UPDATED 7/24: Will Georgia teachers get furloughed?
UPDATE: Cobb County is making other cuts to avoid furloughing teachers. Other systems — including Gwinnett, Forsyth and Henry — already announced furlough dates.
UPDATE: The State Board of Education is scheduled to meet this coming Tuesday to clear any obstacles preventing school districts from furloughing teachers and other school employees. The board is expected to vote on waivers to change the number of days Georgia requires school employees to work
Gov. Sonny Perdue announced Tuesday (July 22) a plan to fill a $900 million hole in the budget. The plans includes all public school teachers taking three furlough days by the end of the calendar year.
Technically Perdue can’t order teachers to take furloughs because they hold contracts with individual school districts, not the state. It’s up to local superintendents and school boards to decide what to do.
Basically the state will cut the amount of funding school districts get to subtract three furlough days. School systems could furlough teachers or find other ways to make the cuts.
Cherokee County schools Superintendent Frank Petruzielo said the system’s teachers will be furloughed Monday and Tuesday when they were scheduled to plan for the upcoming school year. The third furlough day will come in November.
Others are following Cherokee’s lead. Henry County announced this afternoon the furlough days for teachers: July 27, July 28 and Nov. 3.
Just got Gwinnett’s dates for teachers: Aug. 3-4 and Oct. 9
Many districts have already cut to the breaking point. Let’s not forget these furloughs come on top of a 3 percent cut in school funding and years of austerity cuts.
Should school leaders decide to furlough they will likely target days students were already scheduled to stay home. That means teachers will be saying good-bye to planning days. Some systems may eliminate parent-teacher conference days as well.
I wonder how much work teachers would still have to do while furloughed.
After all, lessons must get planned, tests and papers must get graded and parents still expect responses to their phone calls and e-mails. Many teachers who do their jobs well already put in hours beyond the regular school day.
Do you think teachers should face furlough? If not, where else can schools cut?
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575 comments Add your comment
what would jim d do?
July 22nd, 2009
8:37 am
I don’t like it but thats beside the point. Everyone is hurting and cuts have to be made. We are spending ourselves into bankruptcy people.
watch and see
July 22nd, 2009
8:43 am
To tell you the truth, I’m surprised GA didn’t come up with this a long time ago. Up until this year Cobb teachers were contracted for 191 days. The state requires 190. Not that I want to see my paycheck decrease, but I am more than happy to stay home on teacher work days. They are a complete waste of time. My old district in the northeast contracts their teachers to 185 days. There is no post-planning. The last day of school for kids is the last day of school for teachers. And to those who wonder how they close up and finish their paper work. Trust me! It’s done!
But the truth is I imagine morale will be at an all-time low this year, which is unfortunate.
Whatever
July 22nd, 2009
8:58 am
“Work” days are a waste of time. Do I want less money? NO. But to me time is pretty valuuable, so I’m ok with this idea.
teacher and single mother
July 22nd, 2009
9:03 am
I hope our furloughed days will be spread out in different months of the year as if these are taken during a one month period, then my paycheck is changed quite a bit.
Class of 74
July 22nd, 2009
9:03 am
A few furlough days won’t kill us. Teachers are very resourceful, and everything that needs to be done will get done. With all the economic uncertainty, I am very thankful for my job.
Joy In Teaching
July 22nd, 2009
9:09 am
If being forced to take a furlough means that another teacher gets to keep their job, then I will suck it up and deal with it. I knew going into this line of work that I would never be wealthy. I’ll just eat more dried beans, NOT buy pen and paper for my students, and I’ll be fine.
They probably will take place during teacher “work days.” Although, to be honest, I’ve never been able to accomplish much actual work or planning during those days as they are filled up with useless meetings. Does this mean that all of those meetings will take place after school instead? Figues.
ScienceTeacher671
July 22nd, 2009
9:11 am
In our district, we don’t get to work on “work days” anyway; we have to go to meetings and in-service training. (Cutting out the training sessions and the associated brought-in-from-somewhere-else trainers would save some money.)
Furloughing teachers during preplanning, as some districts have announced they will do, is just wrong, and will have a detrimental effect on teaching in those districts.
marshlady
July 22nd, 2009
9:11 am
I understand the problem, however I’m trying to decide what bills we won’t have the money to pay since my spouse and I both are teachers. In addition this is probably only the beginning.
Single mom
July 22nd, 2009
9:16 am
First of all, they are not giving us a cost of living raise for the next two years, but are raising our insurance rates, making our check less, which I have accepted. Now they want to take two days off my paycheck for the month of August? I am a single mother barely getting by as it is and taking two days at once puts me under with my bills. Don’t get me wrong, I am very thankful for my job and glad this is all that has happened to me but when will they stop making education suffer so the higher ups can still keep their salaries?
I teach
July 22nd, 2009
9:17 am
School districts in the Northest and elsewhere contract their teachers for 185 days or less. I’m surprised GA didn’t catch on to this idea long ago.
Lindsey
July 22nd, 2009
9:19 am
Sonny Perdue should be ashamed of himself. Does he know how much a teacher makes, especially a new one?
Work days are not a waste of time. I get loads done on those days because I don’t have 5 year olds creeping over everything.
I already go in a week early(with no pay), what more do they want??
Single mom
July 22nd, 2009
9:25 am
Of course…. let’s not forget they upped the amount we have to pay into our retirement accounts. This already has taken money out of my check. I am looking at $150 less/ month, at least on my check already.
