We Talked To 18 Teachers In Oklahoma Calling It Quits (HBO)

[@VICENews]

"It's impossible to teach art on a $0 budget," a teacher told VICE News WATCH more OK teachers speak out here: bit.ly/2GwJlC8

[@fahimtajwar1989]

VICE News bathrooms with no doors? 1:11 You can babies. Carry on.

[@medmed-gp1wj]

The tittle of this video doesn't really match the weight of the content, to say that these teacher "Just Can't Anymore" implies a whiny and unappreciative tone to an otherwise well done piece of work. This looks like 4 or 5 people who don't get to do what they loved or love to do anymore, and it sounds like Vice is going "Pshh these guys am I right". Maybe consider re-uploading with a different tittle.

[@Rebelphoenix]

You create art out of materials you don't own. Big difference between that and trying to teach kids art and art history.

[@digdougx]

Tell these teachers to move to California. There is a huge teacher shortage here. We have funding issues but we pay our teachers fairly. Top tier in my district with a MA is nearly 100k (very common to go above due to stipends). My fiance is a 4th year with a BA and makes 70k.

[@TheShadowofDormin]

Too bad Americans think less taxes are always the answer but I live in Canada where just saying taxes, regulations, gun laws, free health care and and anti war reasonably isn't grounds to be un-Canadian but sadly I think trust in the government and getting strait facts from News and other sources are important in why things are the way they are. People come up with fake targets and sadly enough the people are stupid enough to fall for them or just don't care to change any thing.

[@jacobscanlon9311]

Eric Weingartner was my 4th grade teacher, and I was part of his first class as a teacher. I can honestly say that man had a larger impact on me and my development into adulthood than any other non-parental adult influence in my entire childhood. Quality teachers are severely undervalued.

[@andyramirez4881]

So many teachers

[@platinumpineapple9943]

Jacob Scanlon Whered you go

[@pauljeffers2501]

Why do you not contact your state representative and tell him/her that?

[@platinumpineapple9943]

Paul Jeffers because they excuse is “oh we dont have the money” When every other state doesnt really have a problem with it, its just oklahoma is just stupid in politics and education.

[@jacobscanlon9311]

Platinum Pineapple Vandever

[@davidhoward4715]

As a retired teacher, I would not advise any young person to go into the profession. Low pay, long hours and disrespect from administrators make the job intolerable.

[@geraldobrien7323]

15 years ago, my oldest son hinted that he would want to be a teach when he got older. I said, “Great! If it’s something you think you’ll love, do it. The pay isn’t the greatest, but it is such a satisfying job.”! Well, fast forward 15 years, he never ended up being a teacher (thank god), but my young daughter announced that she wants to major in education at college.I told her that if that’s what she really wants to do, fine, but I would not financially help her at all with her tuition. Anything to discourage her. It’s gotten that bad.

[@doesntmatter2505]

100% correct and one more I’d like to add.. lack of parent participation

[@TV-xv1le]

@James Kirk Bingo. On top of that you don't get 3 months off every year. Welcome to the real world.

[@gold9ja]

+David Howard smh thats sad

[@geraldobrien7323]

Natasel Sadly it’s also in well-off communities too. In these towns, the parents make a lot more than the those working in the classroom, so they develop a very condescending attitude that rubs off on the kids. These students can be just as difficult as their inner city counterparts.

[@jezebel324]

I left home in my late teens, I had just graduated, and I was running away from abuse. I had nowhere to go, so I was leaving the city, and I was going to say goodbye to my teachers but there was only Mr Hodson, a "part-time" teacher. We weren't really close. I told him what was happening anyway. He then locked up his classroom, bought me dinner, gave me cash, his home phone number, and drove me to my friends. He begged me to call if I needed help, but I never did; he was a brand-new parent. I knew he couldn't do anything more for me, but I NEVER forgot that kindness. They fired him later, among others, to make room in the budget. PAY your teachers.

[@RamMohammadJosephKaur]

Thats so sad. I hope he is well now.

[@mellyvflo]

If you're able to contact him, please do so! Teachers love hearing from former students 🥺❤️

[@jacquelinemariemedeiros8761]

What a wonderful post! Thank You!

[@amccoy6055]

A little late here but step one to paying teachers what they deserve is voting in people with the backbone to do it.

[@JulianSloman]

Society: "If they don't like the pay they should get a better job" Teachers: go a better job Society: "Wait, you can't just abandon the chiiiiildren"

[@sierrachoco5271]

Yup! 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@zephead843]

Why would a teacher look for a better job when they can just go on strike for even higher salaries like they do in Chicago? And Chicago teachers are the highest paid teachers in the entire country.

[@ashtastical2622]

If more teachers quit then the school system would be forced to do something. These people are brave and more teachers need to follow in their footsteps, for both the kids and themselves. They all deserve better.

[@luispinedo7337]

Teachers nationwide should go on strike. That way they can turn education into their private business. They think that’s the answer. Let’s test the waters. As a teacher, I would demand no less $150,000 (yes, that’s right). If they ain’t willing to pay, bye bye.

[@LancesArmorStriking]

@@zephead843 Chicagoans are paid well, relative to the rest of the country. Chicago is also a pretty expensive place You seem like the type of guy to ask why people with $200,000 are poor in LA?? ThEy hAvE sO mUcH mOnEy, ThOuGh!!

[@margaretjohnson6259]

NO GUILT. the teachers are saving their lives and that is fine.

[@sassymouth2056]

Exactly. There’s is nothing guilty about wanting a job that pays a decent wage. Zero.

[@justacinnamonbun8658]

A big shout out to Republicans that want to defund anything that doesn't have the name Jesus Christ in it.... and second shout out to Democrats that think everything can be fixed with more taxes, different taxes, creative taxes, higher taxes. Where's the money going guys?? Who do you work for?? When regular everyday people start to take over seats in the House and Senate like AOC.... please please PLEASE do not FUCKING COMPLAIN. Thank you.

[@RazorKane22]

No thanks

[@muhchung]

These selfless teachers were forced to be selfish, forced to put themselves before their students, and I guess that is where guilt came from.

[@BirdBotBoom]

Yes. It is a predatory system that relies on getting very well-intentioned and selfless people to work very hard for no pay...it is a system that relies on good people sacrificing themselves basically

[@user-nh7my6gg5b]

"....education?" *The U.S. government has left the chat*

[@holdmybeer]

10 years ago

[@ariasavirgo9171]

"I want to go and pay for college" *U.S. education:* "oh word?"

[@debramulis9413]

Education is done at the level, things started going downhill more was when George W. Bush started the no child left behind on the federal level.

[@5IvanDrago5]

YES, The Federal govt has alot to account for when it comes to schools. So does State and especially local in many cases. You can track that The Feds and the State have over and over seen tossing money at the schools as a solution to failing student performance. It is not a money issue, but where that money goes. Administrators that are in way higher tax brackets then tenured teachers is one thing. However, when medium sized schools have a Superintendent making 350K a year and that Superintendent has 6 Assistant Superintendents all making 100K a year, yet teachers are making 24-32. Dont forget the 4 million dollar football filed and Football Coach that also supervises two periods of study hall making 150K a year. I mean honestly what the hell does a Assistant Superintendent even do?

[@HunkMine]

It's actually funded on a state level

[@nkwari]

This happens when all the legislators have all their kids in private school.

[@elizabeth1703]

Can't you vote for people who care about public education? Isn't that America. You vote for what you want? Vote them out and vote people who support the public education system in.

[@argadargad9128]

@CoilsFit4aQueen I know it might be annoying when non Americans argue with Americans about American affairs, but if you don't like your "mayor of ur state", why don't u vote for someone else. i.e every "mayor/representative/... Etc." will have a sheet of what will they do and vote for someone else. It is like trying a restaurant u like it keep eating in it, u don't find another restaurant

[@leonidassabr9197]

Or they homeschool

[@usucktoo]

@End_Sensorship Ahhhh. I see the cause of the problem has shown itself. People like you. Who root for terrible politicians who only care for profit and not people. You are the problem. Not the teachers. You. Don't blame anyone and everyone else, especially the teachers. YOU are the spoiled baby. YOU are the problem. YOU

[@brianc8821]

@End_Sensorship I agree with USUCKTOO. Elitists like you with your divisive, anger-fueled perspectives... that's the purest form of evil. To look upon others and see anything but yourself. You need a heaping helping of empathy, three scoops of humility, and a few round trip plane tickets to impoverished third-world countries. Improve.

[@usuckthereturn]

I will never forget what I was told by a school administrator regarding being a teacher, “I can get anyone to teach your class!” How’s that working out?!

[@jacobgann621]

Woah, I'm from oklahoma and Debbie Baker was one of my teachers. She was one of my favorite teachers. This heartbreaking.

[@nadadealer4435]

jacob gann she seems so sweet. This is awful..

[@bearswithglasses]

If you're registered to vote in OK, don't feel bad, do something about this. Call your state representatives. Call your congresspeople and senators. Leave messages. Send e-mails. Tell your friends to do the same. This stops only when there is enough political pressure to change.

[@Sasukeitachifan415]

Ahhh Ms Baker was one of my teachers too and watching her in this broke my heart. 😭💔 She and Mr. Z are amazing!!! 💙💙💙💙

[@LyteGamingLG]

Damn guys now I feel even worse try to help her contact her just to talk maybe

[@jacobgann621]

@Biggus Dickus What are you basing this claim on?

[@TheGt3456]

They shouldn’t feel guilty for leaving a job that clearly doesn’t appreciate them. At a certain point you gotta take care of yourself first and your family before others.

[@jiujitsu1129]

The average teacher wage in Oklahoma is 46,300 thats a few hundred dollars less that the national average. They also have three months off every year so they are working way less than 40 hours a week on average. They are brats. I’m glad they are quitting they should be educating our children.

At what point do you guys get that they're not worth being paid? Now also this has always bee an issue.Look at whose running your state..More than likely its a democrat...hahaha Clearly your tax dollars aren't going where they're supposed to but you're all democrats and hey all democrats are honest...hahha I so love this.Keep falling apart states with democrat leaders...

