An ill wind is blowing in the capitol. West Virginia teachers, upset that they will not be getting a larger pay raise, are threatening to strike. I cannot fully express how much I disapprove.
It’s not that I do not agree with their arguments. Yes, teachers are paid dismally in this state. Yes, they deserve more than a measly 2% raise that does not even exceed the rate of inflation. Yes, they are highly educated professionals that have a direct impact on West Virginia’s future.
But no matter how valid their arguments are, one fact reigns supreme: West Virginia does not have the money.
Manchin’s modest 2.5% increase will push the government’s budget into the red by 2010; the more generous 4% rates proposed by the legislature will have the state in the red by 2009; and if the legislature passed the 6% increase demanded by the West Virginia Education Association, the state would be $141 million in debt by 1 July 2008.
It can be explained simply. For you mathematics teachers, the sum of the parts is not greater than the whole; for biology teachers, you cannot squeeze blood out of a turnip; for home economics teachers, there is only so much gravy; for gym teachers, you can’t make a fat kid run faster.
But all is not hopeless for the teachers. Their much deserved pay raises can happen when West Virginia increases its coffers. If teachers came en masse to the capitol to push for economic tax cuts that lure business back into our state and revives the economy, not only would a third of the legislature die of a heart attack (thus giving the teachers a little revenge), they would see their representatives responding.
When teachers strike the only ones who suffer are the students. It troubles me that a teacher would give their word to apply their skill knowing the pay rate and when all civil persuasion fails, break their promise to the state and their students and walk off the job.
That aside, it does no good to demand what the state does not have. While they are at it they might as well ask for pencils that never go dull. There is not one elected official that does not want to give the teachers their pay raise, but no amount of striking will create any additional revenue in our state.
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Comments
My wife and I were discussing this very topic last night. The students are the ones that suffer. They already suffer when the federal gov’t mandates how they are supposed to teach, and how much of this and that. And for me, it seems that the basic fundamentals (particularly in math) and not taight enough. They jump from one thing to another. In reading and spelling though, it’s the old tried and true, repeat-repeat-repeat, and the kids understand. So, if they want to strike about something, strike that they want their classrooms back, and not that they need another raise. I agree they are underpaid, but striking does not solve it. Quit voting in the idiots into office, and it’ll come.
Two things 1 I’m a teacher, but normally don’t agree with always asking for a payraise. However this time I feel it is needed. What aggravates me is the legislature voted themselves a pay raise. I know William you disagree, but the people in the legislature already have jobs. If I’m right with both raises(leg & Manchins proposal), a legislature will make as much in 2 months as teachers make in 5.
However what really bugs me, is the teachers generally keep endorsing and voting for the SAME legislators that keep shafting them. Instead of striking hit the legislature where they hurt and don’t put them in power next election, or at least don’t endorse them.
GOD BLESS
BUDDY
Yes you are right the students sure do suffer, but not in the way that you have discussed. They suffer from exhausted teachers who are working 2 and 3 jobs just to pay the bills. Look around you in the evening, they are in your fast food establishments, retail shops, call centers and anywhere else that they can pick up some extra cash. West Virginia teachers are among the most highly qualified, hardest working and over extended workers in the nation, yet they do not make enough to raise thier family or send thier own children to college. Sacrifice comes along with the job, but we no longer can do it to the expense of our own families.
As a teacher I wanted to say that we are highly qualified and deserving of decent salaries. However, in 5 years or so when most of these very qualified and experienced teachers retire, this state will be in a bind. No one that is highly qualified will come to this state to teach, look at the surrounding states pay. Furthermore, we as experienced professionals grow more concerned at the lack of good and effecrive substitutes that are available. It is frightening to watch some of these people that substitute in our schools; qualified or not. In a few years the children will really suffer due to the simple fact that you will get what you pay for. No excellent teacher will come to work in this state, and not many will stay here to work. Our state will see a big decrease in professionalism and ability of teachers to do the job effectively.
Your argument is not legitimate. Students will suffer if we do not improve the salary standards for teachers in this state. A 1 day walk out will NOT harm education in any way. Do NOT say that there is not enough money when the legislators voted themselves payraises of over $5,000 each! What about the money spent on the Governor’s Mansion? What about the BILLIONS (not millions) that is being made through the gambling in Wheeling and Charleston? You get what you pay for! No wonder all of the intelligent young people are leaving this state! There is no future here!
The money for a bigger raise would have been available if Manchin give a tax cut to businesses and reduced the food tax from 6% to 4% on the dollar. Manchin should make state employees salary competitive first…then make the tax cuts. If teachers in WV don’t get a more competitive raise soon…in 10 years High School will be taught by people with GED’s. WV will never fill the need for Highly quilified teachers……Don’t fall for the Manchin’s trap, he’s trying to say he’s done all he could…now the teachers and students must suffer.
Hi..from Arizona…
It makes me sad and sick that we teachers can’t even pay for gas to get to school to teach our children. What is wrong with this friggin country???????
We foreclosed….take one car to both (my husband and I ) to work, where I am dropped off at 4:00 in the morning.
I work in a portable with 30 students.
You know…I love these kids….apparently the good have to suffer.