Henry County Teacher
July 22nd, 2009
9:26 am
I am thankful to have a job that pays bills, provides insurance, and offers retirement, but I just spent $15,000 to get a Specialist’s Degree so I would get a decent raise. Now the county is cutting my raise for the advanced degree by $2,000, not giving me a regular raise for two years, raising my insurance, and requiring me to contribute more to my retirement because the account has lost money. Now, they want me to give up approximately another $900 for furlough days. Don’t they realize that if teachers are unhappy, overworked, and underpaid, the children (who are everyone’s future) will suffer too?
Claire
July 22nd, 2009
9:28 am
Cherokee needs to follow Murray County’s lead and make cuts in places other than teacher’s salaries. They have added one hour to each school day for the 09/10 school year, allowing them to start back to school after Labor Day and saving over $70,000 in bus fuel costs alone. Imagine how much would be saved in Cherokee in fuel, not to mention utilities for not opening all the schools in the county until later in the summer. The amount saved could possibly eliminate the furlough need. Why isn’t this same plan being implemented in Cherokee County?
jim d
July 22nd, 2009
9:35 am
Teachers get what they deserve from their employer in the way of working conditions.
HMMM–now where have i heard that befor??
inBallGround
July 22nd, 2009
9:46 am
Glad, I’m working. From reading this, I havent seen a cost of living increase since I moved to GA 12 yrs ago and that’s business. I have only 3 weeks vacation, and these educators have how many days off all year ?
Norma Rae
July 22nd, 2009
9:47 am
If they our furlough days are those ridiculous Staff Dev. days where we listen to speakers and attend useless workshops, then I’m all for giving those up. They were a a waste of time. I’m sure that if all those top heavy jobs in the central office, all those area coordinators and assistants to the assistant superintendents, etc. were eliminated, then teachers wouldn’t always have to take the hit. Many of us have already lost a percentage of our pay, no step raise, National Board money cut. What next?
al cason
July 22nd, 2009
9:47 am
FAIRNESS FOR ALL: i believe that if a one state employee has to take a furlough then all state employees should (including teachers/govenors
/legislators/hospitals/etc)–everyone should take them–already too much has been placed on a limited number of state employees taking furloughs while others haven’t had to take furloughs. That would lessen the pain on solving this problem and would be much better than laying people off. Also parents that don’t own property with children in school should pay stipends or some form of tax to take the burden off of property owners and help prevent furloughs. Again it is not fair for a taxpayer with no children to pay all of the education expenses of a non-taxpayer with 3 children in school (what a deal that is).
Single mom
July 22nd, 2009
9:51 am
We do not get days off in a year. Most of us are working two jobs to make ends meet and if we are not doing that we are spending our personal money, spending weekends, nights, and our paid holidays preparing for your children. If you know of a teacher that doesn’t do those things, then they will not last long in the profession. I don’t teach for the money, but because I love what I do.
ScienceTeacher671
July 22nd, 2009
9:55 am
inBallGround, if it’s time off you want, become a teacher. Georgia makes it easy to change careers.
ScienceTeacher671
July 22nd, 2009
9:57 am
Mornin’, jim d! If it bothers me too much, I’ll go back to the private sector…because I can.
Or maybe I can’t — are there any jobs left there, or have we outsourced them all?
jim d
July 22nd, 2009
10:00 am
I gotta ask but
one question. Have teachers in this state really been beaten down so badly that they will take another licking and keep on ticking or will they raise up??
Melinda from Forsyth County
July 22nd, 2009
10:03 am
Even if I am unhappy, overworked, and underpaid, my students WILL NOT SUFFER from it! I hope I have a better character than to blame my kids for something they have no control over. I look at my brother who was building $800,000 homes for people and who is now operating a hot dog stand and is doing it with enthusiasm and flair… He is making the most of a bad economy, as should we all. We are lucky to have jobs we love. And as Linus once stated in shock, “Are you suggesting that Miss Othmar would actually ACCEPT MONEY for teaching?????” To that student, teaching was a noble profession and a calling. I feel that way, too. Let’s all pull together to help each other and accept solutions that may provide more employment for others!
jim d
July 22nd, 2009
10:04 am
never mind–my bad–forgot who we were talking about here
fairness for all
July 22nd, 2009
10:06 am
***
Allen
July 22nd, 2009
10:08 am
So has Sonny “furloughed’ his fishing hole the state is funding yet?
Joy In Teaching
July 22nd, 2009
10:08 am
What I do want to know is…are they going to redo our contracts? How does that work, exactly?
Jennifer
July 22nd, 2009
10:10 am
Yes teachers have substantial vacation time, but what many do not realize, teaching does not stop when we walk out the door. We have to complete lesson plans, grade papers, make out tests, etc. These days many school districts are “utilizing” teachers during their planning periods to watch other classes so the system will not have to pay for a substitute. Teachers can have at least one, if not more, planning periods taken from them during a week. I am thankful to have a job and if I have to furlough, I will…but I am very tired of the attitude that teachers have it easy….the planning days seem to be more important at the beginning of the school year than at the end of the school year…I have an idea, why don’t school system cut some of these inflated supplements the coaches receive…they should not cut sports, just the outrageous supplements…how can a coach receive a $10,000 extra supplement to his/her salary? Half of that supplement amount could buy new books so students would have a book to carry home rather than having to use a class set…I apologize for my soapbox, but I’m tired of people saying teachers have it easy.
jim d
July 22nd, 2009
10:12 am
melinda,
no pain no gain
jim d
July 22nd, 2009
10:17 am
yes indeed, Georgia teachers are about to F’d
what would jim d do?
July 22nd, 2009
10:17 am
“Have teachers in this state really been beaten down so badly that they will take another licking and keep on ticking or will they raise up??”
