JUST SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT - American & European Teachers
Yesterday, during general conversation with David's teacher, I mentioned this thread. Mr. Holman is a rather sedate, thoughtful gentleman of few words, showed a fascination. I promised to send along the information to he, our superintendent, principals, special ed coordinator and school counselor.
My husband was a middle school special education teacher in Switzerland. Because teachers' service is highly regarded by Swiss citizens (educating the next generation) he was compensated $90,000 USD. In addition, his profession is regarded to the equivalent of a doctor, attorney, accountant, CEO, thus being addressed as "Mister" by parents/public alike. Why such a high salary and esteem? The country's board of education sets forth age appropriate, yet challenging goals/objective for students. Both parents and government are fully cognizant of the fact that teachers' day do not end with school dismissal. (An additional two/three hours of correcting student work and prep for the next day's lesson).
Sadly, American teachers face the same daily requirement, yet not recognized for extra time beyond school hours, OR compensated accordingly. In addition, our teachers are burdened with teaching unrealistic age-appropriate curriculum, handed down by State/Federal Dept of Education officials.
Exhaused parents/children haven't the energy to question nor require State/Federal officials. It's intelligent, thought provoked participants of this thread to begin a nation-wide dialogue with local, state and federal administrators of an "impossible dream" for our children. No, I don't advocate an extreme "lowering the bar" on our children.....just a common-sense expectation(s).
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Swiss teachers must handle disciplinary issues, without assistance of a school administration. If a student presents an extreme issue of defiance, the school board steps in and parents are fined for their lack of support. This is a rare occurrence.
Sadly, American teachers and school administrators' hands are "tied" by irresponsible parents, for whatever reason. There's no accountability imposed upon parents to ensure their child respect school authority.
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Interestingly, those Swiss individuals choosing this profession endure a grueling college curriculum, paid IN FULL by the Swiss government. Living expenses are the responsibility of students.
CONVERSELY, American college students bear the cost of their education, then required to repay student loans upon employment. Sadly, new teachers who've lived on a tight budget, must now begin a career with an added monetary burden.
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VACATION TIME:
Switzerland provides 8 full weeks of PAID vacation per year. Six weeks summer break, one week each for winter and spring.
America's teachers are provided significantly less vacation, yet unpaid. Sadly, in my opinion, American workers are generally provided 14 days paid vacation per year....yet there's a bit of resentment of teachers enjoying more time off.
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OKAY....down from my soap box! (Generally choose not engage)
Will you folks be kind enough to FORWARD THIS THREAD to local school teachers and administrators? By doing so, it'll provide a proverbial "covering their back" to begin a dialog with those handing down ridiculous scholastic requirements, with little regard to social AND physical/nutrition participation, which American so desperately need.
Thanks for listening!
Cindy Huber