[@zephead843]

Except no one's leaving. Teachers quitting their nine month, get paid for twelve month jobs is an urban myth perpetuated on an unsuspecting public financed by the radical left wing of the Democrat Party.

[@morrisoniice]

@@zephead843 well keep believing in that myth because you may shake your head and you have no teachers left with an attitude like that.

[@zephead843]

@@morrisoniice Well, last time I checked America had 3.2 million public schoolteachers on its payroll. I think we're good. No teacher shortages. And BTW, teachers rarely quit. They almost always retire. The disgruntled teachers who's "had it" with teaching is an urban myth perpetuated by the teachers unions, the education lobby in Washington, and the radical left wing of the Democrat party. If that's you in the thumbnail, (and why wouldn't it be) you are ridiculously cute, so I am wishing you a safe and Happy New Year.

[@popke62]

As a teacher in the Netherlands I can not understanding that education is so low on the ladder. I wish you all the luck and succes in your lives

[@jeromesims]

lol...that's funny. If this comment is for real and you are a teacher in the Netherlands then you'll appreciate some help with your language. "I can not understanding" should be "I cannot understand"....oh, and bragging doesn't translate well in english. lol I wonder how many videos about failing education systems I can find with comments from Dutch people saying, "I can not understanding the education there." Maybe watching documentaries about bad education systems around the world is a popular pastime in the Netherlands? lol

[@koenkeep]

@@jeromesims Maybe he/she is a maths teacher. He didn't brag. If you have a problem with other countries judging how you perform the basic functions a society should provide, i would say, that boat has sailed a long time ago.

[@oOo-dj7pt]

@MR-FREEZE 98 You're right but also wrong, blm aren't terrorists, lady

[@asylum2200]

@@jeromesims Go learn Dutch and have perfect grammar, shut up when the guy is hoping them "luck and success" in their lives, and let people watch what they want to watch on KZbin.

[@jeromesims]

@@asylum2200 Yes, people should be able to whatever they want shouldn't they? And let me ensure I understand my tasks as dictated by yourself; 1. Learn Dutch 2. Perfect grammar 3. Shut up 4. Let people do whatever they want. Got it! hahahaha

[@maranatha256]

I could teach without funding...and I did....spent my own money....What I couldn't handle was the workload, the blame game, entitled parents and kids, dangerous classrooms, ungratefulness for your free donated time, snacks, supplies, after school mentoring, and administrators who throw you under the bus at every opportunity. Retired now and wondering why I stayed so long.

[@elizabeth1703]

I feel like the focus should be on improving the quality of the job. Like not giving teachers a class size that is literally unrealistic to manage. Why is no one voting for tax money to be given to public education?

[@craigathonian5755]

WOW, Mara natha thank you for your service ! I had a number of friends teaching in the Philly area school system that had the same experience. They all quite and moved away to go on to better things. Sad for us here, but happy for them !

[@samaguga]

I encourage all the new teachers I meet to head for Asia or international schools. I got 18/40 work hours for planning, classes capped at 16 students, nearly unlimited funding for supplies, modern technology and materials in the classroom, support from administrators and parents with behavioral issues,....and I also got paid 50% more than in the States.

[@9999plato]

@@elizabeth1703 The problem is that paying extra money into the system DOES NOT translate into improved learning or grades. Because the system pretty much guarantees that everybody must pass it lowers the bar to the lowest possible level. In NC they actually pass sample tests around to teachers and teachers strike test questions off because they know their kids cant answer the questions. In the end the standardized tests are a joke. Lets leave the new teaching methods aside, poor as they are. Kids are being taught the tests instead of teaching the subjects as they used to do. I'm kind of a old fart at 55 but when I went to school the teacher taught the subjects and there were standardized tests. When my daughter went to a Christain school for 5 years the Principal also felt the best way to educate the children was to simply teach the subject well and parents to make sure the kids did their homework. Nobody had any problems with the same standardized testing that the public school students had to take. They were just average kids learning out of normal textbooks. No Ipads, No Common Core Standards but the kids had no issues learning. The teachers were not well paid but they had students that were expected to do their work so teaching was not like pulling teeth and they had much higher job satisfaction. Why? They had some measure of control over their classroom. There was discipline in the school. Kids that were disruptive, failed to apply themselves, parents that failed to keep their kids on track simply did not stay around for long. The school had standards. If you could not maintain these minimal standards you can go to the zoo in the public school and graduate while being a functional idiot. The tuition was around $475 a month, so lets say around 5K a year. NYC Public Schools Spent $24,109 Per Pupil; But 72% Not Proficient in Reading, 72% Not Proficient in Math. If spending money on Public Schools means better outcomes then these kids should be in Mensa. www.cnsnews.com/news/article/terence-p-jeffrey/no-1-nyc-public-schools-spent-24109-pupil-72-not-proficient-reading When Public schools go back 50-70 years and begin teaching Reading Writing and Arithmetic along with Sciences and History things will improve. Stop teaching the test. When discipline is restored things will improve. I think paddling and other corporal punishment can be very effective tools (they were a tool available to the Principal but never used, detention often was sufficient to get kids attention). Students who cant cope can go to special schools for people who are not scholasically minded or schools for the chronically stupid and violent. There are definitly students like this everywhere and the rest of the kids should never have to suffer because of a few jackasses. Segregate the trash early after counseling their parent(s) giving them every opportunity to get their act together. It's pretty clear that the public schools effectiveness has fallen dramatically in the last 50 years. We only need to look at what has changed to see where the problems lie. Set standards. Make parents part of the learning team making them responsible for their kids education. Fail students who dont apply themselves and cannot meet the minimum standards. No exceptions. No social promotion, No political correctness. Schools are for learning the curiculum, not the center for indoctrination or diversity training. The only thing that should determine your worth and standing is your hard work and ethics, not the color of your skin nor your sexual preferences because nobody really cares. It's about learning. Well, it should be. Sadly I doubt that public education will ever be as good as it was in the past and the country will suffer because of it.

[@falconeddie4109]

@@elizabeth1703 Because the teachers won't see a dime of that tax money, the Department of Education (both on fed and state level) squander the money on useless stuff (usually pertaining high stakes testing), they blow so much money on: useless curriculums, computer programs, learning strategists (75K average salary), admin (six figure salary), huge salaries to superintendents and all their cronies who have 9-5 pm office jobs. Lastly, the US is funding the education of millions of non English speaking students, and it feels we should be bending over backwards (spending millions on accommodations for people who don't speak English). It's time to cut the fat, starting w/ the useless people at the top.

[@jsizzlesaurusrex]

Let us not forget how Betsy Devos asked for a 9 billion dollar cut to the education fund. She wasn't prompted for a cut, she just didn't feel that the department of education needed that 9 billion.

[@GermanCricket13]

OOf I remember that. Didn't we get a 3 Billion dollar cut like a few years ago?

[@jreifsnyder2225]

The US is 21 trillion $$ in debt - that's $67,000 each American owes the government - collect that money and you can get your 9 billion $$$

[@Germgeuse]

J Reifsnyder or we could stop spending so much money on the military.

[@matthew7693]

@@jreifsnyder2225 This is a joke the national debt is not like your mortgage it is to other countries that are also in debt to other countries which all rely on world trade, all nations are in debt except three and they are small islands with little inhabitants china, for example is 36 trillion in debt. If any country were to try and claim a loan it would collapse the world economy.

[@zephead843]

jsizzlesaurusrez- The last thing public education needs is more $$$. Those shitbirds can't properly account for the billions they're already getting.

[@RowantarotBlogspot]

Everyone's face lights up when they describe their new jobs. That says a lot. Also...everyone talks about 'guilt'. Teaching, like so many helping professions, attracts people with a pattern of codependency. We put others first and allow ourselves to be taken advantage of. I was a teacher for 15 years. The best thing I ever did was leave. Until the situation changes, I cannot recommend the profession to anyone.

[@tori2dles]

I didn’t see faces light up. I saw a lot of sorrow and sadness. A few are getting decent job options, but not all. I did see the guilt.

[@tailsntrails]

I couldn’t agree more. Left teaching this year after 12 years

[@shelbyanne1031]

my entire dream growing up was to be a teacher. I love kids and helping them understand the world around them, so it was so painful to grow up and watch the profession I looked up to fall between the cracks. Teachers are the backbone of this country and I would love to be one. But I've sadly had to reconsider and look at it logically. I'll hopefully be going to law school in the coming years and the only people I have to thank are my teachers (and of course my parents haha)

[@styvepeabodyiv5234]

like social work

[@moniqueloomis9772]

And once you've worked through your codependency and have the audacity to stand up for yourself, a target is on your back. 😫😠😭

[@coles4029]

I was a freshman in high school when this walkout happened, and I will never forget how the government treated my teachers that year. I had never seen such blatant disdain expressed so openly, much less against a group of people so essential to our society. Watching my teachers leave and move on to other careers was very sad. Especially since so many of them had a passion for their students and wanted to see us succeed. I hope all of these teachers found paths that brought them happiness. Their efforts in the classroom were not forgotten.

[@undercover1921]

Don’t feel guilty! You have done nothing wrong but trying to do the best for yourself. You let no one down. You have been let down by the government

[@karenhargis3682]

dz nuts let down by the families of these children. These teachers are rated by their performance and kids meeting the state standardized testing that helps keep teachers employed

[@undercover1921]

Pretty hard to teach with no resources. Its a perpetuating circle which will grind anyone down.

[@dyscea]

I've seen ppl who stay at their sucky job bc of guilt. An events director would take less money at a better place if he hadn't been working with clients' weddings a year ahead. Didn't want to disappoint them.

[@victor9]

Just tell US government there is oil in the classroom! That funding will come real quick.

[@BlasianBobbi215]

victor 91 Oil, undocumented immigrants, women needed abortions, a gay couple wanting to marry, a couple atheists....

