tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post2268400764487015584..comments2023-10-02T07:06:53.603-04:00Comments on Sine Of The Times: An Open Letter To Premier McGuinty and Minister BrotenDave Lanovazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-64434972125205394692013-01-06T13:13:13.885-05:002013-01-06T13:13:13.885-05:00I am a teacher and KNOW that the opinion of the po...I am a teacher and KNOW that the opinion of the poster above is not the one of the majority. I am a teacher, and have been for 10 years. As I have said in my other posts, we are sad that students are losing out on some of the "fun things" at school because we love doing them and making that connection outside of the classroom with our students; those that do extracurriculars do them because they care. We still care as much as ever, however, we need to stand up for our rights and not let the government bully us. We can't go on as normal because that would send the message that we are okay with what is happening. We hope that we are setting an example for our students by doing this and that their parents can explain it to them, if they don't understand. How can we teach anti-bullying and not to be a bystander if we can't do this for ourselves on a large scale? I am posting my name, because I have no problem standing up for what I have said and am proud to be setting an example to be a strong person. Amy Harrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-28321026913787996792013-01-06T12:59:18.783-05:002013-01-06T12:59:18.783-05:00Thank you for that. I truly hope there are more p...Thank you for that. I truly hope there are more parents out there like you, rather than the opposite. We are trying to set an example for our students to not let others bully you and to stand up for your rights, and we hope that non-education people will be supportive of that, in spite of the media's messages and withdrawl of the "fun things" at school. Amy Harrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-46066767836290178102013-01-06T03:21:05.890-05:002013-01-06T03:21:05.890-05:00I am not a teacher, nor could I ever be one. Despi... I am not a teacher, nor could I ever be one. Despite the 'perks' that I have heard repeated over and over from some comments-summers off, weekends off, etc.. I do not have the patience that teachers require to deal with 20 plus children everyday. That being said there are also a lot of people who have chosen teaching as a career and maybe shouldn't have. Just like many careers, there are always people willing to give 100% to their jobs, and there are other ones who are only there to collect their paycheck. <br /> I have been following the news articles and comments concerning Bill 115, I have never felt the need to add to the discussion. Until now. <br /> I am a parent, a voter and a tax payer. You have no idea how offensive the last part of your statement was:<br /> <br />"I realize that if we don't punish the children of the voter then the parents won't get the message that the actions of this government are not ok. People must suffer and be affected before they care. It is human nature. Sorry about your kids but you voters reelected these corrupt Liberals. Learn from your mistake and pick the right government and maybe I'll volunteer for little Johnny. Again. How's that for bringing a private sector capitalist attitude to the debate?"<br /> <br />Over and over I have heard that the teachers have been doing this for the students and their future, now from you I am hearing that you need to 'punish' the children of the voters? Ridiculous.. I only hope that you are an exception, and that your opinion is not shared by the rest of your colleagues. As a voter, I didn't vote for Liberal, but yet my children should be punished because of the actions of the Liberal party? Also as far as the 'volunteering' of parents are concerned, I have looked into that with my local school board, because of an event being cancelled recently. I was told that there needs to be a certain amount of staff members present even with parental volunteers available. Yes I was going to volunteer my OWN time for my children and their schoolmates. There are some parents out there willing to do this and don't view it as a chore, or a hardship.. but rather as a way to be more involved in extracurricular activities. I am usually the first parent to be called to come into the school to go on field trips or bake for bake sales. I have even rearranged my work schedule last minute to accommodate such things. Because it does benefit MY children and I know that it is not mandatory for children to have these extracurricular activities, but if I can help in anyway I am happy to do so.<br /> Bullying is such a big issue in schools right now. I have had many conversations with my children about bullying. I am very sad to say that after reading your comments I feel that you are a bully. Punishing people to get what you feel you deserve. There are so many ways to get support, by informing and educating people instead of 'punishing' the children of those that may not understand what rights you are standing up for.<br /> That being said, since you have posted as anonymous, I do hope that you are not a teacher in my children's school!