162 per month.

According to the one of the local county boards website the basic starting salary for a teacher is $36,145 based on a 187 day contract.

When you discuss salary you can't ignore the value of your benefit package.
I would do handstands if I only had to pay $15/mo for single coverage health ins. instead of the $800+ I currently pay.

Sorry, I can't have much sympathy for the teachers. They are well compensated for their job and appear to have started to believe the propoganda put out by their own assoc./union.

AEA has been a power player in Montgomery for decades. It was on the losing side this past election cycle so it is paying the price. That is called politics. Paul Hubbert was never shy about rewarding friends and punishing enemies.

quote:

Originally posted by tigrtrek:
AEA has been a power player in Montgomery for decades. It was on the losing side this past election cycle so it is paying the price. That is called politics. Paul Hubbert was never shy about rewarding friends and punishing enemies.

Well said.

They would have totally lost out if Bryne had won the nomination and election, but in a politically astute move, advanced Bentley into the Governor's office, I suspect his empty head is still spinning.

They're down, but not nearly out, Bentley owes them big time.

quote:

Originally posted by Opie Cunningham:

quote:

Originally posted by tigrtrek:
AEA has been a power player in Montgomery for decades. It was on the losing side this past election cycle so it is paying the price. That is called politics. Paul Hubbert was never shy about rewarding friends and punishing enemies.

Well said.

They would have totally lost out if Bryne had won the nomination and election, but in a politically astute move, advanced Bentley into the Governor's office, I suspect his empty head is still spinning.

They're down, but not nearly out, Bentley owes them big time.

Pretty good for someone from Erie, Pa. Then again I read over there on the TNF where you and some chic that must be stuck in the 60's are ready to protest . Guess there check did not come in this month or something.

quote:

Originally posted by Opie Cunningham:
Teachers are lucky that their compensation isn't linked to the results they achieve.

Too bad students' grades are, often, not linked to their performance

"WHAT has the Alabama Education Association done to warrant these ATTACKS?" I seriously cannot believe anyone can ask this question and genuinely not already know the answer...wow! It seems all I am hearing lately is teachers complaining about their jobs. They know when they go into the profession how much they will make and the benefits associated with the career choice. It is truly comedic when claims are made about not being paid well, please don’t forget this is Alabama…if an individual is making $30,000 + (which teachers do, several I know make a quite bit more) they are making a decent living. I did state decent, not exceptional or great but good enough. Also, don’t forget to include the worth of the benefits. I am fully aware that there is not enough money for our schools right now. It is hard for everyone including the parents, as we are asked to donate a lot. I know not all contribute to the cause but many of us do. This war is waged on the AEA, not the teachers! I’m not sure if I were a teacher if I would be associated with such a “professional organization,” especially now that people are furious with them.
As far as the AEA is concerned, I hope they lose their political influence. They are/were basically machines controlling lawmakers. They deserve to be knocked off their pedestal. They are corrupt, sneaky, and underhanded, about the lowest of the low around here. It pretty much seems like the only people who “support” the AEA, to no surprise, are teachers. They may be looking out for your best interest, but it comes as a cost to the rest of us and that doesn’t work for me. The AEA and anyone connected to it whatsoever will get no sympathy from me. Judging from many comments I have read lately, many others share my view. I would love to hear more about the boe members mentioned earlier.

first of all, id really appreciate it if you would refrain from attacking teachers. Your so called no insurance cost raise in 27 years is not correct AT ALL.... get your facts straight.. and as far as comparing jobs with degrees here is the national average...
AT THE 50TH PERCENTILE WHICH MEANS AVERAGE NOT NEW YORK OR CALIFORNIA, IT INCLUDES ALL STATES AND AVERAGES IT OUT!