[@brad349miller]

victor 91 federal government spent 15.4 billion in education in 2017. money isn’t going to fix it. you might as well set the cash on fire because you’re getting the same return on your investment. STOP THROWING MONEY AT THE PROBLEM. iiiiiiiiittttttts nnnnnnnnooooooottt wooooooooooooorking

[@patriotretiree903]

School districts are receiving more than enough funding. The funding never reaches the classrooms. It is spent on administrative "seminars" and pet projects. Much of it just disappears.

[@LaFemme560]

Dana Exactly. Its the school districts themselves that are hurting teachers.

[@trollpikken6907]

@@LaFemme560 Guess you don't know how much education cost... The US spent an incredibly low amount of money but considering you have the highest illiteracy rate in the west it is understandable.

[@genoinjian7729]

Thank you for all your hard work teachers. America and it’s people need to change this and take care of those teaching our kids or it will fail.

[@mr.glitterlungs6796]

Teachers are basically overpaid baby sitters.

[@Guerrilla727]

Too late America is failing

[@zamami]

@@mr.glitterlungs6796 i dare you to teach for one week and then call us babysitters

[@zephead843]

PRO TIP : It's been failing in earnest for forty years.

[@zephead843]

rebe brke- With birth rates trending downward in Central America, there are actually LESS people coming to America and MORE people choosing to go back home among those that have come here.

[@nojburns]

This is why I left teaching in Ohio. I've lived in Abu Dhabi for 5 years. I've traveled to 9 different countries, flown home regularly to see family and friends, and have saved enough to buy a small house mortgage free. I'll never teach in America again.

[@shc9535]

This comment. Right here.

[@curiousing]

@Jonathan Burns I taught in American universities for about 10 years. Was going to become a professor but after my third year in my doctoral program, decided no way. Went and taught in Kenya and it was a totally different experience. Students wanted to learn. They were so grateful for anything you taught them. They showered me with presents when I left. Teaching American students is a thankless job. If we all refused to do it, things would change.

[@jones2277]

i have a friend who did the exact thing. Worked in Abu Dhabi for a few years, saved up enough to pay off his private school student loans and make up a down payment for a house. he is stateside again, but only because his wife wanted to be closer to family since they're starting their family.

[@RMatt2016]

@@jones2277 Ironically, try being an Indian or Filipino and teach in the UAE. You won't get the same salary. Actually you likely won't get employment in the same school white westerners teach. Source: Indian family who has lived in the Arabian Gulf since the 60s

[@jones2277]

@@RMatt2016 Ironically, he's Filipino, but he looks Chinese and sounds American. Maybe that helps.

[@ems.sharon]

One time my family and I were at a local restaurant, and our server had a little kid tagging along with her. As she is taking our order she turns and said something like, "oh i'm a teacher and this is one of my students." I thought this was absolutely crazy that this woman had to work two jobs especially when she is a teacher.

[@Warhammer820]

Emma Sharon a lot of it is where the teacher lives as well. I teach PE and my wife is a waitress at a Thai restaurant. In my city we have a decent 3 bedroom house in the best school zone in the district and we have a daughter. We aren’t living the high life, but we are comfortable. I don’t have to have 2 jobs to support my family since my wife has a job as a waitress, but if she wasn’t working I would need a second job.

[@bearswithglasses]

@@Warhammer820 It largely depends on where you are. Not all states designate equal funding to teachers, but by and large, teachers are still drastically underpaid. I'm from NYC and there's no way I could even try to take a job there. I would have to live in a tiny apartment with 20 people or live with my parents until retirement (I've been a teacher for 15 years so you can do the math there). I moved out to Montana only to find that it's exactly the same there. My friends in CO, CA, and WA all say the same thing. None of us will be able to have kids because none of us can afford to live on our own, even with a partner, much less raise the money needed to nurture a child. It's dire. Part of the problem is that my generation is making 30% less than our parents across all fields, and one the fields where this discrepancy is disparate is education.

[@Warhammer820]

Bears With Glasses of course, that’s exactly what I said in my first sentence. My district doesn’t pay great if someone from the outside is looking in, but if you are aware of the costs here then you’d realize that you would be fine. If your spouse was also a teacher here then you would really not have much to worry about financially.

[@leiajiang7877]

And babysit a student

[@zephead843]

@@bearswithglasses You've been teaching for eighteen years, congratulations. In twelve years you can retire. I'm guessing you're about 39 yo. Go ahead and have some kids, you've got health insurance coming out of your ears. You can afford it.

[@rayamat01]

I was a custodian for 3 years. Once we didn't get a raise but the director of buildings and grounds got a $30,000 bonus I walked and never looked back.

[@leiajiang7877]

I wrote a poem for my jr high school custodian, i agree that they are underappreciated.

[@TV-xv1le]

School custodians should be paid a lot more than they get on average. In NY you might start out at around 35k-50k as a custodian depending on the district. After ~10 years your making maybe 55-60k. I have done everything from clerical to security to part time custodian when I was younger in school districts. We had a superintendent making 500k+ a year, his 3 assistants making over I believe around 200-250k each, teachers making 120k but the average custodian making maybe 45-50k. 4 people in administration made as much money as nearly all the custodians in the district combined (maybe around 25). It's a lot of work especially over the summer. One thing I will say is the amount of money thats thrown in the garbage in NY in terms of administration is absolutely unreal. We are talking millions just for administration. Then people want to know why their property taxes are so high in NY. Pure corruption. All these worthless assistants to the superintendent and their assistants to the assistants then backup assistants need to be cut from the payroll.

[@NichoTBE]

5 jobs between 2 people is crazy... in any country nevermind the US.

[@elissa3188]

It is - and I know many teachers work 2 jobs (I was a teacher and always managed without working a second job- though it got tight)... but I kind of have to wonder how they are budgeting their money- because usually when you put 2 teacher's together there salary is pretty livable - even if they are making 30,000 ... that would bring a joint salary up to 60,000 - where maybe 1 extra job might be nice - but should be sufficient. The biggest expense is usually mortgage/rent... so that is always easier with 2 people.

[@cemmvids]

@Alex Ragna I think when you throw in children $80,000 disappears real fast. It's a large enough income that there's no government assistance for things like housing and food (not that the US gives much in that sense if you are poor) and then if you had, say, 3 children, which is pretty normal in the US, it starts getting a bit tight. Especially if you think about saving money for three children's college account for US tuition. Additionally, may have up to four parents (two for each teacher) to take care of, if they're retirement age or have medical expenses or assisted living expenses that go beyond medicare.

[@junkdubious]

“A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” - Mahatma Gandhi

[@bert8819]

Biggus Dickus it still applies to almost every country tho

[@pasteldreams5413]

@@bert8819 Nah, it applies to every country, and everyone. You will know a person's true self by how they treat those that are beneath them.

[@wasimmomin1128]

Chris Brown as an Indian it makes me very happy to know the thoughts of sir Gandhi has influenced you in a positive way!

[@beowulf555]

@@wasimmomin1128 Ghandhiji wasn’t given a Knighthood.

[@dennismarfo3536]

The Scandinavian countries are a proof to Ghandi's statement .

[@leethefixitman7530]

It really hit me when she said " I will make 3 times more in China" !? Wake up America! This seems to be the way today for most workers, pay them very low, work them very hard and hope they quit so we dont have to pay them retirement.

[@befree3206]

Chinese and Asians in general are very intelligent! I’m sure they value good teachers more.

[@sparklej1142]

Germans revere their teachers too.

[@neuralmute]

Most countries with educated populations who value intelligence also value teachers highly. You can see where America's priorities are right here.

[@Longmachao]

They're only making three time more because they're "westerner". Being a white teacher in a developing country give you a lot of creditbility. Having a light skin foreign teacher is a sign of wealth and status. The only downside is you have to live there.

[@val5995]

@@Longmachao Lol. I think you will be mind fucked to know that Asian countries pour a lot of money into education. We don't fund wars.

[@Jai_BestLife]

I'm originally from Oklahoma, and this has been coming for many years. Oklahoma's government had been stealing from Education for so long. The only thing that will be left is meth. No joke. 😐

[@lukelim5094]

and yet people kept on voting the same party for decades. Why? You dont even have to vote democrats. Like if anyone were serious they would have start their own party and run on these issues. But whatever, third party are losers and a waste of vote. Thats what i call an self fulfilling prophecy.

[@DapperCracker512]

Selling meth is way more profitable than teaching to be fair.

[@alexc2265]

Luke Lim Yes, self-fulfilling prophecy. A lack of a strong education system harms the faculty of reason in its people.

[@nickl5658]

Given Chinese made fentanly, even US meth labs might be driven out of business.

[@danpatrick24]

Really proud of all the teachers who made a tough decision, bossed up, and walked into new positions!

[@terriej123]

Channel Daniel seriously? That’s your reaction to this?

[@danpatrick24]

terriej123 This video is about these teachers. They were all in tough situations that were damaging them psychologically, financially, and emotionally. They made decisions that were best for them, their careers, and their families.

[@themaggattack]

Channel Daniel No shit Sherlock. But the point is that they shouldn't have had to leave teaching. They didn't even want to, they just had to. I'm sad for them and for the children who are getting shit on a stick from fat cat legislators.

[@danpatrick24]

WhatAWorld Good for you!!! We could spend all day talking about what could be or what should be. My comment is about their current reality. And many of them continued teaching, just in different places.

[@meganh9460]

+Penny Proud Its the equivalency to an abusive relationship. Are the people that leave those bosses?

[@RS-uz3ud]

No guilt! When you are 70 and stuck in a nursing home, the students, parents or administrators will not foot the bill. Your students will move on and so should you and continue to do good work.

[@CHLOCHLOLP]

damn thats a good way to put it

[@ellarogers4628]

I'm a junior in high school in Oklahoma and in the last two years I have lost 5 of my teachers and I see why, once I graduate I'm out of here

[@zephead843]

You say you've lost five of your teachers. Are you sure they haven't retired? Pro tip: teachers never, ever leave their jobs without first retiring.

