tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586988941850907367.post1422375276160098913..comments2024-03-24T11:39:28.574-04:00Comments on NYC Public School Parents: What teacher surveys say about merit pay vs. class sizePatrick Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631038958645725010noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586988941850907367.post-46596009659477543562007-10-22T19:34:00.000-04:002007-10-22T19:34:00.000-04:00I spent two decades in a low performing school. No...I spent two decades in a low performing school. Now that I've transferred to a much better school, there is no way I'd sacrifice my peace of mind for a measly $3000. I wouldn't do it for 20 grand, so the current proposal is an insult. <BR/><BR/>I worked very hard for those kids for those twenty years, at a lot less salary than I am making now. I put in as much effort then as I do now, and it has nothing to do with money. Teachers teach because it is what we do--very few just 'mail it in' and those that do wouldn't work harder for such a pittance.<BR/><BR/>Now, if you gave me classes capped at 20 and an additional stipend, well, then I'd seriously consider it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2586988941850907367.post-35789806828456974092007-10-22T14:48:00.000-04:002007-10-22T14:48:00.000-04:00Personally, I like money, but 3,000 bucks a year i...Personally, I like money, but 3,000 bucks a year is not going to induce me to cross bridges or whatever to move to a troubled school. Also, the plan calls for only 20-40% of schools to receive this. We'll see what evolves when Bloomberg and Weingarten move on to greener pastures.<BR/><BR/>But class size is a huge thing for me. As an ESL teacher, I've had the opportunity to teach smaller classes, and the difference is incredible. I spend less time discipling and more time teaching. There are fewer calls to be made. I can turn my eyes toward kids on the verge of trouble and avert it instantly.<BR/><BR/>It's a shame there are so many demagogues in the city who talk about class size and deliver only meaningless PR that advances their careers while doing nothing for kids.NYC Educatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12188066345722781723noreply@blogger.com