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-53307781817611809232013-01-05T15:40:41.631-05:002013-01-05T15:40:41.631-05:00The government has fundamentally changed my workin...The government has fundamentally changed my working conditions without my say. This has now made my decision quite easy as to whether I should spend my time coaching kids after school or spending my precious time with my own children and coaching them. I will no longer be taken for granted to take care of other people's children for free on my own time. Get used to the fact that extra-curriculars will be gone for a long time, if not for good. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-3702239462914705452013-01-05T09:47:50.262-05:002013-01-05T09:47:50.262-05:00Hi everyone. I have been a teacher or 6 years, mak...Hi everyone. I have been a teacher or 6 years, make 70k and had a 7 year career in the private sector. I am on contract right now for ten months and will not be collected a pay cheque for July and August because I am stuck on a low seniority layoff list because that asshole McGuinty wanted to implement full day kindergarten and not fund it correctly. I can tell you from working in three schools that there are teachers who work 9-3 and their are teachers who work 24-7. Like the private sector there are workers who do the bare minimum (and get by with minimal bonuses) and those who are slaves to the company and some times get thrown a bone. I find teaching rewarding and have coached and volunteered my time but not all the time. The reason I will not do so during this 2 year "imposed collective agreement" (hah!) is because I realize that if we don't punish the children of the voter then the parents won't get the message that the actions of this government are not ok. People must suffer and be affected before they care. It is human nature. Sorry about your kids but you voters reelected these corrupt Liberals. Learn from your mistake and pick the right government and maybe I'll volunteer for little Johnny. Again. How's that for bringing a private sector capitalist attitude to the debate?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-54512604998411643382013-01-05T09:37:47.998-05:002013-01-05T09:37:47.998-05:00Scott you are the kind of guy who would snuggle up...Scott you are the kind of guy who would snuggle up to your new 350 pound cellmate rather than fight for your survival. I guess on the positive side you'd have somebody to keep you warm at night but oh the snoring!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-31894157930194909662013-01-04T21:42:14.759-05:002013-01-04T21:42:14.759-05:00Thanks for the comment Jennifer.Thanks for the comment Jennifer.Dave Lanovazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-55576245792260008652013-01-04T21:36:32.875-05:002013-01-04T21:36:32.875-05:00Thanks for the respectful reply Scott.
I get wher...Thanks for the respectful reply Scott.<br /><br />I get where you're coming from. In most situations I encounter I try to find the positive solution. However, in this situation I believe that we have lost too much. By not standing up for ourselves now we're only inviting more of the same a year from now when negotiations begin again.<br /><br />I realize that my students may look to me for a number of things but I am not the only one in the community that can provide these things. I am more than happy to point them to opportunities that exist outside the school. I know that this is something different for many students but I think it's a change for students to grow and a chance for them to show their independence.Dave Lanovazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-57849648061303621312013-01-04T16:46:25.906-05:002013-01-04T16:46:25.906-05:00I am not a teacher and I don't pretend to know...I am not a teacher and I don't pretend to know every aspect of what is involved in being a teacher; but I am a parent whose two children passed through elementary and secondary schools. I have met my fair share of teachers and never - ever - have I met one who wasn't proud of the work they do. And they should be. Lord knows it was challenging enough to deal with two children; I can't even imagine what dealing with 30 of them in a confined space - all day, every day - must be like. So it's hard for me to understand why some people are so quick to turn this discussion into a money issue and a question of what teachers do or do not deserve.<br /><br />Our children are our most valuable assets. When they reach the right age, which is earlier now than ever before, we send them into the world and place them, with trust, into the caring hands of teachers. If you are old enough, you will remember a time when there were few or even no extracurricular activities. School was reading, writing, and arithmetic. Today, society recognizes many more dimensions of what a child needs in order to learn, like: Has the child eaten? Is the child being mistreated at home? Does the child have a learning challenge? To name just a few. And I recognize that teachers have gradually, over time, taken on responsibility for their students' overall well-being - not just their education. Add to all of this that they are also VOLUNTEERING their time to organize and supervise extracurricular activities for these same children.