[@hayrayisfresh]

I live in oklahoma. Conservatives are poison to america. Every conservative ive met in oklahoma that has left changes. They see how backwards it is. That truck and white picket fence keeps them content and ignorant

[@breynoso19]

@@zephead843 That's not true. I'm a teacher. Most teachers now leave within the first 5-10 years.

[@zephead843]

@@breynoso19 No, they don't. All due respect, save the propaganda for someone who hasn't yet "pulled back the curtain."

[@breynoso19]

@@zephead843 You've pulled back nothing as is evidenced by your ignorant statements. You just like to push buttons because it makes you feel "special" and important. You're just a sad person.

[@Mckinley-mick]

Mrs. O’Donnell, she was a wonderful teacher of mine. It’s so sad to see the people you love and respect go through this.

[@darthmom1019]

For the teachers I know, it's not just a money issue ... it's a student & parent PROBLEM. More & more teachers are having to not just teach the "basics" or curriculum, they are having to deal with cussing, yelling, fights, horrid attitudes from both students AND their parents, and finally, sexual harassment from students. Yes, that DOES happen! There's a clear lack of respect for people, including teachers.

[@darthmom1019]

@End_Sensorship - I'm no more a fool than the next person; yourself included. It's not a "one-size fits all" problem & therefore, there is not a "one-size fits all" solution.

[@kevinc9065]

@@darthmom1019 My experience and why I left is nothing like you claim. The students and parents is why I stuck with it as long as I did. The end of the day I couldn't afford to be a teacher and had no life. No free time, no vacation, and lucky if I ever got to retire. Moved on.

[@darthmom1019]

@@kevinc9065 - so it's partially about the money and all the extra time spent outside of class? My friend who teaches in Central Texas says something similar about the time part. Pay isn't too bad, but he & his family are penny pinchers and he gets a retirement check from the military (he served over 20 years). Plus, he's not in a major city nor on the East or West coasts where the cost of living is higher. You must've been in a good school district if you didn't have any problems with students or their parents. That's always a plus. 👍

[@kevinc9065]

@@darthmom1019 I never said it didn't have any problems. It was still a good district for many reasons and my future if I stayed there was still bleak at best.

[@AM.000]

@D G because they need to work second third fourth jobs during all of their time off. They are not paid for their time off. Oklahoma teachers only earn 2200 a month during the months they do work. And according to one speaker, wages have only gone up $300 since the 90s.

[@navinwelborn4514]

As a kid I didn't realize what my teachers had to go through in order to keep the classroom going. Now as an adult I see many teacher's buying school supplies out of their own pocket. You are appreciated and seen 🙌

[@courteneyclark5626]

I was going to school to be a teacher when my own teacher said the turnover rate is about 40% in the first 3 years of teaching, and you should expect to work over 50 hours the first few years. And they have among the lowest job satisfaction. I am no longer studying to be a teacher.

[@Dylan-ni9my]

Vegan Things Sad!

[@Dylan-ni9my]

Beepis Room Exactly! So glad this horrible person decided NOT to become a teacher :)

[@ralphturner267]

@@GrimmityGrimace Teaching should be attracting the best and brightest with a variety of motivations so that our students have the best teachers. Look at the teachers in the video in mid-career with families to support, do you think our schools are better off without them as well? The goal is to help our kids, teaching shouldn't be martyrdom and schools should be the best places in our communities!

[@courteneyclark5626]

@@GrimmityGrimace I wanted to be a teacher because I love English. But editors are happier and treated better, so I'm doing that instead. I never mentioned anything about the money. Are you sure you should be a teacher yourself? Your retention seems lacking.

[@valeriaco6017]

Everyone simply has a different motivation to do things. It shouldn't always be about the money but if it is a factor that's understandable.

[@Vain202version2]

America’s priorities in general aren’t in the right place. The politicians for years have been running our country to the ground one student at a time. It’s not the teachers fault.

[@unremarkable3913]

Run this as an ad in Oklahoma. It will not get the attention it needs if you do not.

[@XManium]

And who is going to pay for that exactly?

[@leiajiang7877]

Ad not add

[@bertwershington1087]

This country is headed for scary times. It's not like we haven't earned it.

[@pasteldreams5413]

I mean, we're only a disaster or two away from fascism, and the behavior of all the greedy rich people has truly gotten out of hand. But like in all things, once we hit rock bottom, we will only go up. I foresee a bright future beyond the horizon, and that future is borne on the backs of our youth. We're going to turn this country upside down.

[@bertwershington1087]

@@pasteldreams5413 Pastel Dreams indeed.

[@johnsmith6974]

@@pasteldreams5413 Hahahahhahahah what will you do vote? Hahahahahh. So pick the millionaire who will pretend to care. Maybe Bernie Sanders hahahahahh. Listen kid. Listen good here's how things actually change in this country, money, blood, and cold steel. The country was made because it was cheaper to revolt then to continue paying British taxes. Taxes that were justified because the British told the Colonists. "Don't start settling out west to Ohio or such, we told the Natives and the French we would respect their borders." Well that didnt happen so yeah the French and Indian war became a thing that Britian had to fight and all the while british subjects back home got nothing for the war only the colonists won. So again britain raised taxes, Americans got pissed and so we revolted based on money. The American Civil war was an example of how freedom doesn't exist. The North tried to keep a balance of power between Free and Slave states. However Slave states quickly outnumbered Free states. The North was so against Slavery that they completely ignored the rights of multiple states that out numbered the vote and just made slavery illegal. So the south declared independence and the North decided to declare war. Blood became the second piece of American history as a war raged that bankrupted the nation after the war, hell J.P Morgan bailed out the country because the Civil War cost the nation too much. The third founding was with cold steel, the Battle of Athens, Tennessee. I bet they never taught you that. After WW2, American G.I.s in Athens were greeted to such a corrupted town that the citizens and former soldiers took up arms to revolt against the police and mayor and then using the second amendment, they restored the other Admendments that they lost. So again you need money, blood and cold steel if you want change.

[@zephead843]

We're in worse shape now than we were during the Great Depression, because unlike those days, we're $25 trillion in debt. But I guess everything's okay since Nancy Pelosi said to come to Chinatown and enjoy yourself.

[@sierrachoco5271]

It's beyond scary times!

[@CelticSparrows]

I’m a substitute teacher for five districts (covering more than 12 campuses, grades K-12). The single biggest problem is student discipline. Handling over 30 students per class, with few of them having any respect for adults or real interest in learning, is pretty freaking tough. I can’t IMAGINE doing this as a full-time career. I’m going back to my field in January.

[@ysf-psfx]

Adults set the tone for discipline, not children. The fault lies with parents and faculty, but faculty is spread so thin they have no more time for discipline.

[@sierrachoco5271]

@Leonardo Hang You got that right!

[@CMM726]

I think a lot of that stems from the breakdown of the family unit. If dad’s working two jobs to pay alimony and child support and moms working two jobs and still can’t make ends meet, kids are left with neighbors or grandparents and the tv is watching them. Or they’re running the street. It’s very sad but economic problems can make it difficult to parent effectively. Even if both parents are married but busy working insane hours just to get by, it doesn’t work!

[@troytieszen797]

Watching to the end. You didn't fail..the system failed you.

[@NekoMouser]

So many talented teachers walking out of the classrooms. Truly depressing times. That last line was so telling.

[@zephead843]

Teachers walking out of classrooms...? I've never seen it happen. Teachers typically end their teaching careers through retirement, not by walking away prematurely. Which begs the question, could this be a propaganda piece? What with CGI , blue screens, and Sandy Hook, there's really no way to know for certain what the media is showing us anymore.

[@jonguyen100]

@@zephead843 No one believes you. Leave.

[@mitchelltyner5670]

@@zephead843 The turn over rate, federally, in the first 3 years is over 40% That is the stats. So meh with what you said.

[@bri-chimchimcher-ee6955]

@@zephead843 I was considering entering college to become a teacher, but every single teacher I spoke to at my school advised ms against it. They loved their students, but the job was incredibly soul-sucking & they spent so much of their own $$ on supplies. I could see their kindness and heart but also a sort of tired, defeated air about them

[@zephead843]

Bri- Take a good, hard look at the total compensation package before you decide. I find it hard to believe that every single teacher you spoke to advised you against a career in education.

[@jones2277]

On top of all this, teachers are expected to give up their lives to protect their students from an active shooter.

[@jones2277]

@Daniel Feeley, dear, what are you talking about?

[@jones2277]

@mushroom huh?

[@zephead843]

The teacher in Ulvalde (?) went out to her Subaru Forrester to get her phone and didn't lock the door. That's how the shooter got in.The teachers union goons worked out a deal with the A.G. to gloss it over, but yeah, that's what happened. Gotta keep those doors locked at all times teachers, this ain't rocket science. The 1950's are over, this ain't "Happy Days" any more. America is quickly becoming a third world country. When the money runs out America will officially be a third world country.

[@jones2277]

@@zephead843 that can't be blamed on her. the doors at the schools in my district lock behind you.

[@zephead843]

@@jones2277 She kept the door open with the built-in doorstop, knowing she'd be right back. That version of the story did break, but her union "memory holed" it, knowing she'd be fired and perhaps prosecuted. The liberal media immediately changed the narrative before anyone was the wiser.

[@876tisha]

I am a teacher and I completely understand. When I first started teaching I was making 37,000 dollars. Now I make 46,000 and it is still not enough!!!! Cost of living is so high in Florida. Even if I go back to get my masters I will only be making about 49,000s 🤦‍♀️

[@VinhLe-bi4zh]

but you get summers off right? but yeah 49k with a masters seems low

[@Cat-mn9zh]

@@VinhLe-bi4zh seems low lol? Most people with masters make over 60,000 many make 70-80,000 as a starting salary so it is a horrible salary for that amount of education.