Country: United States
Median Salary by Degree/Major SubjectDegree/Major Subject National Salary Data (?XAll compensation data shown are the gross, national median (50th percentile). Pay can vary greatly by location. To view local data, take the PayScale survey.) $0 $30K $60K $90K
Bachelor of Arts (BA/AB) $56,880
Master of Business Administration (MBA) $83,600
Bachelor of Science (BS) $65,688 (1ST STEP REQUIRED TO BE A TEACHER)
Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc/SB), Accounting $58,070
Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc/SB), Computer Science (CS) $74,505
Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc/SB), Business Management $56,122
Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc/SB), Business Administration $55,362
Country: United States | Currency: USD | Updated: 14 Feb 2011 | Individuals Reporting: 101,743

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TEACHERS WITH A MASTERS DEGREE DO NOT MAKE THIS.. SO PLEASE STOP WITH HOW WONDERFUL TEACHERS HAVE IT...DONT JUDGE SOMEONE UNTIL YOU WALK A MILE IN OUR SHOES... MOST TEACHERS HAVE TO WORK A SECOND JOB JUST TO MAKE IT...

AND AS FAR AS TENOR LAWS YES THERE ARE SOME BAD TEACHERS BUT THERE ARE FAR MORE GREAT TEACHERS WHO GO THE EXTRA MILE FOR YOUR CHILDREN. THIS LAW PROTECTS THEM. LIKE I SAID IN LAUDERDALE COUNTY OUR BOARD MEMBERS AND SUPERINTENDENT ARE ELECTED NOT APPOINTED...VERY POLITICAL...TOO MANY TIMES THE JOBS ARE NOT GIVEN TO THE MOST QUALIFIED BUT WHOS NEICE JUST GRADUATED OR WHO OWES WHO A FAVOR..IT WOULD BE THE SAME WTH THE FIRING, THEY WOULD GET RID OF WHOEVER THEY WANTED TO PUT SOMEONE THEY OWED A FAVOR IN THAT POSITION.. YOU HAVE NO IDEA...

quote:

Originally posted by earthmomma:

quote:

Originally posted by bamagirl34:
First of all, AEA is the only "union" in the state of alabama being targeted. Every other union can have their dues payroll deducted. Secondly we are not considered a union but an association. WE the so called well paid teachers pay the dues for this. I challenge any of you that think teachers are paid well to come step in our shoes for one week. We work 187 days and are "laid off" the rest of the year, we do not get paid for the time we do not work. For a job that requires a degree we are at the bottom of the totem pole in pay. And as far as insurance and retirement? Thats a joke. Our insurance goes up every year without as much as a cost of living raise so we are making less every year. We use our OWN money to buy classroom supplies so that YOUR children can have a quality education. Yes our retirement has been good in the past. But if you look right now at the bills waiting to be passed, they want to take the one thing away from teachers that we use to look forward to. #1 want all teachers to work till they are 60 no matter how many years teaching they have in. #2 no more retirement-401k....and you ask why we need AEA fighting for our rights? Please get your facts straight before you go judging teachers. Teachers do NOT go into this profession for he money, thats a joke.They go into it for the kids.

I trust that you do not teach English. beterU, where are you? High school students are kept from graduating because of grammar and composition errors which you exhibit. Be careful when you ask for that raise! You are shooting yourself in the foot! (Edited for typo)

ITS CALLED TYPOS AND WHEN IM UPSET I TYPE FAST... SO SORRY FOR THESE MISTAKES...IM SURE YOU NEVER MAKE ANY..

The errors are not typos. They are subject/verb agreements, run together sentences, and homonym errors. As a retired teacher, I find it terribly hard to defend you. Again, I trust you do not teach English. I make lots of typos and edit every post. Sometimes I miss one. Your problems are in compostion, grammar, and semantics. I AM SORRY YOU HAVE TO WORK ONE SATURDAY TO FULFILL YOUR CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS!