<br /><br />To those of you so critical of teachers withdrawing their volunteer time, tell me: How much of your own time do you volunteer for your employer? How often does your employer "expect" you to support the people you do business with outside of your paid work hours? And when was the last time anyone gave you an earful for not volunteering anymore? Seriously, give your head a shake. And if you can't get your head around the serious nature of an "imposed agreement," at least try to remember who we're talking about and the important role teachers play in our society before you engage in hate mongering.<br /><br />The teachers have my full support - hands down! Stay strong.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-91269426828608914772013-01-04T14:12:12.139-05:002013-01-04T14:12:12.139-05:00Dave,
Thank you for your post. I agree wholehearte...Dave,<br />Thank you for your post. I agree wholeheartedly. I think the silver-lining in this situation for me, is a wake-up call to all the time and effort I (and most teachers) put into teaching our students, without any extra-curriculars. It's incredulous to me that extra-curriculars have come to be expected by some. There will always be disagreement and contention on the issue of continuing to "pause" or not, however if we continue to work as before, we are sending the message that we are okay with what has happened. And I am most definitely not okay what it. <br />Most of the teachers I know, kill themselves, trying to do the best possible job at teaching their students. Teachers are not nit-pickers when it comes to the technicalities of what our job is or isn't. In doing this however, we have been taking advantage of, and taken for granted. Because of the nit-picking the government has done throughout this process, we have been forced to, as you say Dave, "play by the rules". Not one single teacher I know wants to do this, but we have been thrust into the political arena, and therefore must react. Also, in response to the "putting students in the middle" argument. I am proud of the example teachers are setting for our students. Our children are learning first-hand what democracy looks like in-action. As adults we teach by example in everything we do (sometimes a scary thought!). Despite the enormity of that responsibility, I will leave a legacy of empowerment, equity and action not of complacency and fear.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02531146421826831702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-67766959602528235322013-01-04T11:10:29.113-05:002013-01-04T11:10:29.113-05:00This is an old argument. Teachers have the summer...This is an old argument. Teachers have the summer off and earn $80,000. Please let me clarify, the teachers who are at the top of the grid have 10 years teaching experience as well as a variety of advance qualifications that they have taken (university courses and programs) at their own expense. I know teachers who have not been able to attend those courses for a variety of reasons. This doesn't mean that they haven't been furthering their education: taking courses to keep their tech licenses up to date, learning new technology for the classroom, classroom management courses, etc. <br /><br />Before you respond that you don't know what it's like in the real world, I left the corporate world to fulfill my dream of becoming a teacher. While in the corporate world, I attended workshops, courses and trade shows at the expense of my employers. My trade journal subscriptions were kept up to date so that I could remain abreast with current trends that could benefit our clients. My desk was full of supplies so that I could do my job. I didn't think twice when new furniture was ordered for me or when I was told to expense my lunch. I took lieu days after pulling long nights sometimes. Has our economy taken a hit and are taxpayers angry at the amount of waste? Absolutely, as am I, after all I am one of those taxpayers too. Have teachers taken a it with each budget as other people have over the past 10 years? Yes, I seen my responsibilities increase with my benifits decrease. While this has happened, I have also increased the amount of money I personally spend on my classroom as the taxpayers can't afford it and I want to offer the best program for my students. We will continue to offer extra help when we can, but we are not required to run clubs and teams--that's a personal choice. The way that this government conducted this campaign was brilliant from a PR standpoint, but so underhanded that it reminds when corporations have had successful bankruptcies and plant closures. <br /><br />As for extra curricular programs, in the states you're paid to run clubs and teams as these things run outside of the school day and teaching. I just read over 40 different job postings including for an assistant wrestling coach. <br /><br />Now, back to summers off--I've been teaching for 16 years. I have only had 2 summers when I wasn't attending university and I spent that time developing curriculum with colleagues at a "summer camp" that I paid to attend. <br /><br />What scares me