[@MonkeyDLuffy-gd6se]

I mean a lot of masters here in the netherlands will be making roughly 36 to 50k dollars per year. USA isnt all that bad lol

[@MonkeyDLuffy-gd6se]

Also average teacher here makes 45k dollars/year

[@KS-cl8br]

@@MonkeyDLuffy-gd6se u have health care though

[@Justbrowsing2023]

This is absolutely heartbreaking. I'm a teacher and I work 3 jobs. I cannot survive solely on my teacher pay and I am single without children. Teachers are packing up by the thousands, and those left behind face increased class sizes to make up for the deficit. The teacher pay is just one facet of why educators are leaving. The lack of respect for the profession as well as the increased dangers (school shootings, fights, etc) are the reason that fewer people are choosing to go into education.

[@Jside68]

It's crazy to think that in Canada my GF makes close to 100k teaching... what is going on in the US??

[@MilkshakeCowboy]

@@bloomy1274 I have this question too. I am a single mother (2 children) I make $37,000 annually at one job. I am able to feed, cloth, house and have a little extra to do things. I own a car, pay insurance, gas and other bills on time. I don't have student loans. So I am curious as to why so many teachers have to work more than one job especially when there are two adults in the household who work or no children. I want to transition into being a teacher so I am trying to figure this out not judging people. I do think there are improvements needed and higher pay and funding is necessary but I am genuinely confused as to why teachers are working 2-5 jobs when average teach salary is 40K and up?

[@evanbrown2594]

Funding per student is about the same, I suspect a great deal of waste in the way it is spent.

[@KabbaModern03]

Damn I didn’t know teachers were working two jobs!!! Damn smh. People in power doing us all dirty.

[@kyndread71]

They really are doing us dirty, and it's not just one particular political party. Wanna see something really sickening? Look at how much money goes to school district administrators -- the people at the top of the food chain.

[@chaist94]

Almost every teacher i know has at least one outside job.

[@AnaDiaz-wz4cf]

Haven't you ever watched breaking bad? Walter worked at the car wash.

[@alexandria4401]

Oh yeah definitely

[@NekoMouser]

You didn't? Almost all my teachers worked two jobs and that was in the early 90s. I can't imagine how humiliating it must have been to try to be seen as wise and in charge and a leader in the classroom only to run in to your kids outside the classroom later that night while stocking shelves at Blockbuster, selling cologne at the mall, or delivering a pizza to their house as your second job (and yes, i had teachers with all those second jobs).

[@thebubblesfunshow5532]

At my high school, every year, two to three teachers leave. Most of the teachers I had for freshman and sophomore year are gone, for this reason. It’s really sad, and I hope educators become more valued.

[@xozummer]

wow Mrs. Patrick was my kindergarten teacher, now I'm 20 and halfway through college.

[@bearswithglasses]

If you're registered to vote in OK, don't feel bad, do something about this. Call your state representatives. Call your congresspeople and senators. Leave messages. Send e-mails. Tell your friends to do the same. This stops only when there is enough political pressure to change.

[@lil_jennyy]

Biggus Dickus All of your comments are so unnecessary.

[@lil_jennyy]

Biggus Dickus I’m a racist because I said your comments are unnecessary? That doesn’t make any sense at all. And you do know that not everyone who voted for Trump is racist, right? I can tell you’re an ignorant fool😂

[@lil_jennyy]

Biggus Dickus First of all, I didn’t vote for Trump because I’m underage. I would’ve never voted for him anyways, and even if I did, that doesn’t make me a racist. Trump has done good AND bad things! He definitely isn’t the worst president we’ve ever had, I think we’ve had worst. And if you can’t see from my profile picture, I’m half Hispanic. These teachers deserve a higher paycheck, and I feel strongly about this because, I myself want to be a kindergarten teacher in the future. You obviously don’t care about our children’s education in America, I do, and that’s why I want to be a teacher. YOU ARE IGNORANT FOOL!!

[@clarafication9055]

There’s no reason teachers should be having to get side jobs just to pay the bills that’s outrageous

[@markarmage3776]

Clarafication Well, the point is that they're not needed, there's no shortages of teachers, that's why there has been no solution to public teaching wages, the private system provide a much more efficient environment and more efficient spending.

[@AvgJane19]

Mark Armage so you're comfortable with public school being effectively abolished?

[@SaunterVaguelyDown]

Mark Armage So you want the general populace to be even dumber? Name a first world country without public school education. Most even have free college!!

[@markarmage3776]

AvgJane19 Yes, I am comfortable with that, no matter what you people fantasize about, the majority can't be the better people. But the society, cruel as it maybe has sympathy for the inferior majority, that's why we do not abolish public school despite it's horrible results.

[@markarmage3776]

Rickest Rick Well, there's none, like I said, sympathy for the inferior majority, listen to yourself, pal. If the public education is so freakin awesome, why the hell do we need "genius and prodigy selections". "Most have it" doesn't mean "it" is good.

[@sawhite27]

Interestingly enough - the school Admins (like Superintendents) get nice increases and make 5 times as much as the hard working teachers do.

[@anderander5662]

And coaches make more than that...

[@rrpdsks]

@@anderander5662 Its worth saying that when my brother coached in 2000-2011ish, most coaches were not paid a salary. They were paid a yearly stipend between $4500-$19000. My uncle was paid $10000 his first year as a head coach. He worked a second job to make ends meet. The school ran a separate community center and he could I guess have been called a "manager". It's easy to say coaches are paid a $48000 yearly salary when less than 10% are paid a yearly salary. However my brother had to move and has worked as a safety inspector for refineries the last 8-9years. And I have no idea how things are run now.

[@BlkWillow28]

I was on track to becoming a library teacher. My plans changed immediately when I interned at a high school. The librarian told me there was $0 yearly budget to run the library. Zero. Over 8,000 kids. No budget for books, supplies, resource databases, book repairs, new equipment, equipment repair, staff training, etc. And this is in Southern California. Back in the 90's, I had a high school art teacher who spent thousands per year out of pocket for supplies to teach the course's requirements. I have friends who teach. Some have master's degrees. Most aren't even making 50 grand a year and are paying out of pocket for classroom supplies. How are educators supposed to cover the core standards without proper funding? Something's gotta give.

[@zephead843]

Your librarian doesn't know much about budgets. If your library had no budget your library would be closed, and your librarian would be unemployed.

[@aplatinumorange5112]

@@zephead843 Quit being a smart ass, you know what she meant.

[@cherp7522]

Yes, but you have to include the fact of them having 2 months off per year in the summer. No other full time job gives you that wonderful benefit my friend. And this is America, they can go to a money profession who will work them 12 months of the year!!!! This is a choice. The students suck. And the teachers need to be fighting for more control over the content they teach their students. It is straight trash. People educated back in the 1800's were far more competent far younger than todays students. It's the curriculum and discipline TEACHERS!!!! FIGHT FOR YOUR FREAKING STUDENTS. We all know test results stink. And these children are weak in basic competencies today.

[@cherp7522]

@Leonardo Hang I know plenty of friends who left other jobs to become...teachers! The pay is steady, dependable, and they love their summers off. What can I say. Nothing is perfect. But at least in America, we have this thing called...choices. And students should not even need individual calculators in 9th grade. They should be using their brains. Calculators make you dumber. But todays students with those weak curriculums today, often render students who need calculators as you said. But, when schools spend upwards of $14K a year on students and they dont have proper budgets because they are non profit (which equals a whole lot of waste and failure) they dont have to be effective. Private schools must be efficient and effective and fit their expenses within their budgets too. I think the public schools need to allow students to have vouchers so they can attend private schools. I only care about the education of the poorer students. They are the ones who don't have choices.

[@ANYA.RIZALI]

ara ara

[@jasondeleon1057]

Hasn't anybody ever noticed how the first thing when the budget is being cut is education they don't cut the military budget

[@gregcarlson8438]

Jason Deleon well a safe country is more important.

[@kevinc9065]

Because people like Greg who represents a significant opinion of the voting base. A lot of people think the buck stops there and that revising and cutting funding for any reason is bad. It's not that simple in practice and execution of budgeting, yet to many people it seems that way. Education has a bulls eye on it because its next in line to get privatized for profit gains. Just like the prison systems have been more and more privatized. All about businesses trying to line those pockets.

[@gregcarlson8438]

Kevin c if people cared about education, parents would have a choice where to send their kids.

[@kevinc9065]

@@gregcarlson8438 I am all for that. I taught in a district that had school choice in Wyoming and its a good system. For it to work in a larger scale though... you are talking significant increases to funding for education, far more than what is already being asked. One of the problems with school choice is that if you want to build a new school, you better have the money to build everyone a new school.

[@gregcarlson8438]

Kevin c schools can choose to spend their money on a new school or better teachers or better equipment or some combination of that and parents can choose what they think is best for their child. There doesn’t need to be extra funding.

[@Nherdvous]

Top athlete paid to entertain = $80 million a year... teacher in charge of your childs future = $36 thousand. Priorities.

[@MrGrace123]

That's what I was thinking about. Playing sports getting paid more then teachers, nurses, doctors and surgeons. Priorities of a nation.

[@avalsonline2]

CANT BLAME THE GOVERNMENT FOR THIS ONE. we as American consumers decided that an thelte is more important than the teacher

[@b1bkhd79]

Bread and Circuses... the 7 stages of empire... the US is following an old pattern... if they don't break the cycle the US will follow suit into the final stage... Canada will follow quickly thereafter. Sad.. it is like watching a train wreck about to happen and knowing that no amount of shouting or screaming a warning will slow the following disaster any less...

[@bones007able]

NCAA coaches and collages make millions a year... players ZERO...

[@gerardparker4220]

Top athletes work for private companies... teachers work in the public sector. If you want that to change then you want Communism, where there is only a public sector.

[@pikupanndropof7339]

Nurses feel the same way teachers. Alot work, guilt, hours, sweat for little to nothing. Good luck to you and hope for the future teachers of our nation.

[@zephead843]

So, I'll ask it again...why are American universities still awarding 500K Education degrees every year? Still waiting for an answer.