I will add this to the talk about teachers salaries.
It is not just teachers, but people in the entire educational business.
About 26 years ago, I applied for a job at Memphis State Univ (now Univ of Memp) as director of a department. Although they did give credit for past jobs, they preferred someone with a PHD in that field.
And, for that, they would pay "up to $20,000 a year" which was less than half what I was currently making. ( I guess they know what their damm PHD was worth).
Point here is that the educational business (yes I said business) requires a lot of education, but in general does not pay very well.
The salary $36000 has been bantered around here like it is some kind of big money, but it most certainly is not.

quote:

Originally posted by seeweed:
I will add this to the talk about teachers salaries.
It is not just teachers, but people in the entire educational business.
About 26 years ago, I applied for a job at Memphis State Univ (now Univ of Memp) as director of a department. Although they did give credit for past jobs, they preferred someone with a PHD in that field.
And, for that, they would pay "up to $20,000 a year" which was less than half what I was currently making. ( I guess they know what their damm PHD was worth).
Point here is that the educational business (yes I said business) requires a lot of education, but in general does not pay very well.
The salary $36000 has been bantered around here like it is some kind of big money, but it most certainly is not.

Well said

As someone originally from Kentucky, wondering, can you tell me why the students in Alabama are "disoriented?"

And Bamagirl34, you do know median is not average, don't you?

Sheesh, these are your kids' teachers, folks!

quote:

Originally posted by seeweed:
The salary $36000 has been bantered around here like it is some kind of big money, but it most certainly is not.

I wouldn't say it was "bantered around here". I simply offered it as an example of what a local districts starting salary is for someone with no experience and meets the minimum educational requirement to be a teacher.

While I agree that it isn't big money it isn't bad for someone who meets the min. requirements with no experience. According to the US Census Bureau the 2008 median household income in Lauderdale County was $38,592

quote:

Your so called no insurance cost raise in 27 years is not correct AT ALL.... get your facts straight...

http://www.decaturdaily.com/st...nce-rates-rise,59594

http://blog.al.com/breaking/20...ion_employees_t.html

http://blog.al.com/times-views...olling_health_c.html

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/ar...00512/NEWS/100519965

It has become fashionable recently to slander the teaching profession....this is a SAD day! Actually, I am saddened our society has come to this. We have a crisis in our country and must blame someone other than ourselves. Surely the poor classroom performance by students has nothing to do with absent parents, many times both working in an attempt to feed their families. Certainly there is no link with the drug problem in the United States! And yes....the filth our children see on TV, at movie theaters etc.....We are all at fault, but do not wish to accept responsibility for our weaknesses. WE ALL need to do a better job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AND .....Thanks for your info bamagirl34!!!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Opie Cunningham:
Teachers are lucky that their compensation isn't linked to the results they achieve.

Got to agree to that one.

quote:

Originally posted by Wondering??:
It has become fashionable recently to slander the teaching profession....this is a SAD day! Actually, I am saddened our society has come to this. We have a crisis in our country and must blame someone other than ourselves. Surely the poor classroom performance by students has nothing to do with absent parents, many times both working in an attempt to feed their families. Certainly there is no link with the drug problem in the United States! And yes....the filth our children see on TV, at movie theaters etc.....We are all at fault, but do not wish to accept responsibility for our weaknesses. WE ALL need to do a better job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's appropriate to question the teaching profession when our youth graduate without core reading, writing and arithmetic skills.

It's predictable to watch teachers blame parents.

Whatever is being taught in the schools of education isn't working. Yet the sense of entitlement among "educators" is stronger than ever.

Weird, ain't it?

quote:

Originally posted by Wondering??:
It has become fashionable recently to slander the teaching profession....this is a SAD day! Actually, I am saddened our society has come to this. We have a crisis in our country and must blame someone other than ourselves. Surely the poor classroom performance by students has nothing to do with absent parents, many times both working in an attempt to feed their families. Certainly there is no link with the drug problem in the United States! And yes....the filth our children see on TV, at movie theaters etc.....We are all at fault, but do not wish to accept responsibility for our weaknesses. WE ALL need to do a better job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Locally, I think the attack is more directed towards the AEA, specifically Paul Hubbert as opposed to the entire teaching profession. My children have had some wonderful teachers. They have most definitely had more good ones than bad ones as well as a few exceptional educators. However, many including myself oppose the power to control policymaking that the AEA has possessed for many years. It is unfortunate if teachers have to pay for Mr. Hubbert's mistakes. I do acknowledge greater efforts on the parents end are required in many situations. I am willing to help and do when given the chance. What do you do when the school will not allow you to help? What about when teachers call and leave voicemails cancelling meetings because they do not feel it is necessary, how can we be involved then? What about when you inquire about meetings, certain events or contests at the school and the person in charge of that withholds this information from all but a few? What are we to do?

quote:

What about when you inquire about meetings, certain events or contests at the school and the person in charge of that withholds this information from all but a few? What are we to do?