Fair question jim d. Heres my status:
Yearly Salary: 50K
Part Time: 15K
Military Retirement: 25K
Can’t speak for other teachers but theres no beat down going on here. Its known as PLANNING.
Ga Master Teacher
July 22nd, 2009
10:20 am
As a veteran teacher in the state of Georgia, I have always felt supported and appreciated. I understand these are tough economic times and that accommodations need to be made. My district has already built in two furlough days if needed into our contracts and I feel they will be implementing this. I am fine with this. However, taking these two days at the beginning of August will be extremely detrimental. Teachers need this time to prepare for the new year. It takes much longer than 5 days to get ready to teach a whole new bunch of kids, prepare a welcoming and inviting classroom and meet parents, not to mention deal with the tremendous amount of paperwork that has to be done. Plus, cutting two days in one month will be very difficult for some, if not most, teachers. If the three days are spread out throughout the year, that is a much more acceptable option and one I am okay with taking.
InBallGround, and all others who think teachers have it so easy with summers off, let me just tell you that you have no idea what you are talking about. I go in to work at least an hour before I am supposed to be there so that I can prepare for the day. I also stay at least an hour after I am supposed to in the afternoon. I grade papers and work on lessons and contacting parents well into the late hours of the evening. I spend Christmas “vacation” working on more projects and stimulating activities for the second semester. I spend spring break working on end of the year plans and contacting parents. A good deal of my weekends are spent repeating all the actions listed above because there is not enough time in the regular school day to possible get all of this done. The summers are spent working a second job, because they don’t pay us enough as it is, and going to trainings so that I will be up to date on the latest trends in education so that I can provide the best learning environment possible for the children I serve. Did I mention I have a three year old and an infant? So, all this “extra” time you seem to think teachers have is really time we’re spending working without pay so that your child will have a better future, and this unfortunately comes at the expense of time with our own children.
Melinda from Forsyth County
July 22nd, 2009
10:22 am
Right. Challenges such as these show what one is made of. I am not going to gripe about others and situations that I perceive as unfair. I have never been a coach… don’t want to be! Look at all they have to deal with and all the extra-curricular time. Not just coaches… but other areas too. I haven’t walked in their shoes so I can’t criticize. Challenges and adversity can build or deplete character. Come on, teachers! Let’s show everyone what we are made of!
consider your luck
July 22nd, 2009
10:25 am
This is a really bad economy. Consider yourselves lucky to only have to give up a few days pay. I am suffering a job loss (heavy construction manager with a college degree) that has placed us with no income and no health insurance for 10 months and not much hope for the future. It is difficult to change professions, since other professions are also hit by the recession and you have to compete with experienced people for those jobs. Hadn’t thought of a hotdog stand. That could be a good idea.
We would jump at the chance to have a job with benefits even if it means giving up a few days pay here and there!
jim d
July 22nd, 2009
10:31 am
here’s a thought– why not get rid of 3-4 asst. principals in every school—have only one disciplinary person–set thermostats up a couple of degrees, reduce outdoor lighting at night, reduce maint. staff, and a ton could be saved by reducing allowable personal and sick days for teachers and staff>
don’t take teachers work time–take their off time that they get paid for.
teacher in Gwinnett
July 22nd, 2009
10:34 am
To: jim d and in Ballground.
I don’t really understand why the two of you seem to be so insensitive to what is happening to teachers. I previously had a job in midtown where I made a great salary. However, I felt compelled to teach and work to fix the problems in public education that we face in this country. You, as US citizens, should be concerned about the fact that the schools are continuing to be cut. Do you not realize what it’s like to teach in a public school? I teach in a wonderful school; however, I have never worked harder in my entire life than when I became a teacher. I used to have a 3-week vacation, too, but when I left at 5:30, I didn’t think about work until the next morning. I definitely didn’t do the firm’s work at home EVERY weekend. Additionally, yes, we are finishing our summer break, but even though this is far from my first year, I still spent the majority of it planning for the next year and teaching summer school. What you don’t realize is that in high school, teacher’s classes are constantly changed. In elementary school, requirements change, textbooks change, etc. Your work is never done. I love being a teacher, but it takes more than the teachers in the state of Georgia being outraged at what is happening in the state before anything will happen. The citizens have to stop being so cynical about teachers and demand with us – not insult us or make fun of us. WE are more responsible than you for the future of YOUR children. Please keep that in mind in the future.
DeKalb Conservative
July 22nd, 2009
10:36 am
I’m really impressed by the postings here. I moved from MA a few years ago and I can assure you if this was proposed there you would find teacher’s union picket lines.
what would jim d do?
July 22nd, 2009
10:36 am
“don’t take teachers work time–take their off time that they get paid for.”
And what time would that be pray tell? I assume you know how a teachers salary is disbursed. Quit trying to be cute. You are coming across as a troll. An ignorant one at that.
$10,000 Supplement???
July 22nd, 2009
10:37 am
Jennifer,
Let’s not throw other teachers under the bus in a situation like this. Most coaches make between $500 and $3000 each year for the extra 30 to 50 hours each week that we put in shaping these student-atheletes as better people… It is not all about winning games. I am also a high school math teacher so don’t take the “PE teachers have it easy” route either.
jim d
July 22nd, 2009
10:42 am
Dear Teach in Gwinnett,
unfortunately some my insensitivity rubbed off of your boss (not exactly a warm and fuzzy personality).
Try setting through years worth of board meetings watching this man at work. Then listen to teachers complaining for 13 years, doing nothing to improve their own position, and you’ll understand why I’m a little cynical.