[@Lololitsdee]

@@zephead843 this is such a late comment but I feel the need to respond to it. The thought of being a teacher is an awesome idea, it’s just the way that everyone’s personal situation lines up. Teaching is a low paying job and most that I know can’t afford homes. On top of that, in order to get a promotion you need to go back to get your M.Ed. And Ed.D. Teachers deserve so much more than what we’re giving them. They are expected to be counselors, friends, doctors, lawyers, and so much more. It’s an ADVOCACY job, and when they advocate for THEMSELVES people get super sensitive like yourself. Teachers love their jobs and what they do, they are just getting treated like what they do isn’t as serious. If you have children and are in this pandemic, I hope you have had a taste of what it feels like to be a teacher to YOUR kids ....

[@zephead843]

@@Lololitsdee I think you've missed the point entirely, which is why public education in the US will never change. Education requirements for teaching are ridiculous. That locks a lot of people out and keeps upward pressure on salaries. Public education has become a closed door politburo financed with taxpayer money.

[@zephead843]

All the nurses Iknow and have ever known live in single family homes in nice areas, drive late model luxury SUV's, eat and dress well, and love what they do. Same with teachers, and not one single regret ever. Where on earth do you live?

[@Lololitsdee]

@@zephead843 just saw your reply. What exactly was your point? Because what I got from your original question is to why universities are awarding education degrees. That point was answered when I said that teachers enjoy doing their job. I guess to you it’s a lot for them to ask for a living wage. I don’t know what you mean by it’s a closed door job because 9 times out of 10 anyone can become a teacher and or administrator with the proper credentials and degrees, like I said earlier. In your current statement you even repeated what I said earlier about the education requirements for teachers. So please tell me, what exactly was your point? And whatever you said in your most recent statement is irrelevant for most teachers in the US. Some, not all, have to live in their cars in order to buy supplies for classrooms.

[@amandamccloy2145]

This breaks my heart. They truly love the kids they teach. They feel like they are abandoning them. 😔

[@GudetamaSit]

@A Z Real ^ yes Not trying to cry about who has it worse, because teachers of all kinds are severely undervalued. But special ed teachers and teaching assistants have it rough. You've got to have a slew of extra qualifications, the nature of the work is physically demanding and emotionally stressful, you're heavily understaffed , and you make not nearly enough to to stay afloat (especially special ed assistants, who do the most heavy lifting). This is from my own personal experience in the UK, assuming it's a similar situation in the US.

[@zephead843]

It's amazing to me how America has managed to keep 3.2 million schoolteachers on its payroll in spite of the deplorable way they're being treated. I'm reminded of a male Kentucky schoolteacher who very much resembled the Pillsbury doughboy who, while on strike, said that he could make more money as a coalminer. I thought that was interesting. And quite amusing.

[@Iamcherese]

Thank you teachers!!!!! I don’t know where we would be without you‼️‼️ THANK YOU 🙏🏾❤️❤️

[@senorita889]

Bas wow! They do care,but they also like anyone else. Deserves to make a decent living! Say that to the corrupt politicias mostly republicans. Who only care about themselves,and steal money!

[@joshmullins1087]

no they dont deserve to make a living. they literally teach what the state tells them

[@senorita889]

Josh Mullins uhh no dude! I have a counsin who is a teacher,and i have friends too. They teach,and do allot for what they get paid.

[@joshmullins1087]

well thats nice that your single cousin out of the millions of teachers does their job but state paid teachers do the work of the state not the work of the people

[@no-uc1nb]

@Bas if they just wanted a pay ,they wouldn't be a teacher lol they would choose something that pays well

[@Crazyninja30]

Im from Rural Upstate New York, and Oklahoma doesnt sound much different. We had old textbooks, teachers barely got paid, and I remember plenty an educator voicing concerns about funding and job security. This is definitely and American problem. Also, the end of this piece really tugged at my heartstrings. These people, who only wanted to serve their community are leaving to save themselves and their families. How can we say individualism is good when it ruins communities like this?

[@SailorRob]

Abolish public schools. Cut all regulations governing education. Everything else will work itself out.

[@rainbowfossil1961]

Individualism is superior to all other theories of societal organization. All forms of collectivism and attempts to preserve 'communities' inevitably lead to statist authoritarianism. The solely self-interested individual is our only protection against authoritarianism. 'Communities', and all other forms of communal organization should be opposed and disestablished at all cost

[@SailorRob]

Rainbow Fossil, agreed, which is why the free market works so well.

[@SailorRob]

Joseph Manning, having a retirement/pension is never taken into account when talking about teacher pay. NO ONE gets pensions anymore. A case can be made that many teachers are overpaid. Must be pretty nice to live off of a sweet government job.

[@leonidassabr9197]

You bought into the indivdualism lie. The strongest countries collectivise

[@presidentnotsure3273]

A system that waits for something to break to fix it, is broken itself.

[@chutton888]

As a defeated educator, I sadly relate all too well to this. The feeling of guilt that moves them to tears for wanting to do something to make themselves happier and financially stable is not okay. Educators deserve so much more.

[@sirisaacnewton3755]

This is what happens when a country prioritizes corporate profits over the good of its citizens

[@msiley]

This has nothing to do with corporations and everything to do with government.

[@gregdubya1993]

Schools are flush with cash, but that cash gets mismanaged on a huge scale. The money needs to be spent correctly, not on administrative salaries and bonuses and sports teams. Administration should not get bonuses when classrooms are underfunded.

[@gregdubya1993]

Teachers have also had nearly all of their control yielded to the administration and the legislature. They've lost their autonomy to teach and have been forced to become robots.

[@jakerojas4942]

The God of this system is evil in every way. Having great anger for his time left is short. The more sleezy= higher pay. The more honor = less pay. It's a war. Soon Lord Jesus will crush this system. But keep the workers. There'll just be a new boss. Promoting morality Satan only promotes filth .

[@kendramckenna7312]

Public education is indoctrination of the democratic system. Money is in the schools problem is the people in control of it cut those who need it the most and the higher up stuff it into programs that line their pocket or benefits no one. Just like the democrat/socialist way.

[@johnarmlovesguam]

In 1989 after three years of poverty wages as teachers in Arkansas we left to teach overseas. At the end of a twenty-five year career on Guam we retired very comfortable. Shame on Oklahoma.

[@quickdraw9648]

My uncle has several degrees and as a teacher he works in college, highschool, and another part time job. He told me in the state of Michigan dont become a teacher. Dont become an American educator is the lesson here.

[@perfectsplit5515]

Then I am really fucked, because I am washed-up in my old careers in IT and mechanical engineering; and teaching is probably the only job I will be able to get. :(

[@sabrelou1988]

@@perfectsplit5515 Teach overseas. I know a guy who is an IT high school teacher in Dubai and makes $5000 per month and gets free housing.

[@rickjobs638]

I'm 57 I still remember most of my teachers through out the years. Things change politicians don't care, parents take no responsibility for their kids education. This is just another example of an honorable job lost in todays world. My hats off to all the great teachers THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

[@zodiacmanan]

These teachers should not be feeling guilty for asking the government to pay them a livable wage. The 1% keeps getting tax breaks, while the rest suffer.

[@rainbowfossil1961]

The taxes of the wealthiest one percent should be cut further, maybe down to half of what they currently are, and these teachers' taxes should be hiked, and their salaries, pensions and benefits cut. It's the economically sound decision. Politicians should do what's right, not what emotional liberals demand.

[@no-uc1nb]

@Braxton's Basketball Diaries 45-65 average is 55, that's five thousand dollars less than average for a job that's one of the most important out there

[@no-uc1nb]

@@rainbowfossil1961 (not a liberal)but that is wrong on sooo many levels ,teachers are highly important and should have great wages considering they have the job of educating the kids,who will be our future leaders,giving the rich more money will not benefit anyone at all

[@DaveDDD]

@Braxton's Basketball Diaries You may not be personally relying on public education for your kids, but you absolutely need it for a workforce of quality employees and a society of educated people. Without an educated population, finding workers with fundamental problem solving skills would be much more difficult, and small businesses would be strangled as they'd need to compete more with large corporations for a smaller pool of those employees. Public education is a necessity if we want an abundance of resources in the form of quality employees and entrepreneurs. Additionally, education is a human right. You can't pretend to have an egalitarian system if you're not giving everyone access to the resources necessary to be competitive. There is definitely a conversation that can be had about how education funds can be spent most efficiently, but declaring it unimportant in its entirety is short sighted.

[@rainbowfossil1961]

@@no-uc1nb There is a large supply of teachers available. A disproportionate amount of people want to be teachers, because they want to feel like they are 'making a difference' or 'educating future leaders'. Therefore, by the laws of supply and demand, their wages should go down. The only thing keeping their wages afloat is quasi-socialist interference by the government, and that should change.

[@danielgarcia9945]

We spend more money on the military, than we spend on education in this country

[@darkfeather6857]

You didn't know that? That's how America controls the rest of planet Earth.

[@chriswright5204]

That’s why you’re free to voice your opinion, you’re welcome thank a vet!

[@kevinc9065]

@@chriswright5204 As a vet, the budget had nothing to do with why I and many like me decide to serve. Most of the inflated military budget does not go to me or my buddies and you are being played for a fool if you believe that. As an American we spend way to much on the military while so many other vital aspects are ignored or laughed at. Greed is slow fucking this country into the list of fallen civilizations.

[@rob-8541]

Chris Wright you do realize America is not the only one with freedom of speech right?

[@pasteldreams5413]

@@chriswright5204 You sound like one of those people who pretends to support veterans but actually just likes to put words into their mouths for your own benefit and superiority complex.

[@claudiamariebermudez6727]

We spend more on war than we do on education.

[@karenhargis3682]

Claudia Marie Bermudez prisons too...when it is too late

[@buzzYNWA]

Faaaaaaaaaarrr more.......:)

[@perfectsplit5515]

Two of my coworkers are mother and son. The son is the newer teacher, and lives with his mother, due to the insanely expensive cost of living in the city. Typically $1200/month just for a one-bedroom apartment.

