[Lil Sis]

I have been a teacher in the public school system for 26 years (24 in the Dade County Public Schools -- Miami). I, personally, would not advise a young person to go into teaching now.

I wanted to be a teacher when I was in Middle School, but I work in retail (assistant manager of a department story and fashion buyer) and in banking (started as a teller and worked my way up to management)

I can say teaching is the hardest job I ever had. You are not with other adults, you can not go to the bathroom when you need to, often do not get duty free lunch, discipline is a constant issue. I really get tired.

I have taught pre-school two years, Hight School for 8 years (started in an inter city High School in Miami-Dade County-- wow small town girl meets the getto!!!) and for the past 14 years or so have been in a Middle School in an affluent neighborhood. I work many 12 hour days, bring work home on the week ends and worry about everything.

I guess I could say it was all worth it... I love most of my students. I know I have changed lives and made a difference. That is so important!!!

I am just so upset with how teachers are being treated now! In our county the pay scale/ step increases are of various sizes -- and we had a contract.
In the past you could look at the steps and knew what you would be making in the future.... the carrot was dangled in front of our noses for so many years (work now for below average pay and when you get to 22 years you will have a nice salary). I should be make 26,000.00 (with perks) 12,000.0 (without perks) more than I am making for the past 4 years that our steps and salaries have been frozen. That is a lot of money to have depended on. Now we are taking a 3% paycut.. and who know what else??

I am angry, I am bitter. I am too old to recoup. I have 5 more years before I will have 30 in thus I have to stay... I will do what is morally correct for my students... but my heart and pride is broken.

Don't get me wrong... I totally understand not getting raises, but the media is treating us with disrespect.. the kids are out of control and parents, for the most part, don't support us. I can almost laugh at the parents who think private school is better. I just don't know when a government, state, or county worker became the bad guy!

Sorry... now the good would be -- to do what you love. Do what you love because of how you feel about it and the rewards you get.. because that is all you can depend on. Take care of your joy, your goals, and your heart and you will be fine