Doni
July 22nd, 2009
10:51 am
For those who think we are PAID when we have off time – no we are not. We are paid for 190 days work. That pay is then divided over 12 months. So, yes, we draw a pay check during our school vacations, but we are not paid for those days. For a new teacher in Georgia, their first year’s salaray is divided over 13 months, so they will receive a paycheck the first month they teach and not have to wait until September 30 to get paid.
Joe Paul
July 22nd, 2009
10:52 am
Teachers already get blamed for everything that is “wrong” with our schools, so now we get slapped again. Why don’t we let politicians work for free…that will fix the entire problem of money right there. Oh, and I don’t know any other line of work that allows people to say one thing and do another and still keep their jobs anyway. If politicians worked for free we would only get those who really cared about the people…enough to do it because it was simply the right thing to do. You know, like teachers, who work for a fraction of what others with the same level of education get paid. Come on S.P., you can do better than this.
Laura from Forsyth
July 22nd, 2009
10:53 am
I am thankful to have a job! I never thought I would make a fortune teaching and I love what I do. If 3 days helps out, I’m in!
Kathie
July 22nd, 2009
10:55 am
I don’t know about the rest of you, but after not receiving any pay increase coming close to the rise in cost of living for the last couple of years a 1%+ paycut will pose a major problem for me.
Susan
July 22nd, 2009
11:00 am
Teachers make do with less and figure out a way ALWAYS, because we can’t let our students pay the price for bad decisions made on our behalf. Cutbacks can be made in areas that wouldn’t affect the teachers or the students. Is anyone talking about furloughing admnistrators and county office personnel? How about not replacing textbooks that are meeting our curriculum needs? In the 12 years that I’ve been teaching, we’ve replaced our math and reading texts three times….a wasteful practice. Material in these subjects has not changed. Perhaps the time has come to ask our teachers what they recommend….they are an intelligent group and can offer intelligent solutions. In addition, we try to do what’s in everyone’s best interest, with the students our #1 priority. Expecting teachers to take another cut is not the solution!
teacher in Gwinnett
July 22nd, 2009
11:00 am
To: all of the teachers who think it’s fine to be furloughed as long as you have a job.
I understand your feelings, but that is such a passive attitude! I can’t believe no one realizes that it’s a slippery-slope. If we’re okay with that and no one complains – what will happen next? I do agree with jim d in that we can’t just roll over and allow this. What other wasteful things are happening that could’ve been cut to keep this from happening?? My school just recarpeted the ENTIRE building. The carpet in my class was perfectly fine! I’m sure there are tons of other government things that could’ve been cut. I know that no one will say anything ever – because we are afraid of not having a job, but there has to be something that can be done. Where are the unions??
To jim d
July 22nd, 2009
11:01 am
You know that we only get paid for the days we work, therefore, I’m ok with your plan of only taking pay for the days we don’t work – that means we pay nothing! Yeah, jim d for gub’ner!
what would jim d do?
July 22nd, 2009
11:03 am
You do know the difference between salaried and hourly employees and how they are paid don’t you?
The Reality of Being A Teacher
July 22nd, 2009
11:04 am
Many people don’t realize that yes, teachers do get more vacation time than those who work in other professions, but our paycheck is actually based on the 190 days we work and is divided into 12 months so that we do not have to go 2 months without a paycheck when school is not in session. It is also important to consider all of the extra time that teachers put into planning lessons, contacting parents, staying after school for meetings, trainings, conferences, etc., and we are not compensated for this extra work and these extra hours. In another job it would be considered overtime and the employee would likely be paid time and a half. It is true, teaching is not a career that you enter with the expectation of becoming rich, and most do it for the love of it, but realistically we have to support our families as well. It is also important to consider the money that teachers take out of their own pocket to provide students with supplies in their classrooms. Many do not realize that the state does not stock a teacher’s classroom with everyday supplies. I have spent upwards of $300 to begin the year and I often spend more throughout the school year on materials I need for lessons. This all comes out of my pocket because I do care about making education fun, interesting, and I put my students first. I would like to know how many others who do not actually own their own business put that kind of money into their job every 9 months. While the extra work, expenses, and hours given to the school without compensation come with the profession, these realities should be considered when discussing furloughs. As someone mentioned above, workdays are now consumed with meetings and trainings, offering little time to actually work in our classrooms. These meetings and trainings will still have to occur, so we will surely be expected to stay after our normal working hours for more afternoons to take care of those meetings and trainings, therefore not really having any time from work subtracted at all, yet the pay will be. The point is, teachers, like others in service professions, are not compensated enough as it is, and taking more from them does give a blow to morale for some. Thank goodness teachers do love their jobs and choose this job for the love of it rather than the monetary benefits because if they didn’t, actions like these from our government would surely drive wonderful teachers who are shaping the future of our country from the profession.
Anne
July 22nd, 2009
11:04 am
My system is not only cutting teacher days. They are cutting all certified personnel the additional days. I now face 8 furlough days but am expected to fulfill all my job responsibilities which have multiplied exponentially with all the NCLB mandates and monitoring activities.
jim d
July 22nd, 2009
11:05 am
what would jim d do?,
ok–so do teachers have paid sick days? do they have any personal days they are paid for?
All i’m saying is teachers wouldn’t complain nearly as badly for losing 1 sick day as they will for losing planning time. And while on this subject, I’m curious if anyone has the stats on maternity leave? might it save money by reducing that leave a little?