the most about bill 115. Is that it makes it illegal for me to challenge my contract in court. That is a scary precedent. If the government wants, it can say that teachers have to work for 10 cents on the dollar or take part of our pension and devalue it for the same amount and I have no recourse in the matter. Oh, wait, they did do that to my pension. If they believe in their cutbacks, why didn't they resend the 50% raise they gave themselves or that huge buyout back they're going to receive in a few weeks? Kimberley Floodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05607676235606451931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-37016157943307999562013-01-04T10:36:57.661-05:002013-01-04T10:36:57.661-05:00Yeah you sound like you're informed....dickYeah you sound like you're informed....dickAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-18135637970455835712013-01-04T09:13:43.448-05:002013-01-04T09:13:43.448-05:00Do you have a link with the source saying that fun...Do you have a link with the source saying that funding would be pulled from Catholic schools?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-29449273602064027222013-01-04T08:25:06.302-05:002013-01-04T08:25:06.302-05:00Not when you are forced to strike and threatened t...Not when you are forced to strike and threatened to have your money taken from you. 92% isn't 100%, and I know a lot of people voted in favor of the union's proposal because they had no choice - that's not democracy, nor is it solidarity! In some schools, you have to watch what you say and do because if you do not comply, someone will report you. How is that democracy at its best? Yes, something needs to be done, but the adults seem to have left the building for this issue!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-55546669143726407822013-01-03T23:44:10.557-05:002013-01-03T23:44:10.557-05:00Is 2.5% increase per year an excessive amount to r...Is 2.5% increase per year an excessive amount to raise salary? Just wondering. Sounds like an acceptable cost of living increase to me. Definitely sounds high when you lump it altogether at once. Writers, when discussing remuneration, please publish your percentage in wage increase over the past ten years for comparison. Also include the cost of professional development that you have paid for in those ten years. Oh, and kindly include the amount of out of pocket money you spent to buy supplies for your employer or customers as well. Please tell us how much you make in vacation pay. Teachers do not get vacation pay. That was bargained previously in their sick day arrangement which is now null and void. Keep in mind that contracts are not yearly as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-36074189665690499752013-01-03T23:10:03.135-05:002013-01-03T23:10:03.135-05:00Exactly. Well said. Although I love my job and stu...Exactly. Well said. Although I love my job and students...my family and own children come first. Many people don't realize nor appreciate the many sacrifices most teachers make for our students-their kids. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-27736448200861388812013-01-03T21:50:18.012-05:002013-01-03T21:50:18.012-05:00Has anyone commented on the fact that teachers are...Has anyone commented on the fact that teachers are contracted and paid for 10 months of the year....not 12 months. We are contracted as professionals to educate children, YOUR children...notice the operative word ; EDUCATE....not babysit, entertain, tutor after school, coach, provide a shoulder to cry on, extra food in their bellies, mental health support, clothing, extra books and supplies out of our own pockets, put on shows, concerts, bake sales, fundraisers, weekend tournament supervision, end of the year trips to Ottawa ....the list is endless....again, we are hired/contracted to deliver and facilitate the success of every student in our class on an ACADEMIC level according to the Ministry of Education Curriculum. Looking at it from the 'public sector' perspective; is there anyone out there who volunteers their time in a public sector job to provide lunches for colleagues on a regular basis and out of their own pocket, do you clean your own office at the end of every day, do you wipe the snot of your co-worker after they have sneezed all over you, hug them and then with love and caring call their parents to let them know they're sick. Do you prepare your co-workers 'homework' to go home with him, do you take up your lunch hour daily with either supervising other co workers playing, helping them with their projects/work load, or developing new strategies for them to meet success and fulfill their needs. Yes, I am being sarcastic, however not exaggerated. In the 20 years I have taught, I have taught every grade from k - 8 and every facet of the curriculum. I have facilitated a choir at every school, done lunchtime concerts, taken choirs to competitions on my own time, Christmas concerts, plays, math clubs, afterschool homework clubs, volleyball, basketball, cross country, been on board committees, curriculum writing committees ( and that is small sample of the extras I have done)and can probably count on one hand how many times I have actually sat down