Teachers Discussions
Benefits

Any other art teachers out there feel like every thing they do is a flop? I am a big advocate for choice and student made artwork. My administration wants some "higher quality" looking work. Which means more teacher led. Even when I do teacher led things, the students don't listen. Any tips? I'm in a title school, came in late from maternity leave this year.

I’ve been teaching hs math 25 years in the private sector & I’m miserable. The pay and benefits are poor & they have us at their mercy. I’m so tired … i make ends meet by tutoring but want out. I am public school licensed but never got into the system. I’m 49 & I’ve been working in the public sector in different capacities in the nooks and crannies of my life— doing summer school, proctoring SAT etc. I’m at a loss 🙈. Any suggestions ?

Good am! So I have worked in private schools for the past 25 years and am public school certified…. I do some work for the public schools, but it’s really difficult to get a job here on Long Island.. very political.. and now I am almost 50, have crappy pay, crappy health insurance, crappy retirement and am 15,000 in credit card debt trying to afford my life and 3 kids. I am married, but he takes care of the bigger bills, like mortgage etc… I tutor, i have like10 other side gigs… help, advice?

Thanks to all who offered advice on retirement and FMLA. I think I will just retire after my sick days are used up. I'm 58, over 28 years teaching. Pension is good. I'm just worried about district not accepting Anxiety as medical reason. Can they fight me. Will a simple note from Dr or therapist explaining I am seeing therapist for anxiety suffice?

I am paying $1200 monthly for health insurance.
Any suggestions?

Curious on how long you have taught and the salary you make based on years worked? How much do you pay in healthcare? Do you have a pension?

Has anyone used Illuminate assessment tools? If so what are the benefits and what are some things we need to know before hand.

If you live in a state that has WEP and GPO and you have your 40 quarters you may want to contact your congressmen. The social security fairness act is being voted on next month. Even if you don’t have your own ss, but are married, this will affect survivor benefits. I am not a fan of asking the government for anything free., I have earned this and should get it. I have met full retirement age and can get the ss that I earned. I have started taking it because it reduces to 1/3 in retirement

Does anyone know if we need 200 or 250 plus sick days to get a discount on health insurance when we retire?

FLORIDA teachers - what's your pension/retirement system like?
We have a decent pension plan - 80 and out - in Missouri, but my family moved to FL last year & I'll probably head that way in 3 years after my son is out of HS.
Any insight so I can make some $ moves now or what I should anticipate/plan for when the tines to move comes?
Thanks.

Good am! Anyone else have less than optimal to put it nicely health insurance at their school? My deductible is 11,000 for my family and I’ve already used my best flex plan up and now I’m paying soooo much out of pocket….. this is so sad 😞. I can only go to in network doctors so just pick whoever ! Thanks for listening . Maybe someone can suggest alternatives?

There are a number of states that don’t tax my New York pension. I’m considering moving to South Carolina because everything I read about it seems great. I’ve shoveled enough steps and driveways during snow storms. I’m paying over $22,000.00 in taxes. It’s ridiculous. Any feedback or suggestions on South Carolina or other states and why? Much appreciated. 👍

Mandated COVID vaccines. What are your thoughts? Now that they have full FDA approval, why do you think so many are against it? Or why are you personally against it? Kids are required to have certain vaccines to attend school, many colleges require students to have vaccines too, and healthcare workers have been required to take certain vaccines for many years. Yet many people are reacting like vaccine requirements are a ‘new’ thing. I still haven’t gotten my 3rd jab, but would if required… 🤔

How much do you pay for benefits? I am thinking about moving districts but I am not sure what the hidden fees are for their benefits. Wish it was more transparent, I feel like other districts get paid way more but I was wondering if they syphon your money away with health insurance, dental etc.

TWO QUESTIONS:

1. Has anyone retired and NOT had to pick up a part time job, or go back to teaching because you can't make it on the retirement pension?

2. Has anyone taught 20 years or less, and then left to focus on your business? What are you using for medical insurance?

I am going on 51 and can't technically retire until July 2026. I am tapped out and don't see teaching until age 60. Retirement money won't be enough and my business is suffering bad but brings me a lot of joy!

In teachers in Utah here? I'm considering moving, but your salary schedule is different from mine. Do you feel like you're paid a fair wage for the cost of living? Do you have to pay for benefits? Are you responsible for recess duties?