RCD
July 22nd, 2009
11:06 am
I vote for all the lawmakers in the state of GA to take a pay cut. There has to be another way to solve the budget issues other than reducing education more. Education is the most important to any state. There is an election next year for governer – it is important that we make the right choice so that we can dig ourselves out of this hole that we find ourselves. The elected officials both statewide and in Atlanta have done a horrible spending the taxpayers money. Horrible! It is time that we hold these officials accountable. Does anyone know if lawmakers have taken a deep paycut? The rest of us have.
teacher in Gwinnett
July 22nd, 2009
11:10 am
Watch out jim d… You think maternity leave should be cut, too? You realize its only like 6 weeks… Do you have children? Did you give birth to them? Do you think they should go from the delivery room to the day care so that mommy can jump off of the table and right back into the classroom? That’s a great plan and there’s NO way that teacher morale is going to be damaged with that one…
jim d
July 22nd, 2009
11:12 am
RCD,
“Lawmakers wouldnt lose if they took a cut–they’d simply take more graft,” he said with a cynical smile
Doni
July 22nd, 2009
11:13 am
Just found out that I am furloughed Monday and Tuesday.
what would jim d do?
July 22nd, 2009
11:14 am
“ok–so do teachers have paid sick days?”
Yes we have sick days that accumulate like ALL state employees
“do they have any personal days they are paid for?”
In my district we get 3 per year, they don’t accumulate. Btw I’ve never taken mine.
“I’m curious if anyone has the stats on maternity leave?”
Maternity/paternity leave is a federal benefit. You have a computer, look it up.
jim d
July 22nd, 2009
11:16 am
TIG,
simply axin the question. cause i know of several male teachers that took maternity leave along with their lovely brides. Personally i think that may be a bit over the top–give mom an extra week or two but lets look at maternity (family) leaves for dad so he can set on his arse for 6 weeks.
The problem in a nutshell
July 22nd, 2009
11:17 am
The problem in a nutshell, as jim d has stated many times on this blog is that teachers don’t know how to advocate for themselves. They join organizations that can’t, or won’t truly advocate for them, then sit back in wonder as to why no one speaks up for them.
They do next to nothing to bring public awareness to issues that teachers face; issues that have a direct impact on teaching children, but when someone mentions pay they suddenly want to get vocal, and then they look like they are only concerned about the money.
And so it goes.
Jennifer
July 22nd, 2009
11:19 am
I never said PE teachers were not important or that they had it easy…however some systems employ a coach to teach one class a day, usually weight training, while the rest of the year is to be a football coach…the supplement amount in a few cases has been $10,000 for a head football coach…I believe PE is an important part of a student’s day, and student athletes should be held in high standard because of the extra work load they face…so please do not misquote or paraphrase what you think I meant in my previous post, and I would never throw another teacher “under the bus”. We are suppose to be in this crusade to educate children together.
Maternity Leave
July 22nd, 2009
11:20 am
Just so you know, maternity leave for teachers is NOT PAID leave. You have to use the sick time that you have accumulated and are given no more paid leave than the sick days you have. If the father took materinity leave, then he used his sick days as well.
RCD
July 22nd, 2009
11:21 am
More people should be pissed off. My kid is not school age yet, but I pay very close attention to what is going on. This pisses me off to the tenth degress. Teaches and education always seems to be the first thing that get cuts. Don’t get me wrong, I know there is some waste in education – by all means cut that, but don’t cut teachers salaries. It is wrong. Sonny Perdue is sitting on his fat $122,000 salary – show some leadership and take a pay cut.
teacher in Gwinnett
July 22nd, 2009
11:26 am
Thanks for the info ML. I just looked it up as well and it’s covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. I don’t have any idea if Gwinnett or any other system pays any part of it, but I guess I’ll save Gwinnett 6-8 weeks of pay in January. Can I have my furlough days back then, please (I might need those 2-3 days now that I won’t be paid for 6 weeks)…
Called to Teach
July 22nd, 2009
11:33 am
Teaching is one of the highest callings there is. There is no amount of money that can touch the satisfaction that imparting knowledge does. Being part of a person’s growth is way more meaningful than the paycheck. It may cause us all to tighten up a bit, but I am really thankful for my job. Too many people do not have one. Not only do I have a job, but I have the best job! I am willing to make sacrifices to keep it.
teacher1
July 22nd, 2009
11:34 am
After reading some of these comments, I have to post something. Yes, we do get off for summer. Everyone in the free world knows that schools have summers off. So if you wanted a long vacation, why didn’t you major in education? However, we are paid for (or used to be paid for) 190 days. That’s what the contract says. They just divide our salary by 12 months so that we get a paycheck monthly. We are not paid for the summers off. We are also not paid for all the days we stay until 5:00 in the afternoon working on plans and papers, or the weeks we spend in our rooms over the summer preparing for the next school year. There is no overtime pay. If there was, I would be a lot more wealthy! Sure, we could not go the extra mile and barely get by, but do you want your child to have a teacher who goes above and beyond, or do you want a teacher who does the bare minimum. My point is that I realize I am lucky to have a job, but at the same time, it is a business. If I worked in say the construction industry, and contracted a job for a set amount of money, I would not be expected to work for any less than that after the contract had been signed. So why are teachers any different?
Pat C
July 22nd, 2009
11:35 am
As a professional that is proud to be a teacher, it is fantastic to hear from those that are areally doing their jobs. Teaching is not a 9-5 job. Yes, summers, weekends and late nights are filled with working to provide the education our students need. Maybe those that don’t need the workdays should make an effort to assist their fellow teachers to get more done and make a better contribution. Our workdays should not be considered a waste of time as we can all work to make the state of Georgia a great place to learn.