and been able to eat and digest a full lunch (40mins)...oh...btw, thats not consecutive minutes. THESE events are NOT REQUIRED. This society has unfortunately become a society of entitlement. What are we coming to when we cannot see the value in not only the job being done, but the value in who a teacher is and the kind of impact teachers have on the children that will be taking care of us in our golden years. As teachers, we love to do the extra curricular stuff...it motivates, creates bonds, allows for emotional growth etc etc etc. Stop bickering and support the teachers who spend the bulk of a day with your child. We are fighting for our rights to do our job to the best of our ability and we deserve it. I do not make any apologies that I am a teacher and that I make a decent wage. I chose this profession on purpose because I knew I wanted to teach from the time I was 6 years old. I put the time, money and effort into going to school for many years to become a teacher. I deserve my wage and I deserve the right to fight for what is right in negotiating my contract, just like a public sector person would fight for their rights. Parents, please support our rights as we support you and your children every day in our classrooms. We are not punishing your children by refusing to do extra curricular activities, we are doing exactly what we are hired to do; EDUCATE your child. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child' and it seems to me as teachers we are being 'hung out to dry'. We are part of your village, support us, so together we can support OUR future.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-9344409509541108692013-01-03T21:47:44.215-05:002013-01-03T21:47:44.215-05:00....play by the rules and take my $80,000 and go h.......play by the rules and take my $80,000 and go home for July and Aug.haweaterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02924334329927466811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-46243747434660844862013-01-03T21:02:58.533-05:002013-01-03T21:02:58.533-05:00Anonymous, I'm not taking away the extras. I&#...Anonymous, I'm not taking away the extras. I'm simply choosing not to do them anymore. I have no intentions of stopping anyone else from doing them. I'm also not sure what you mean when you say that I was doing things for the wrong reason. What wrong reason could there be for staying after class to help a student? <br /><br />Dave Lanovazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-55620379693219365402013-01-03T20:55:51.247-05:002013-01-03T20:55:51.247-05:00To Anonymous...You misread...I do enjoy organizing...To Anonymous...You misread...I do enjoy organizing holiday concerts but with pausing my extras, I sure did enjoy spending time with my own family for the first time in 10 years. I have also learned the valuable lesson that my family, my health and my mental well-being is more important than any of my students. I was surprised to find how well I felt in the last 4 months, even with an ailing parent. I know many teachers who will continue to question how much more of their own time they give. It took Bill 115 to find out how stretched we were and how much more was expected. I guess I should thank Ms. Broten for giving me my life balance back. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-74058742132425314462013-01-03T20:48:36.429-05:002013-01-03T20:48:36.429-05:00I'm not taking my ball and going home. The rul...I'm not taking my ball and going home. The rules of the game have changed. I have decided to play by the rules.Dave Lanovazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09010742221812029616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-66727966614690752802013-01-03T19:38:59.229-05:002013-01-03T19:38:59.229-05:00Kim - MPP bonuses?? 0/10 on this assignment. Do be...Kim - MPP bonuses?? 0/10 on this assignment. Do better research. <br />Anonymous - The government pays your salary. Government revenue comes from taxation revenues. Taxation revenues come from all those people who work at jobs you seem to deem inferior to yours. THAT is why people other than teachers get to comment. Similar to teacher comments about politicians salaries. <br />And who the heck said you had an easy job? Certainly not me. Nancynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-37783089422610871452013-01-03T19:15:05.263-05:002013-01-03T19:15:05.263-05:00Kim-- What are you talking about? There were no MP...Kim-- What are you talking about? There were no MPP "performance bonuses".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-61521870184753381092013-01-03T18:59:51.214-05:002013-01-03T18:59:51.214-05:00How so? 92% of teachers voted in favor of the unio...How so? 92% of teachers voted in favor of the union's proposals! That's democracy at its best!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205963398207045749.post-49787572154643084242013-01-03T18:57:03.024-05:002013-01-03T18:57:03.024-05:00Just to clarify ... I never said MPPs got raises-t...Just to clarify ... I never said MPPs got raises-they got their $50,000-$80,000 "performance bonuses " over the summer regardless of how many days they showed up-they apparently do not have a cap on sick days!Kimnoreply@blogger.com