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Show THE SAN JUAN RECORD Wednesday, March 1, 2000 - Page 14 An Apple for the Teacher As would be expected, my husband, a third grade teacher, tries to make medical appointments on his own time. UBut vv N utshell by Terri Winder its al- - y s possible. nca,i" he had a tooth he needed a break in half and dental appointment, quick. The first available one just happened to be at 10 a.m. two days later. He took it. And he since it was mid-mornin- g, substitute also got a half-da- y teacher to take his place. About the time he was leaving home to go to the dental office, his principal got a telephone call. If you think Mr. Winder is home sick, the caller complained, I want you to know he is out in his yard, whistling When I heard of the phone call, 1 couldnt help wondering why it is no one calls in when they see a teachers car parked school late weeknights and on Saturdays and Sun- at the days? Doesnt that raise any suspicions? One school teacher told me of a time she rushed to the store during her 15 minute lunch hour and encountered another shopper who de- manded, Shouldnt you be in school? She honestly answertd, Im using my lunch break to come to the store and spend my money on your children. Every occupation has its hazards. Perhaps the most difficult part of being a school teacher is being considered public property. School teacher names are household words - their reputations bandied about carelessly. I believe most parents appreciate and support their childrens teachers, but do we give the profession the credit and respect it deserves? A local principal commented that teachers will never receive respect for their profession as long as they continue e work in other to take areas. Thats a hard one. How does one support a family on a school teachers salary alone? In Utah, a teacher with a bachelors degree earns an average salary of $29,460. Any other Utahn with a bachelors degree earns an average salary of $41,281 (and, by the way, it now takes an average of five years college to obtain a teaching certificate). In Utah, a teacher with a masters degree earns an average salary of $36,203. Anyone else in Utah with a masters degree could expect to earn an average salary of part-tim- break its not necessarily vacation time. Most teachers spend much of their summer leave taking education classes and workshops, while catching up on the previous year and preparing for the coming year. Continued education is also part of the profession. For instance, right now the teachers in the San Juan School District need to be ESL certified. This requires 24 college credit hours - thats eight classes -and they are expected to take the coursework other current requirement, which entails an extensive year long training requiring 200 hours of inservice. Teachers also have to have detailed teachers teach. Do you remember what it felt like to learn to read and write, and to work numbers and think and signments, making things for their kids. I can say with absolute conviction that it is eve- nings and Saturdays. The teachers pay for the classes -about $210 each -out of their own pocket. CLIP - a reading program - is an- by 20 to 30 something kids, 34 hours a week. And a teacher must always be on guard against false perceptions - frivolous lawsuits are not uncommon. So, why does anyone even want to be a teacher? I can guarantee you its not for the summer break. I dont teach full time (I couldnt handle the pressure!), but I think I know the reason days or vacations. They can take up to three personal days of paid leave per year on approval. They dont get adequate prep time. They cant take time off to go support their own families in sports activities or programs and then make it up later. Every teacher I know spends their own money on student supplies. Every teacher I know spends hundreds ofextra hours after school time preparing their classrooms, grading as- creatively? I well remember the feeling of awe and self worth I felt when I discovered these things. I experience that same thrill over and over again as I see my students grasp the concepts I am trying to teach them. Knowledge is a wonderful, powerful thing, and it is a pure joy to share. impossible to be a good teacher working only 40 hours a week. With very few exceptions, every teacher I know regards each one of their students as a special charge, taking their role of mentor very seriously. They are lesson plans, which require about 30 minutes of planning and writing for every hour teaching. I once heard a school board member say that teachers shouldn't receive a salary commensurate with other professionals, because we like to $61,203. But what about all the time know they want to be a they get off, you may ask, no teacher bad enough theyll other profession gets a nine sacrifice to be there. Rest assured, teachers could week break. Thats true. No earn quite a bit more than other profession needs it. Do you remember how it they do now and still be makfeels to host a child's birthday ing sacrifices. One researcher discovered party? Now, increase your guest list to about 30 kids and that teachers in a regular nine make the party seven hours month school put in as much long and you have an idea work time as the average U.S. what its like to be a teacher -- worker does during twelve for 180 days out of the year. months. Teachers dont get paid holi When teachers take a summer at this time when So, totally responsible for the teacher salaries and school budgets are making head- their students - quite a heavy responsibility when multiplied ber: If you can read this, thank a teacher. lines, it may do well to remem- physical and mental welfare of Evening activities at Blanding School cluding loom and star weaving, marbleized paper, string A new set of evening activi- ties is starting at Blanding ementary School! They will be held on Thursdays from beginning March 2 and continuing until April 27 (no activities will be held on the Thursdays when there is no school). Students will have time for two activities each evening. Christine Stash will teach a class on Fun Foods in which students will make and eat a variety of healthy snacks. Ellarita Manheimer will arts and crafts activities in El- painting, tissue rubbings, origami, and bracelet making. The gym will also be open. Students who want to at- 6-7:- tend these activities need a Learning yellow After-schobook. They are Passport available at the school office and can be filled out by a parent or guardian to show that the child has permission to come to the activities. For further information, call Sheila Sakizzie at ol di-re- ct 678-232- 2. BUSIN ESSIDI B ECiTORYGIBUSIN ESSIDI R EGiTQRYi O REDD Hollingsworth LJ s Construction General Contractor MECHANICAL PLUMBING HEATING AIR CONDITIONING SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Michael W. Redd OwnerContractor 435-678-29- 61 New Home Construction CONNECTION rairie 435-587-29- Dawg per agreement Additions 81 S Remodeling Includes steel casket ABS vault 200 programs register book 50 thank you cards an transportation cost for funeral service with viewing and burial in any San Juan County $1995 plus tax on merchandise Southeast Utahs Complete Portable Toliet Service Sanitary Liquid Human Waste Hauling Septic Tank Maintenance Pumping cemeteries Mobile and Wheelchair Accessible Special Occasion Flushable Units Available CALL Moab, ALANS BODY SHOP I Complete auto body frame Most advanced paint system Windshield replacement rock chip repair 587-262- 3 or Monticello 877-419-07- 84 mMmmmmmammmmmmmamBmsm Brakes, Gasoline Alignments Service & Maintenance Tires. State-of-the-A- rt Safety Inspection & 1480 East Central fiBSS 435I2593?82Jax 800-847-26- 58 Quilting Many patterns available Specialty quilting, freehand designs are extra charge, : 68 PO Box 459 p & 217 N. 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