Our county has already decided to remove our local supplement and to increase class sizes. So adding the 3 day furlough will be even tougher to manage the classroom and household budgets in today’s economy. The furlough will not remove time from my getting the job done. We do need to speak up and reiterate how important our education system is. There are alternative ways to do away with spending that is not necessary to in our school and state budgets.
peggy
July 22nd, 2009
11:37 am
I say we need to start from the ground up and look at what all of those wonderful democrats are doing in the federal govt with our money. Soon as the universal health care plan passes, we will probably have 10 days of furlough a month and our children will still be in debt for the next 1000 years. As for the furlough days, I can handle it. Everyone in the state budget should have to be furloughed too! Let’s get Sonny off the job for a day so he can quit making stupid decisions at least one day.
Kat
July 22nd, 2009
11:42 am
To Jim d-only a man would ask that!
All I know is that I signed a contract to work and be paid for 190 days.
Gov. Perdue has broken that contract. This will probably end up in a very ugly legal battle down the road. Of course as a teacher, if you voice your opinion (in person-not just in these types of blogs), you are then labeled a “trouble maker” and will have to endure reprisals from both administrators, parents and even other teachers! That’s why teachers are afraid to speak up/out! We do not havea strong union down here like up North, so we just pretty much have to take whatever comes our way….then try to show our support (or non-support at the next state elections).
single income teacher
July 22nd, 2009
11:43 am
I am a second year teacher, and my husband is out of work. He is working part time at a food chain to help make ends meet. But my measely salary is trying to carry us. I am fearful that we will not have enough money to pay our bills, even though I put in over 50 hours a week during the school year. Even if I wanted to pick up another job, I really wouldn’t have time to be a decent teacher. When would I grade papers? Plan? Etc. I am very blessed to have my job, and do what I do. But Sonny Perdue is still living in his mansion, having his meals catered to him, whereing his nice pressed suits, and his wife wants for nothing.
I have already spent $200 of my own money just this month preparing for the 6 year olds that will be coming in a few weeks. Do I get reimbursed? No!! Like most business men, who have to take clients out to lunch or spend money in gas to get to one place or another, you have a nice shiny expense account that your business gives you so you don’t have to pay out of your pocket. I wonder if Jim D. and inballground would do if they had to pay money out of thier own pocket for their job?
What it means to be a teacher
July 22nd, 2009
11:48 am
Many do not realize that a teachers do get more vacation time than others who work in other professions, but they are only paid for the 190 days that they work and this salary is divided by 12 so that teachers will get a paycheck every month instead of only the months that school is in session. Also, it is important to consider several other factors when discussing furloughs for teachers. First, teachers put in countless hours after school for meetings, conferences, PTO, contacting parents, etc., and they are not compensated for any of this time. In other professions this would be considered overtime and the employee would likely be paid time and a half. Someone mentioned maternity leave above. Most professionals that I know receive some paid maternity leave, not teachers. It is taken from their sick time, so if you only have two weeks of sick leave built up, you have to take the other 4 weeks without pay. Also, most teachers put money from their own pocket into their classroom. Many are not aware that the state does not provide funding for basic classroom needs and I spend upwards of $300 a year to get my classroom started, and I also spend more throughout the year on materials for lessons, because I do care about my students and want to do my best to design lessons that will intrique students and make learning fun. I wonder how many others who do not own their own business put this kind of money into their job every 9 months. While no one enters the teaching profession expecting to get rich, in reality we do have to support our families. I think that we can all agree that teachers do not enter the profession for the monetary perks. These furlough days will likely be taken from professional days, but the reality is the meetings and trainings that were scheduled for these days will not just go away. We will still have to attend these meetings and trainings so the work will not be taken away, but the pay will be. Unfortunately we do not have teacher unions in Georgia,and this limits the actions that teachers can take to change the situation. Lobbying for education has proved to not be enough. Teahcers, as others who work in service careers, are not compensated enough as it is. Taking more away from them will surely be a blow to morale for some. Thank goodness those who do teach do it for the love of it because actions like this from our government would surely drive wonderful teachers who are shaping the future of our country away from the profession. I think we all understand that there is a budget problem and as citizens we all have to help and contribute to the solution, but there are government officials making 6 figures who should be sacraficing as well, and ridiculus spending elsewhere such as 18 million dollars going to develop a government website to explain the way the stimulus is being used. The point is cuts can be made in more beneficial and sensible places, and it is frustrating that education is getting the blow again.
Reality 2
July 22nd, 2009
11:49 am
Teachers get paid for the days they work, but according to so many of you, many of “teacher work days” are just waste of time. So, it seems pretty clear that we should not be paying teachers for those wasted days. That seems to be a consensus here.
I wouldn’t claim teachers have it easy, but, at the same time, I don’t think they have it any more difficult than many other professions – those careers where you aren’t just clocking in everyday. Teachers, and those professionals, are contracted to perform a work, and if they can get it done in 35 hours a week, great. If it takes 80, well, you are contracted to complete the work, not for the hours you put in.
So you go in an hour before kids get there – so what? A lot of us do go in early and stay beyond the regular work time. Don’t make it sound like you are doing anything special. There are a lot of us who do take our work home or think about our work all throughout the weekend – and we don’t have summer off.
jim d
July 22nd, 2009
11:52 am
single,
scuse me dear but money comes directly out of my pocket for my job as well as for the jobs of others. Thank you very much.
All Staff
July 22nd, 2009
11:54 am
All staff have to take 3 days even though it’s only teachers who get state funding.
