Okay. Time to put our money where our mouth is. I live in Missouri and lately some superintendents have come under scrutiny for having such exorbitant salaries. At least 4 times what I made after 21 years of service. Granted, I do understand that I only had to take care of one classroom, and I didn't have to obtain a doctorate or specialist degree. Oh, and I didn't have to work 365 days of the year. I mean, I did get my summers off. So that is probably why some superintendents are paid so much. Right? I forgot to count my sick days. Yes, they were a part of my benefit package and health care. Dental insurance and eye care? Well... those weren't important for me, just a classroom teacher. I only needed healthcare and I was only charged a small amount of the cost which was deducted from each paycheck. So what if the deductible was almost as much as I made in a month. Who's counting? Did I receive compensation for my vehicle wear and tear? Nope. Not a dime. You see, where I choose to live is up to me. So compensation for vehicle maintenance wasn't part of my package. Funny thing... the BOE also forgot to include a stipend for a cost of living increase. I'm sure it was just an oversight. Extra vacation time. What are you talking about? Aren't paid holidays and an entire summer off enough??!! You know, by the time you figure in my over-time, summer classes, extra meetings, preparing my room for the first day of school, nights spent conferencing with parents (thanks for the pizza by the way), and arriving early for duty I'm sure those "one sick day a month" more than covered it. Who needs more time off? I'll just tell my family to put on their big boy pants and deal with it. Retirement? I'd like to one day. It has always been a dream of mine to one day not have to wake up to the annoying buzz of the alarm. But don't worry about providing any additional money added to my retirement fund. I'll make it. After all, I see all kinds of retired teachers getting jobs subbing or greeting customers at retail stores.
What? What did you say? You don't think I'm grateful for all of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Oh, you bet I am. They are the only reason that I stayed with you all these years. It certainly wasn't the incredible salaries or benefit packages. But you know what really ticks me off?? The huge, and I mean HUGE, discrepancy between salaries. Let's put things in perspective. The guy at the top of the food chain wouldn't have a job if it weren't for all the ones at the bottom supporting him. We all need each other. We all need to work together. But don't treat me like I should be grateful for your crumbs. Treat me like the professional that I am. Like I matter. Like I do make a difference. Treat me like my district matters. Like every one of us is important.
And, by the way.... all of you are important. Every day you make a difference in the lives of those who matter most... our kids.
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