Frustrated Teachers!
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6/5/2009
I've been teaching in AZ for 5 years. I came from CA where I taught for 4 years. I have never been so unhappy teaching than I have been in AZ. There is so much pressure on teachers that we're exhausted. We are asked to put in way more hours and no union to back us up. We are frowned down upon when we say "no" to going to trainings in the summer or on weekends and for no extra pay.
I understand that AZ's education is terrible compared to other states, but that's not because we don't have qualified teachers. We are overly trained and on top of the newest research based programs that are the most helpful in teaching students.
I would just like to be left alone to enjoy teaching my students. I believe that the students are suffering because teachers are so overworked and underpaid. Some of the stuff we're asked to do does not even directly effect our students learning. It was never like this for me in CA, and I got paid way more.
Oh, and the ratio that's stated above for teacher to student is total crap! I have never had 17 students in my class since I've taught here. I have had 24 - 28 students each year, even in our Kinder classes. And now, with education taking a hit from the economy, we have had to lay off teachers which therefore will increase our class sizes.
Bp | Goodyear, AZ