I’m a retired teacher. I had family medical issues that prompted me to take an early retirement. I’m sad all the time because I miss teaching and the daily interactions with colleagues. The other issue is my income. With inflation out of control, I fear my pension isn’t enough for the long term. The good news is, the family medical issues may have positive outcome, at least for the next five years. I want to teach again, but I’m torn. Any advice?

Does anybody know of any remote teaching job or a similar that requires only a bachelors degree in almost anything and that pays salary with benefits besides FLVS (Florida Virtual school) Even if it has to do with customer service or teaching adults, anything along those lines. Thank you all in advance!

I’m having a hard time fitting in w/ my fellow teachers. I’ve been here almost 2 years & I feel like I’m “tolerated” rather than accepted. I came in as the same time as another teacher & they seem to have accepted her. I was out last year on maternity leave. Before I left I almost considered them friends but when I came back I felt like everything changed. They didn’t really help me & threw me to the wolves. I feel alone this year & sometimes dread going to work & getting the silent treatment.

I am the Director of Technology for a district in PA, and would like to know how my compensation compares to other districts.
I am salaried at $70,000 a year, and not considered to be part of administration. So I don’t have a contract and don’t receive the same benefits that teachers and admin staff receive. Is this common for this type of position?

Which states or districts have the best pay and benefits for teachers? Which ones accept all / most years of teaching experience when placing teachers on the pay scale?

Health care workers wrote a letter to the Governor stating "without imminent action, Arizona will face the collapse of its healthcare system. "

Considering a move to Virginia (currently in CA). Specifically looking at Roanoke area and desire high school ELA or history. Info help! VA teachers—what can you share about sick days, unions, healthcare quality, salary, etc?

The teacher shortage is a national crisis (one that was foretold decades ago). In other industries, when there is an employee shortage for a specific field, the company would increase the salary and benefits for that position because of the law of supply and demand. Why doesn't this work for education? Shouldn't teachers be paid more because we are in short supply? Should certain subjects be paid more?

Vaccinated teachers: are any of you still wearing masks while teaching? Is it mandated or are you choosing to do so? Masks aren’t mandated in my school district, and even though I’m fully vaxxed, I’m weighing the costs and benefits of wearing a mask in class. Could use some thoughts and opinions.

How good are your districts at negotiating contracts on time? Ours expire every two years. At the end of the second year we always end up going into the next school year on an expired contract and work almost the entire school year on that expired contract. It’s not that we are asking for the moon, usually our raise is about the same as the rising price of healthcare, so it ends up being a wash. The workload only increases.The district also made us put in a “no strike” clause in our contract.

What happens when you leave a district in the summer for a new one? How soon do you need to notify your old district? Are you able to hold on until about three weeks before school starts, to ensure salary and get most of insurance benefits?

Do any Riverside County school districts offer “opt out” of insurance benefits and cash in lieu of?

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Free and Reduced Lunch, pensions, health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, caring for your neighbor, and PUBLIC EDUCATION. That’s just a small list of things I’m told I should hate because they’re all socialist. I’m not at all sorry to report that I’m FOR all of those things. Call me whatever you want.

Does anyone have experience with Bind Benefits health insurance? If so, how is it working for you? What are the pros and cons? Our district is considering it.

Does anyone else feel like the tragedy of this past year is that our profession went from a passion to just another job? And you are questioning more than ever if the benefits aren’t worth the cost? A normal year is tiring and we need our breaks for our health. This past year has spent our reserves and put us in debt. How do we take back the passion and own the profession as we transition back to yet another new normal?

I am wondering what your honest opinion about my non-renewal story would be. I was put on a PIP during my first year of teaching at a new school while 6 months pregnant. Then, while I was on maternity leave they called me in to tell me they would not re-new my contact. COVID struck and they changed their minds and kept me. But this year, after being all virtual and experiencing many learning curves, again I was told I would not be re-newed. I feel cheated and discouraged. Thoughts?

Opinion: What are the best cities [not necessarily states] to be a teacher? Looking at factors like salary, cost of living, activities for families, benefits, diversity, training, etc...

Re: Summer School Compensation
NC Legislature has proposed 6-week summer programs to catch up from learning loss, but the bill specifically eliminates benefits like accruing time toward retirement, and appears to restrict pay rates so we would not earn the same daily rate as our normal teaching contracts.
Trying to decide whether it's worth pursuing one of those positions and curious how other states handle summer school situations.

What is your district's response to the Covid-19 Vaccine? Mine is envy us but everywhere they want us to sign up, it is already full. I think if they want us to have, they should do like they did in the past. Have a benefits fair where we could get the shot as part of it.