What Teachers Spend

Plenty of people make a lot of noise about teacher salaries, but we never hear anything of what these teachers give.  The current issue of NEA Today lists these statistics on teacher spending:


99.5%    Percentage of teachers who reported buying essential classroom materials out of pocket

$945      Average amount of money teachers spent on out of pocket expenses during the school year

30%      Percentage of teachers who say they've bought warm clothing for their students

67%      Percentage of teachers who say they've purchased food for their students to meet nutritional
             needs

$37      Average amount teachers spend a month on food for students who come to school hungry

$1.6 BILLION   Estimated total out-of-pocket teacher spending last year 

Check out the current issue for these statistics and more


Happy reading,
Christine

President Obama on American Education Week

According to the DOD website, this is President Obama's proclamation for National Education Week:

“Education is both a pillar of democracy and a cornerstone of American opportunity. In an increasingly competitive world, it gives our children the tools to thrive and our Nation the talent to lead. During American Education Week, we reaffirm our commitment to the next generation, and we celebrate everyone who is striving to help America’s young people realize their full potential. “Every day throughout America, our children mark the many milestones of learning — from scribbling their first attempts at the alphabet to conducting their first science experiment to crossing the stage at commencement. The educators who guide them deserve our highest admiration, respect, and support for investing in young people’s futures. We all have a stake in public education, and we all have a role to play — from parents and mentors to community leaders and business owners. Through programs focused on tutoring, sports, the arts, and vocational training, we can inspire children to learn both inside and outside the classroom. “A great education is a ticket into the middle class, and it should be available to everyone willing to work for it. My Administration is committed to reining in college costs and reducing the burden student loans place on young people. We are also moving forward on a plan to connect 99 percent of America’s students to high-speed internet within 5 years; pushing to make high-quality early education accessible to every child in America; and working to strengthen programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Because none of these plans will succeed without outstanding teachers, we must support these professionals as they perform their vital work. “As we move toward Thanksgiving, American Education Week offers a chance to express our gratitude to educators across our Nation. Let us do so with a renewed commitment to giving every young American the opportunities a world-class education affords. “NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 17 to November 23, 2013, as American Education Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by supporting their local schools through appropriate activities, events, and programs designed to help create opportunities for every school and student in America. “IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.” BARACK OBAMA - 

Happy reading,
Christine

Education Nation

Education Nation Week is going on now.  Check out all the resources and events.

Happy reading,
Christine

A Colleague's New Blog

Check out this new blog where educators can reflect on their practices and grow as professionals.

Happy reading,
Christine

Educational Technology Conference

Here is a post about an upcoming educational technology conference.  The principal hosting the conference was quoted last weekend in USA Weekend.  Read his tips for parents and visit his blog.

Happy reading,
Christine
Literacy Connections Blog

Second Sight Saturday: Cost of College - Still Worth It?

I originally posted this on April 30, 2012:

April 30, 2012

 

Friday night on Real Time with Bill Maher, Bill (I feel I watch his show enough to call him "Bill") asked his panel if in this economy, with such a high joblessness rate, a college education is still worth it?  I must say, that as an educator, at first I was offended by this question.  Obviously, the enriching experience of education is definitely worth it.  At the end of four years, you (hopefully) view the world through a different lens than when you started.  For the enlightenment and broadened horizons alone, an education, no matter what its cost, is worth it.

Bill Maher, however, was referring to financial worth.  In an economy where student debt is over one trillion dollars, where there has been a 600% increase in tuition costs since 1980, and the President of the United States says he and his wife just paid off their student loans eight years ago, is it worth it?  Andrew Ross Sorkin, columnist for the New York Times, answered that it is.  In this country right now the total unemployment rate is 8%.  It is 13% for high-school dropouts over the age of 25, but only 4% for college grads.  An education is worth it, personally, intellectually, and financially.  And although I hate cliches, "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance."

 

Happy reading,

Christine

Literacy Connections Blog