[@cancel.lgbtq.6892]

Thats America for you. We can fund war , and all other bullshits but cut the budget for education & healthcare ...

[@vandermixon]

We spend more on athletics. The highest paid members of the public schools are football coaches.

[@fabriceizzo2922]

If you make schools part of the military in the US they will get funding.

[@springrollwang4441]

finally someone speak sense, or we can blame mexico or china.

[@raphaelostrowski6336]

Nope because even as a infantry marine in the military we didn’t have money to even shoot live ammunition sometimes. That’s coming from the country that spends the most out of any country. Most of the ranges we agir guns aren’t even owned by the military but by defense contractors. Most of the military is privatized to defense contractors leaving our troops with badly damaged gear or even some rifles that don’t shoot properly. The military spending exu use gets really old when you realize it gets treated as bad or worse than the education in the US

[@CHLOCHLOLP]

@@raphaelostrowski6336 LMAO thats honestly hilarious because the military is the one thing Americans are proud of. now all they have is "freedom" as if every other developed country doesnt have that too lolol.

[@manlyjoel8829]

Three tours to Afghanistan getting paid 33,000 a year working 24-7. My ar15 is better then the m4 I was using in country. Now the military contractors make out like fat pigs. Average teacher making 44,000 with three months of vacation. if only I wasn't so scary I would do it. They would never hire me.

[@truecatholic8692]

Schools are mostly funded locally and by the state they are in.

[@crushercathy69]

One of several prime indicators of just how far The USA has fallen. Get ready folks, it's just started.

[@jlex1049]

Started? It's been on the downfall since the first settlers.

[@BlasianBobbi215]

I can tell you a possible event that may happen: If RGB passes away before 2020, Trump gets another SCOTUS pick. He already has the judge in mind. If this happens, Roe V. Wade and Same Sex Marriage WILL be overturned. What’s gonna happen next is blue states will ban together, and start the process to secede from The United States. Now, you already hear this rumbling now, conservatives are already on some “it would just be kicked back to the states to decide”, however, Trump already made it clear he will hold federal dollars hostage if states do something his “base” doesn’t agree with. Like Abortion and Same Sex Marriage.

[@jamisojo]

@@BlasianBobbi215 I vote conservative and I think abortions are wonderful and everyone should have the right to have one and I have no problem with gay marriages. I also wonder where all the money is going in Oklahoma if they can't afford anything for schools. Where does the money go? It would be cool to see someone break down financially how much is spent per student in Oklahoma versus other states. Then we could start to see if there is a funding problem.

[@mikie6633]

I see the same situation with the teachers in Alberta. It breaks my heart. My best memory of school is Mr. Smith, Principle Mr Shaw, Director Mr. Weir. My first crush, Miss Love, she made grade one a stepping stone to greatness. Sometimes we forget where some of the best parts of us are inspired from, with a teacher. People thank me for serving, I thank the teachers who have, are, and will teach.

[@wilmagregory8967]

I'm a ex art teacher and I quit when you couldn't do anything about bad behavior in the classroom. I tutor privately now and make lots more from rich people whom want private classes for their kids. The kids are more respectful because their parents make sure the money's not wasted by paying attention to them. Sad state of living when the ones teaching your kids can't eat on their salaries.

[@meganh9460]

My mother feels the same. It becomes abusive and without support from the administration, there is nothing you can do.

[@theundead1600]

Wilma Gregory you do know you come across trashing on poor. The money thing is surface fodder. The kids have a appreciation for your private class, from a good sense of value from parent who have it and taught it, and most likely got it from private schools. This value of things, money, education poor kids have to from families who teach it, enforce it, and emulate it. Good luck to you. Sorry if I misunderstood you.

[@wilmagregory8967]

the undead, I too live poor, never would I put down others that must find ways to get money to live on. I just have a great imagination for making my own way and creative ways to find work. Only rich parents can afford to pay for art teachers. I volunteer to teach the poorer kids in my neighborhood for very lowered rates or for free. Don't go looking for bad things when nothing bad was meant. Peace.

[@rachelj110]

Wilma Gregory sorry but u do sound like an elitis. Poor are too busy trying to survive their neighborhoods , maintain roof over their heads or even eat. Excuse us that their unappreciated towards their art teacher. Sheesh!!

[@wilmagregory8967]

rachel brown those kids who cannot afford to pay get lowered rates or even free all summer. Don't assume when you only know part of the story. I built up my job by the sweat of my own labor. It's not my fault that poor kids are poor. I was poor all my life till I attended college after retirement and got an education in art I wanted all my life as I worked hard jobs to survive with a son at 15. You can't imagine.

[@kevinc9065]

I am really happy for all these folks moving on. I got out of teaching myself and went into nursing. I make over twice as much, have free time now, and I don't have administrators breathing down my neck, to evaluate me, crap going on. Life is so much better and now they all have a chance to get that without being tied down by our education system. If you have a employer that doesn't value you, you can find better.

[@7bootzy]

Oklahoma is experiencing brain drain. Our educated, experienced, younger workers are leaving the state. School districts are MORE than happy to hire less qualified (or in some cases completely unqualified) replacements at lower pay. My mother has taught in Oklahoma for 40 years, and her administration has taken to constantly moving her classroom and the subjects she teaches in order to force her to retire so they can replace her with cheaper, less-experienced replacements. She spent 38 years teaching 1st and 2nd grade. Now, they've got her teaching English as a Second Language. She only speaks English and can't communicate with her own students now.

[@AM-cv9fi]

No need for guilt, it has to be done for real change to happen, take care of you first,

[@Ky-tl8ps]

Reading through some of the comments is disgusting... no wonder we cant make an improvement on this situation. How u can be against improving the quality of life of teachers who are shaping and educating the youth is unfathomable

[@kristupasantanavicius9093]

The problem is not the teachers. The problem is the public school system. Students are not allowed to choose which school they want to attend, they must go to a school that is within their district. Because of this, horrible school which should have failed long time ago due to not having enough students are still open. Private school are able to provide a much better education for less than half the price for each student.

[@maxinvasionleet]

Ky 718 because maybe I'm against being taxed more? Why should I have to pay for your kid to go to school when I send mine to private school. NEWS FLASH! It's not the states responsibility to take care of your kids education. ITS YOURS.

[@senorita889]

maxinvasionleet You're disgusting! Not everyone has the privellage to send their kids to a private school!

[@morningglory3323]

ky 718 I don't like the shape they are making so its about the quality of life of teachers and not about the child learning do you know most children graduating don't knowing how to read or comprehend what they are reading. if i did not teach my child after school how to read they would not know how to read. Why should i have to do that isn't thats what I pay tax for . A so called educator that went to college and get A degree should be able to do that .

[@Dutchwheelchair]

@@morningglory3323 maybe your fucking government isn't using your tax for education? But no lets blame the teachers.

[@drguy9651]

"Every person that I told that I'm leaving, they all say the very same thing: 'Congratulaions' ".

[@kalinaphillips9779]

I am starting to value old socialistic system of education. We didn't have a lot as pupils but our teachers were always paid and they always were respected by parents, pupils and government. They were somebodies.

[@willyham1680]

​@Brandy Baker The USSR wasn't a socialist country, what they had was state capitalism. Don't help them associate true socialism with the USSR please. What I (and I'm assuming you too) defend is a lot better than whatever it is they built there and if we don't want to be stuck defending their flaws we shouldn't be publicly praising them either

[@SpencerLemay]

@@willyham1680 How can you have capitalism without private ownership? Oh wait you can't because that is just doublethink from a commie cultist.

[@andrewhaugen8222]

Socialist education is horrible. We need to privatize education, so these schools finally have competition and start doing their jobs correctly. You can see this with universities why not do the same for all of the other schools.

[@andrewhaugen8222]

@Brandy Baker If you actually think private schools are up to par with public education youre absolutely fried. Theres a reason every top university in the world is in the US aswell. Because they arent government operated. With 2 exceptions Cal and UCLA.

[@andrewhaugen8222]

@Brandy Baker You just listed universities which is exactly my point! Those are non-profit schools but they are competing against eachother. Which is exactly what every other school should be. The school system just throws you into whatever public school you are near. Make these schools compete for dollars. just like how other state-run schools compete. This is exactly what im saying. Because colleges are run this way, we have the best universities in the world. Why would it exclusively only work for higher education? Make people pay a little more in school tax dollars then send them a voucher where they can redeem it at a specific elementary/middle school or even private school. This will cause competition, in-turn increasing quality of education as it did in university setting.

[@Subfightr]

I love Vice. Beautiful and brave reporters and camera operators, the editors manage to snip together an always entertaining and educational story, sound always has just the right music, MUSIC, PEOPLE! IN YOUR NEWS! Thank you for your hard work Vice, I wish you all nothing but the best.

[@MarcStjames-rq1dm]

Say goodnight America...... No city of light can remain bright without truth

[@gregcarlson8438]

Marc St.james schools indoctrinate kids. This is for the best.

[@AK47_414]

New York State probably the best for education in my opinion

[@ash52019]

I genuinely wanted to become an educator but my heart felt that if I wanted any chance of being able to support myself and future family then I needed to find another plan. I ended up with a BA in psych and I counsel children and their families. I don’t regret my decision but I do wonder what life would be like working in the school rather than the home. My heart goes to all educators who pull from their own pockets to help grow young minds.

[@zephead843]

it's never too late to back and get your degree in Education. American universities are still awarding 500,000 of them each and every year. Good Luck.

[@chrismarco17]

Hearing these teachers stories just breaks my hearts. Knowing that a lot of my college friends and family members are going into should a difficult work environment makes me so sad. We as a nation have failed educators and we need to change this.

[@tadiafoster4460]

Its amazing to pay sports players millions and to pay teachers less than nothing. Numbers never lie. This is shameful and disgraceful.

[@koenkeep]

It's american.

[@luzceniceros4349]

It's why I refuse to watch professional sports.

