It's not the $

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Home : 2003 : July : 22

It's not the $
By Brendashooz

Excllent post, Cathy-Dee. I too teach in Canada and my salary is in the mid 60's. Good teachers are like soul doctors. Inotherwords, pay for an excellent teacher should be equivalent to that of a medical doctor. OTOH, If
someone asked me what I'd like changed in the profession, I'd ask for smaller classes. Sure, more money would be good, but imagine having a class of 25 or 18, rather than 30 or 35? It's easier to form relationships with fewer students in the room. To me, good teachers are born, not made. Compare it to piano playing. Someone can take lessons forever because maybe their parents want them

to learn. If their heart isn't in it, how will their music sound? Elton John, however, walked over to his parents piano at 2 or 3 yrs. old and played a simple tune. A person can learn to do anything mechanically, but without the heart and soul, it won't sound the same. Funny you should mention shopping in your area, etc. I avoid hanging in my school area because I like to separate my job from my private life. When I am not "on the job," I don't want to have impromptu interviews with parents in the middle of a bustling mall. Would you walk up to your proctologist in a department store and describe the huge blister on your bum? NOOoooooo. So how come some parents feel we're game for a chat 24/7? Real estate would be my last choice for a career. Long hours, cutthroat competition. Lots of waiting around for customers who may not show. Not for me.