How can this happen? Please be more specific.

quote:

Teachers are lucky that their compensation isn't linked to the results they achieve.

An fallacious statement if ever I have seen one. You insult the integrity of every highly motivated, sincerely obligated teacher that I have known in my 32 years of education. I resent the arrogant stupidity of your statement. I will not read this and sit idly by. Teaching is war, every day, every hour. You have no idea.....

quote:

Originally posted by mamyliga:

quote:

Teachers are lucky that their compensation isn't linked to the results they achieve.

An fallacious statement if ever I have seen one. You insult the integrity of every highly motivated, sincerely obligated teacher that I have known in my 32 years of education. I resent the arrogant stupidity of your statement. I will not read this and sit idly by. Teaching is war, every day, every hour. You have no idea.....

Sounds like you're losing.

quote:

Originally posted by Melvince:
"WHAT has the Alabama Education Association done to warrant these ATTACKS?" I seriously cannot believe anyone can ask this question and genuinely not already know the answer...wow! It seems all I am hearing lately is teachers complaining about their jobs. They know when they go into the profession how much they will make and the benefits associated with the career choice. It is truly comedic when claims are made about not being paid well, please don’t forget this is Alabama…if an individual is making $30,000 + (which teachers do, several I know make a quite bit more) they are making a decent living. I did state decent, not exceptional or great but good enough. Also, don’t forget to include the worth of the benefits. I am fully aware that there is not enough money for our schools right now. It is hard for everyone including the parents, as we are asked to donate a lot. I know not all contribute to the cause but many of us do. This war is waged on the AEA, not the teachers! I’m not sure if I were a teacher if I would be associated with such a “professional organization,” especially now that people are furious with them.
As far as the AEA is concerned, I hope they lose their political influence. They are/were basically machines controlling lawmakers. They deserve to be knocked off their pedestal. They are corrupt, sneaky, and underhanded, about the lowest of the low around here. It pretty much seems like the only people who “support” the AEA, to no surprise, are teachers. They may be looking out for your best interest, but it comes as a cost to the rest of us and that doesn’t work for me. The AEA and anyone connected to it whatsoever will get no sympathy from me. Judging from many comments I have read lately, many others share my view. I would love to hear more about the boe members mentioned earlier.

So, what makes you so jealous of teacher salaries? Do you have a low paying job? Perhaps, because of a poor education.

quote:

Originally posted by Opie Cunningham:

quote:

Originally posted by mamyliga:

quote:

Teachers are lucky that their compensation isn't linked to the results they achieve.

An fallacious statement if ever I have seen one. You insult the integrity of every highly motivated, sincerely obligated teacher that I have known in my 32 years of education. I resent the arrogant stupidity of your statement. I will not read this and sit idly by. Teaching is war, every day, every hour. You have no idea.....

Sounds like you're losing.

Opie needs to hurry back to Mayberry. I believe that a village is missing its idiot.

Alabama must be doing a good job in the schools. It has 2 top rated football teams in the entire nation. Isn't football what's really important ? Who really cares about the other stuff ? Not the parents- they ask the schools NOT to show a TV feed of the President telling (in their words "brainwashing") their kids to stay in school and apply themselves.
Seems to me the people of Alabama want their kids to grow up as dumb as they are.

quote:

Originally posted by JimiHendrix:

quote:

Originally posted by Melvince:
"WHAT has the Alabama Education Association done to warrant these ATTACKS?" I seriously cannot believe anyone can ask this question and genuinely not already know the answer...wow! It seems all I am hearing lately is teachers complaining about their jobs. They know when they go into the profession how much they will make and the benefits associated with the career choice. It is truly comedic when claims are made about not being paid well, please don’t forget this is Alabama…if an individual is making $30,000 + (which teachers do, several I know make a quite bit more) they are making a decent living. I did state decent, not exceptional or great but good enough. Also, don’t forget to include the worth of the benefits. I am fully aware that there is not enough money for our schools right now. It is hard for everyone including the parents, as we are asked to donate a lot. I know not all contribute to the cause but many of us do. This war is waged on the AEA, not the teachers! I’m not sure if I were a teacher if I would be associated with such a “professional organization,” especially now that people are furious with them.
As far as the AEA is concerned, I hope they lose their political influence. They are/were basically machines controlling lawmakers. They deserve to be knocked off their pedestal. They are corrupt, sneaky, and underhanded, about the lowest of the low around here. It pretty much seems like the only people who “support” the AEA, to no surprise, are teachers. They may be looking out for your best interest, but it comes as a cost to the rest of us and that doesn’t work for me. The AEA and anyone connected to it whatsoever will get no sympathy from me. Judging from many comments I have read lately, many others share my view. I would love to hear more about the boe members mentioned earlier.

So, what makes you so jealous of teacher salaries? Do you have a low paying job? Perhaps, because of a poor education.

Oh wise one, I aspire to be as accurate as you are at analyzing individuals. How on earth do you do it? Really, was that reply your best shot at me? If so, I think your education is questionable. Also, it seems like you did not read my initial post very well, because if you did you would have noticed that I used words like “well” and “decent” to describe a teacher’s salary. If you really want to do this with me then at least put forth the effort or else you just look a bit pathetic and make for an easy target. Please come equipped for the next round!I will get back with you in a day or two as I currently have a busy schedule.

As long as the Alabama population remains uneducated, they might keep voting for the same politicians who keep them at the bottom of the education barrel. Sometimes Mississippi beats us to the bottom and Arizona did last year, but it doesn't happen very often. Gives you something to be proud of.

quote:

Originally posted by Wondering??:
The continued attacks by politicians and GOVernment are chaffing many of us!!! We have worked many long hours as well as had numerous sleepless nights in an attempt to reach many of our disoriented young people. When did people in Montgomery, the majority of whom has not spent ONE day inside a classroom, become authorities on what is best for our young people in Alabama? IT is all about control and power! If we stick our heads in the sand...I am certain the decisions they will make will not eliminate or even reduce our societal crumbling....for which teachers and support personnel are taking the fall!! GET UP AND SHOUT ABOUT IT!!!!!!

No dis-respect intended, I think 95% of the teachers are great, unfortunately 5% are not. Unless you are caught having sex with a student, you are pretty much safe in keeping your job.

I'll revise the original question, when did Paul Hubbert become an authority on what is best for our young people of Alabama?

Paul Hubbert has controled the puppet strings of the Alabama Legislature for too long. When there is a system in place to reward good teachers and get rid of bad ones, I would be happy. When a boilerplate system protects them all, it is not a good system.

I'm sure I'll be berated for this stance by some, which is your right, but while you are at it, let's hear your solution.

quote:

Originally posted by JimiHendrix:
As long as the Alabama population remains uneducated, they might keep voting for the same politicians who keep them at the bottom of the education barrel. Sometimes Mississippi beats us to the bottom and Arizona did last year, but it doesn't happen very often. Gives you something to be proud of.

Amen

quote:

Originally posted by seeweed:
Alabama must be doing a good job in the schools. It has 2 top rated football teams in the entire nation. Isn't football what's really important ? Who really cares about the other stuff ? Not the parents- they ask the schools NOT to show a TV feed of the President telling (in their words "brainwashing") their kids to stay in school and apply themselves.
Seems to me the people of Alabama want their kids to grow up as dumb as they are.

I love sports as much as the next guy, but I agree. Too much emphasis is placed on winning at athletics. Not enough is placed on academic pursuits. Good post, Weed!