CollegeTeacher
July 22nd, 2009
11:57 am
Okay, now let me see if I understand: I will buy my own ink and paper, fix my own computers, buy all hand sanitizers for my students (swine flu is coming), cover lunch money for kids without, and buy all my own bulletin board materials. I will, of course, buy coats for needy kids and all other school supplies for these kids. Now let me see if I understand: I will do this with less money and furlough days. Of course, I will have to work on these days, or how will I prepare for the year? Do I see a problem here?? No problem, I just won’t eat or pay my bills That should handle it. Sonny and Fred, are you going to eat? pay your bills? go on vacation? Ummmm. I though so.
RCD
July 22nd, 2009
12:02 pm
There are a lot of wonderful comments on this blog. What is the plan to prevent this from happening over and over? Does anyone have a plan? If not, let’ start throwing out ideas for a plan on this blog and then put it in action.
tired of whining teachers
July 22nd, 2009
12:07 pm
“cover lunch money for kids without”
B.S.!!!
Title One ring a bell lier?
whiny teacher
July 22nd, 2009
12:14 pm
To tired of whining teachers…Jim d. is that really you? I can tell by the spelling. No wonder you’re mad at teachers…they done did you wrong!
Turd Ferguson
July 22nd, 2009
12:18 pm
Most of these teachers are just plain stupid and should be terminated.
GAMommy
July 22nd, 2009
12:20 pm
I’m finding it slightly ironic when the maternity leave is getting brought up as if it’s extravagant when it, quite honestly, stinks when compared to many other places in the world – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parental_leave (sorry, but it was the best link I could easily find to compare/contrast with)
teacher in Gwinnett
July 22nd, 2009
12:24 pm
To: Reality 2
“Don’t make it sound like you are doing anything special.”
It’s because of people like you and your negative attitudes toward individuals who sacrifice for the greater good that our country is headed down the tubes. Yes – I mean sacrifice. I had a job in corporate America making twice what I make as a teacher. I don’t care about the salary – I knew the decision I was making when I changed jobs. I did it (like many other teachers) because I saw a need and knew that the US was hurting for qualified teachers. I feel lucky to have a job where I can really influence young minds; however, I’m not a slave and I don’t work for free. Additionally, when I sign a contract (like you I’m sure) it really pisses me off when the terms are changed afterward. But I’m sure you’re the person who would be looking to sue immediately. BTW – I never brought home as much work when I worked downtown as I do now – and I had a high-level position. Unless you’ve been a teacher, you have no idea how much work is really involved.
Although I’m sure you could care less about what I’ve said and think all teachers are whiners, I still thank you for making known your true feelings. Just remember when your children (or the next generation) has literally no education at all – it wasn’t because their teachers failed them – it was because they had no teachers because they were all furloughed.
teacher in Gwinnett
July 22nd, 2009
12:27 pm
to: tired of whiney teachers
That’s great that you know all about Title One, but unless you’ve been in a class and had a kid hang back after all of the rest and ask you for lunch money because they have none – don’t call someone a LIAR. Also, I’m happy to give it. So, you’re welcome.
katie
July 22nd, 2009
12:28 pm
I am grateful that I did not get laid off! If this furlough means a few more days of summer and slightly less money, so be it. If all this means that my teacher friends get to keep their jobs, so be it. I’ll shop less, cut my grocery budget a little bit and spend a little more time with my family rather than going out. I am just VERY GRATEFUL to still have my job.
CJ
July 22nd, 2009
12:32 pm
I think that what Governor Perdue has done is, in essence, handed the next Governorship to Roy Barnes. You may be reading some comments here, but I will bet that there are many more teachers who are unhappy that are not writing. Governor Barnes re-election was influenced heavily by teachers. Watch what happens here. It won’t affect Governor Perdue. It will affect the other Republicans. By the way, many teachers DO cover lunch for students because not all schools are Title I. So, to tired of whining teachers: Your comments are inaccurate.
tired of whining teachers
July 22nd, 2009
12:37 pm
CJ
No not all schools are but the free lunch program is federally based and goes by the parent(s) income so quit blowing smoke you lier!
Teacher for 12 years.
July 22nd, 2009
12:37 pm
I worked in Human Resources for three years, but changed jobs because I felt called to teaching. I have also worked in retail sales. I was treated better in those two jobs.
Teachers are paid to work 190 days and that is divided into 12 months. We are given 12.5 days each year that are to be used for sick days, 3 can be used for personal days. Maternity leave is not paid unless you have the accrued sick time. Maternity leave is normally 30 days so one would have to teach for three years and not take off much time during those years in order to be paid for the leave. Any time after that is time off without pay, but you have to pay the county back for any insurance or other benefits you have. If a teacher uses more sick time than is accured, that is time off without pay. The time off without pay is not spread out over 12 months, it comes out of the next paycheck. 3 days off without pay for me is almost $1,000 before taxes and retirement. That comes out all at once and would be 1/3 of my paycheck making it very difficult for me to pay bills that month.
Ann
July 22nd, 2009
12:40 pm
Give me a break. My class size has increased and my paycheck and workdays are going down. Forget quaility education in Ga. Teachers’ moral is going down.
teacher in Gwinnett
July 22nd, 2009
12:41 pm
Hello tired of whining teachers. I tried to correct you politely, but it’s LIAR – not lier. BTW – again, you’ve obviously never been there when kids DON’T have lunch money. It happens – frequently. Last year, I even helped a girl pay for an “8th period” class so she could graduate on time because her single mother had lost her job and couldn’t do it. Be grateful that there are people out there who still WANT to teach, especially with jerks like you putting us down. We do a lot more than you will ever know.
just browsing
July 22nd, 2009
12:42 pm
I am with jim d, teachers do need to “raise up”. There is a mentality that teachers are indoctrinated into in the south and that is perpetuated by fear, intimidation, and “shut up or else” tactics by the powers that be. Until teachers decide that they are ready to unite and bring attention to the abuses they have tolerated for far too long, you can expect that they will continue to be deprefessionalized and mistreated. How much more abuse can teachers in Georgia take, before they get tired- While caring for the student’s learning is important, your respect as a professional and individual are just as important. Teachers are already selfless- it is time they address issues head on with government powers. Requires courage though. If someone would set the place, date, and time, I would be there to rally.