[@susanq6030]

Sports players aren’t paid by tax dollars.

[@koenkeep]

@@susanq6030 Newsflash! You could tax players by raising the tax rate on high incomes, which pays for teachers. Like in most civilized societies.

[@elchapojrkimgofthetrap2180]

@@luzceniceros4349 and how's that hurt them, you do realize pro athletes are not paid by tax dollars but by private sectors. Don't blame people like LeBron when it's the people in Washington cutting funding and limiting pay so they can give them selves a bigger raise.

[@shananagans5]

If you can read this, thank a teacher. iF your's can of nunderstandes this sandtense. You ARE a teacher.

[@moniqueloomis9772]

Good one. I could read both! I am a teacher.

[@intergalactic_spacecake]

Ha

[@kialuvsyoo]

I am not a teacher but understood both lol

[@Crazy123Flame]

You know it's bad when American teachers say they would go to China and feel more valued.

[@gold9994]

No country in the world value teachers more than China. So it's a bad metaphora.

[@gold9994]

Btw, the 3x as much is surprising. In China, 2-3 USD can feed you for an entire day (proper meals, veggies, meat, soups).

[@27Ganon]

@@gold9994 Yeah, 3x Oklahoma is pretty insane for China. I wonder what exactly the job she was offered was.

[@gold9994]

@@27Ganon That amount is definitely private institution.

[@michaelmoraga2926]

Game over for the USA... this teacher is leaving the country AGAIN... for good this time.

[@lilred00051]

May I ask why you are choosing to become an expat? I am genuinely interested as I have been considering it myself.

[@luciannebeans6679]

I, too have moved abroad, but not from public school teaching. In Canada now. Keep in mind that expatriation has its own challenges, but kudos to you for taking the plunge!

[@nickalmazan471]

@@lilred00051 ive been teaching in china for about 5 years. its easy man

[@themadlad8540]

Bye.

[@boofert.washington2499]

@@nickalmazan471 yea, but you have to live in China.

[@supertiger72]

4 times the workload without compensation= SOCIAL WORKERS

[@relimic]

Same as technical support, they call it customer service so they can pay you minimum wage then they keep adding more departments/jobs on top of the original one until you're working 11-12 hour days for peanuts... oh and shift changes from days to nights every two weeks (no eating or sleeping pattern). I won't name a company because basically they all do it through 3rd parties for their God mammon.

[@ashlovesblush13]

Yea but social workers make more than us. So next.

[@elizabethrose8869]

@@ashlovesblush13 where did you get that information ?? Asking from a literal social worker for the state. Don't even make 30k 😑😑 for the workload we have . And on top of that adding more shit a top of the shit we have . People are straight up dying here people of the workload stress , like 3 , 4 people have recently died just this month alone . Very damn sad .

[@scarymonsterer]

It's just a matter of time before we have no public education at all. way to go USA

[@MrBrewman95]

Yeah because it is socialism. Me don't like sharing.

[@2011Oly]

Difference of Canadian and American systems of education, my mother started teaching at 21 in the province of Alberta with no money. Now, after 36 years of teaching, a masters in education and owns a million dollar house in Canada’s 4th most expensive place to live in Canada. Putting more money into education is vital to a successful economy and society. Now there’s me, a first year high school teacher.

[@DrBillBieber]

I just graduated from a school district that also has a lot of money issues and most of my teachers participated in the walk out. This isn't a taxpayer problem, this is an allocation problem. Superintendents and others working directly for the district make such a large amount of money compared to teachers. The workload isn't comparable. Not to mention, public school funding is often times given to private schools in form of vouchers.

[@nurarief486]

I understand how they felt. I was a teacher for 10 years before i call it quit. The pay didn't even last half a month. I have to take 3 jobs to support myself. When i was teaching, i also work as a janitor and a bookkeeper. Tough time.

[@JulietRoseCapulet777]

I really want to cry. I haven’t been this genuinely upset from a news story in a while.

[@gregcarlson8438]

JulietRoseCapulet777 considering how little value teachers provide, this is for the best.

[@nanner8584]

Teachers are underrated. I can't imagine the stress they go through and I've taken it for granted.

[@zephead843]

What type of stress are you referring to?

[@paulcooper8818]

The Oil & Gas Industry owns Oklahoma. Legislative bodies there serve only the O&GI, not the citizens of the state. When the fracking process was linked to earthquakes, Oklahoma cities tried limit it within their boundaries. The Oklahoma legislature made such city ordnances illegal. O&GI 1 - Citizens 0

[@Lightwish01]

This is shameful. I live in Canada and I have to admit that a state letting it get this bad is the beginning of the end for students. I am not bragging saying it’s massively better in Canada, but our teachers aren’t quitting en masse like this. Clearly something needs to be done.

[@f0t0b0y]

6:21 She's going to love it! I lived in Shanghai China 07-09 and had a ton of American and Canadian teachers friends that made 2-3 x salary and housing and insurance were also covered.

[@usucktoo]

I don't think so. There is currently a mass exodus of expats in China because there's a lot of backward steps in social issues and antiforeigner sentiments are rising. Theyre constantly blaring ethnocentric anti progress messages in their public speakers now. Xi wants a backwards hateful China. That kind of China is easier to control and will keep him in power. So... maybe another boxer rebellion will come.

[@f0t0b0y]

USUCKTOO I’m going to message a couple friends that live there and get some feedback on your answer. Nothing like boots on the ground to get a real answer. 😉

[@myleshagar9722]

@@f0t0b0y I was boots on the ground in China for 12 years and you are right. It is fantastic. High pay, benefits, annual raises, support from administrators, respect and affection from students, 21st century infrastructure and travel opportunities. KFC, McDonalds, and Walmarts, Pizza Hut everywhere so Americans will feel right at home. Beer is better too.

[@f0t0b0y]

Myles Hagar I was only there for 3 years. It was really tough coming back. Excited to take the kids there in the near future.

[@f0t0b0y]

Myles Hagar I was only there for 3 years. It was really tough coming back. Excited to take the kids there in the near future.

[@ashleymartinez9393]

As a soon-to-be teacher, I am hopeful that Texas continues to support its educators and take what happened in the country two years ago to heart 💛

[@karikling8812]

Adding to all of these problems, teaching is one of the most highly criticized professions. As a teacher, it's impossible to please the parents and the administration. You'll never be good enough.

[@9999plato]

It would help if they could expell the trash and discipline the problem kids to get them to straighten up. As I said before I have found that parents if private school students are far more involved and so the kids do better. The parents are clearly financially invested in getting a certain outcome and this affects the childs performance. Because of this I believe that school vouchers would be best.

[@catherinepuckett9021]

I was in education for 31 years and I was great at it. My last 15 years was as a K-6th principal. I made the very difficult decision last June to retire early at 56. I was beyond exhausted and disheartened by the lack of support, and horrific attitudes of parents and students alike with little to no help from the state or local govs. Unless and until there is a change in what we require from our students and parents in the way of behavior, attitude and work ethic, we will continue to lose outstanding people in the field of education. Educators have as much sometimes more education than doctors and are paid crap for what we are expected to do each and every day! The education system in the US needs intensive change internally and externally in what we expect from our families.

[@mrbonanza2606]

Most teachers I know leaving are doing so because of the low pay and crazy hours, Saturday and summer PD, no raises. We can deal with the parents and kids its admin and the state that cause us to leave.

[@zephead843]

Your principal's pension makes it all worth it though, am I right?

[@zephead843]

@@mrbonanza2606 Where are teachers in America working "crazy hours?" Whenever I drive past a school it's closed.

[@precious.a.k3240]

@@zephead843 at home ?

[@zephead843]

@@precious.a.k3240 Lounging in front of the computer in PJ's sipping hot chocolate...really?

[@citizengar]

I wish all those wonderful people the best of luck. I also wish the state of Oklahoma the best, because they will need it.

[@orlafennelly7112]

This is heartbreaking. In my country, teachers have a good salary and they never have extra jobs except maybe giving extra classes but that's rare and not necessary to pay the bills. My heart goes out to underpaid teachers and anyone in that situation. Is there a teacher shortage in America? with the pay so low who is still going into it? Even in my country, it can be hard to find teachers for math and languages often.

[@zephead843]

American currently has 3.2 million public schoolteachers, plus millions more enjoying a comfortable retirement. Spoiler alert: There is no teacher shortage in America. It's just that the American government, the media, and the teachers unions are all conspiring against the uninformed American idiot. And they're winning.

[@chelseakevorkian4998]

Yet the gov is out here trying to “save” the world 🙄🤔🤑🤢 PAY TEACHERS WHAT THEY DESERVE!!! THEY ARE RAISING OUR FUTURE 😡😤

[@zusiphesikayi2390]

@js32dv but how does it happen that department of education employs people with no certification.

[@sierrachoco5271]

@Chelsea - there is no future, these kids are absolute morons!

[@sosopwsi829Jjw9]

@@sierrachoco5271 This is why you guys don't get paid. Abusing children

[@sierrachoco5271]

@@sosopwsi829Jjw9 you"re probably a parent of some of these idiots - that's why you're defending them!

[@truecatholic8692]

@@zusiphesikayi2390 There is minimal involvement and funding at the federal level, as it should be. The control should be kept local.

[@audraelynnegrimmelhaussen8808]

As an ESL teacher, I have nothing but respect for them.

[@FantasyFinalFiend]

Audraelynne Grimmelhaussen how is it being an ESL teacher? I’m asking because it’s something I’m considering.

[@judekanawati7467]

Me too actually

[@audraelynnegrimmelhaussen8808]

@@FantasyFinalFiend hi. I am teaching ESL here in the Philippines and my students are mostly Korean professionals. I also teach kids. It's been a rewarding experience in terms of me being able to have more flexible hours and better pay. If you are a native speaker, they offer a much higher salary than a local ESL teacher.

[@mustardseed308]

God bless you Teachers. Thank you for everything.

[@lauragraves4342]

I am proud of every teacher that ever was.