UW, I don't believe that a lot of NYC public school teachers have a "clean comfortable work environment and no supervision." Some of the schools need a complete physical overhaul just to provide basic comfort - i.e. heat and a/c, and have/need security systems at the door to keep the weapons out. They are supervised, but from what I have read the supervision often makes little sense. (Well, you can say the same for supervision in corporations).
I personally feel the salary info is useless in and of itself - it's used as a club by unions and school boards alike. Look how much/little we're/you're making compared to other areas! Look how much/little we're/you're making compared to other professions! There is no context to the real world, to the taxpayers paying the salaries and school expenses. Here in NJ, the teachers in Middletown went on strike over stalled salary negotiations. In particular, they objected to a rise in the medical coverage payment from a flat $200 or $250/year to a range of $250 - $800/year, based on salary. Their rates would triple! People didn't appreciate them! The parents/taxpayers' reaction was, what do you think WE'VE been going thru for the last 10 years with our medical benefits and options being cut, and rates rising? Welcome to the real world, people! Of course, there was no reconciliation between these two positions, and there is still a lot of bitterness and resentment because of the strike. |