Make your kids behave so we can teach them
July 22nd, 2009
12:42 pm
inBallGround 0
I do not have “days off”. I work a 190 day contract. I would happily take the opportunity to work more days for more pay to provide more for my family. Be glad you can work as much as you do.
16-year teacher
July 22nd, 2009
12:47 pm
By now we all recognize that state revenue is down, and that a tightening definitely needs to occur to help see Georgia through these lean times. HOWEVER, furloughing teachers is not the answer. Has anyone considered going to a four-day workweek? I’m not being facetious. Consider the reduction in transportation/fuel costs. THAT would save millions. The energy savings from not operating the school campuses for one day a week would save much! ALSO, look to ALL portions of the state budget—What is the biggest “waste”? Not teachers! What about all the other state employees? Are they considered for furlough? You know, I’ve always said that teachers have to be great scavengers (for ideas/supplies) and great planners on a tight budget. Put that Georgia budget out here to teachers and let us give some real input! We’ll help tell you what really makes a positive difference!
Nikole
July 22nd, 2009
12:47 pm
@ Tired of whining teachers—–A title 1 school has above average numbers of students eligible for free or reduced lunch. That does not mean that ALL students qualify, therefore, they have to pay for their lunch.
teacher in Gwinnett
July 22nd, 2009
12:47 pm
I’m with you “just browsing”. It’s really sad that we are all so afraid to say anything. I heard a teacher speak at her retirement lunch a few years ago. She said that she would be holding sessions for the teacher’s unions and would tell us all of the things she had been afraid to say but would now say because she was retired. That is ridiculous. Teachers are not going to rally to make schools worse – we want what’s best for the kids. I don’t get the “shut up or else” mentality that’s been pushed on us.
UPDATED: Will Georgia teachers get furloughed? | Get Schooled | Georgia Today
July 22nd, 2009
12:48 pm
[...] Here is the original post: UPDATED: Will Georgia teachers get furloughed? | Get Schooled [...]
Nikole
July 22nd, 2009
12:49 pm
Some other state employees have been furloughed since last year.
Dennis
July 22nd, 2009
12:52 pm
As the son of and father of a teacher, I know everything involved in the job. They are “overworked and underpaid”. I seem to recall education being one of Sonny-boy’s platform planks. He must be dismantling his platform.
Make your kids behave so we can teach them
July 22nd, 2009
12:53 pm
Big picture – there will be a quiz.
We have had 3 rounds of multi year austerity reductions in education funding over very roughly the last 12 years. But, when the economy has improved, the cuts are maintained. Lesson: Wise people know how to take advantage of a crisis to make progress.
State Government has attempted recently to limit the ability of local governments to tax within their jurisdication while at the same time refusing to accept curbs to State taxes and creating new ways to raise revenue through bonds and the lottery. Lesson: Wise people know how to take power by limiting others financially and enhancing themselves financially.
Fact: Our State Government has “wisely” progressed toward the apparent goal of destroying public education.
Number 1 to 10 . . . . .
Carrie
July 22nd, 2009
12:59 pm
I understand the need for cuts, but there are many reasons I won’t go into that have been listed above about all of the other things that need to be considred when furloughing teachers, but I am most annoyed by the lack of notification! I just found out today that I will lose two days of pay next week. Since my husband is also a teacher that is about $1,000 that we will be out of in one month. That is a huge chunk of money to find out you are going to lose out on. Luckily we have a savings and have planned for emergencies, but we will still need to cut back, and I am sure there are those out there who are not in the position to save and who this is really going to hurt not having the advanced notice to prepare!
Carrie
July 22nd, 2009
1:06 pm
And by the way…to tired of whining teachers…I have given money to students several times for lunch. Not all parents qualify for their kids to receive free and reduced lunch. It is determined by your income tax. Things can change within the span of a year and some parents may have a hard month or two…like the ones being furloughed unexpectedly!!! Not only have I bought lunch for my students, but I have provided supplies to those who ran out of paper and pencils and whose parents, no matter how many times were asked, never sent it in. Before you go around calling people liars, you should walk a mile in their shoes. Apply for a substitute job in your district and see what really comes into public school. Unfortunately there are a lot of students whose parents are not very involved in their children’s education or lives. I hope that if you have children you are more respectful of the time, energy, love, and dedication that your child’s teacher puts into educating your child then you seem to display here.
jim d
July 22nd, 2009
1:08 pm
A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE.
Teachers with a little moxey!! Y’all make me proud!
tired of whining teachers
July 22nd, 2009
1:11 pm
Teacher for 12 years:
“3 days off without pay for me is almost 1000 before taxes and retirement.”
According to the pay scale a degree maxed out teacher of 12 years makes $62,565.00 a year.
Divided by 12 =5213 monthly salary
5213 monthly salary divided by 30=173
173 *3=519
How in the hell did you come up with “almost 1000?” Can you do simple math or are you just another lying whining teacher?
Way Down South
July 22nd, 2009
1:13 pm
Rats..just got an e-mail from the super telling us we’ll have 3 days
off between August and Dec 31. The only good part is the plan to spread the pay cut over 12 checks. Other systems down here got a similar note.
That’s what is happening waaay down I-75.