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Teachers Have It Easy: The Big Sacrifices And Small Salaries Of America's Teachers
Do teachers really have it easy?
"Teaching would be the greatest job in the world-if money didn't matter."
"I told the girl I was dating I wouldn't mind teaching and she said, 'Don't waste your talent on that.' "
"The schizophrenia is an issue: are you a professional or are you not?"
"I actually had to get a note from my doctor saying I needed to be excused to use the restroom during the day."
"I threw in the towel and decided, it's a noble profession but I don't have time to be noble right now."
Dave Eggers, acclaimed author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, son and brother of teachers, co-founder of writing centers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Brooklyn, and passionate education advocate, joins forces with teacher Ninive Clements Calegari and journalist Daniel Moulthrop to examine a national scandal that affects us all. Many teachers today must work two or more jobs to survive; they can't afford to buy homes or raise families. Why are they paid so poorly? How is this related to student achievement? And how can we find ways to treat them like the professionals they are?
Teachers Have It Easy examines how bad policy interacts with teachers' lives. Interweaving teachers' voices from across the country with hard-hitting facts and figures, this book is a clear-eyed view of the harsh realities of public-school teaching, without any chicken-soup-for-the-soul success stories. With a look at the problems of recruitment and retention, the myths of short workdays and endless summer vacations, the realities of the workweek, and shocking examples of how America views its teachers. Teachers Have It Easy explores why salary reform may be the best way to improve public education and examines how innovative compensation plans can transform schools.
"Teaching would be the greatest job in the world-if money didn't matter."
"I told the girl I was dating I wouldn't mind teaching and she said, 'Don't waste your talent on that.' "
"The schizophrenia is an issue: are you a professional or are you not?"
"I actually had to get a note from my doctor saying I needed to be excused to use the restroom during the day."
"I threw in the towel and decided, it's a noble profession but I don't have time to be noble right now."
Dave Eggers, acclaimed author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, son and brother of teachers, co-founder of writing centers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Brooklyn, and passionate education advocate, joins forces with teacher Ninive Clements Calegari and journalist Daniel Moulthrop to examine a national scandal that affects us all. Many teachers today must work two or more jobs to survive; they can't afford to buy homes or raise families. Why are they paid so poorly? How is this related to student achievement? And how can we find ways to treat them like the professionals they are?
Teachers Have It Easy examines how bad policy interacts with teachers' lives. Interweaving teachers' voices from across the country with hard-hitting facts and figures, this book is a clear-eyed view of the harsh realities of public-school teaching, without any chicken-soup-for-the-soul success stories. With a look at the problems of recruitment and retention, the myths of short workdays and endless summer vacations, the realities of the workweek, and shocking examples of how America views its teachers. Teachers Have It Easy explores why salary reform may be the best way to improve public education and examines how innovative compensation plans can transform schools.
355 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
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546 people want to read
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December 14, 2024
12/14/2014 addendum: I realize it's an old book (I read it in 2013), but the incoming Trump Administration Part 2 has already intimated (and the Republicans have been trying for years anyway) an abolition or serious reformation of public education. Privatizing all schools or pushing for more charter schools (which have been, in nearly every study, proven to show zero to negative efficacy in student learning) is going to come up a lot. If you, like me, support public education and/or have skin in the game (children in the public education system), then we need to be extra-vigilant and push against the anti-public education campaigns. Do your research. Get involved.
Most, if not all, teachers have heard it all before: "You only got into teaching because you get to have three months in the summer off." or "You're getting a full-time salary for a part-time job." or "You're overpaid."
That such ridiculous statements are still being made by ignorant people (most notably politicians and journalists) is a testament to the vitriolic and politically-motivated anti-teacher and anti-public education hysteria that seems to be rampant today. That these vicious and untrue accusations are continuing to be perpetuated by people who have, most likely, never stepped foot into a public school classroom in the role of a teacher for even a day is all the more ridiculous and depressing, because the average American's view of teachers is probably already a negative one ("Why do THEY get to have health coverage?", "How come THEY can't get fired for being lazy and ineffectual?", "What is it with those three months off every year---must be nice.") and the shit-talking from their elected officials and media simply adds fuel to the fire.
Teachers rarely speak up, either, because they know that they are going to get shot down as whiners, money-grubbers, or people who want to "justify" their "pathetic" jobs. The only time they can make a statement is usually when they are on a picket line during the rare and unfortunate event of a teacher strike. Then watch the average person's opinion of teachers drop even further.
"The only people they are hurting is the students," "The teachers are nothing more than thugs or bullies," "They're being greedy and selfish---the district should fire every last one of them." Never mind that these teachers are the last people on Earth who WANT to strike, that they have usually been trying for months to negotiate with a School Board or Administration who refuses to budge or even listen to what the teachers have to say, that they are quite mindful and saddened by the fact that their students are missing out on the education they deserve.
Daniel Moulthrop, Ninive Clements Calegari, and Dave Eggers collaborated, in 2005, on the book "Teachers Have it Easy: The Big Sacrifices and Small Salaries of America's Teachers", which was an attempt to counteract the lies, distortions, and myths that the general public seems to have about teachers and that politicians seem to love to spew.
In it, the authors attempt to show a bleak portrait of the field of education, told through interviews of roughly 200 teachers---young, old, first year, retired, from teachers working in poor school districts to teachers working in more affluent ones, from teachers who love what they are doing to teachers who quit after only a few years for a variety of reasons. Interspersed throughout are interesting (and not-so-shocking) statistics about teaching. Here are a few that I found very telling:
***"Most teachers work far beyond the hours stipulated in their contracts." (p. 6) Based on polls of teachers, the average teacher generally works 50 hours a week or more. It often depends on the number of students for which they are responsible. Teachers who teach six classes a day, with each class of 20-25 kids (a very conservative estimate), are responsible for grading, evaluating and planning for roughly 150-200 kids a year. A teacher's job does not end after the last bell. It doesn't even end on Friday.
***"In order to maintain their certification, teachers are often required to attend university classes and professional development seminars in the evenings or on weekends. (And teachers are often required to pay for these classes---themselves---out of their already strained salaries.)" (p. 6) Consider, too, that these seminars, workshops, or classes, can run anywhere from $200 to $2,000 of non-refundable money, which is not reimbursed by the district.
***An average public school teacher "can go six hours at a stretch without a moment even to go to the bathroom." (p.6) Keep in mind that, by law, a teacher is required to be present in the classroom AT ALL TIMES. If something happens to a student in that classroom, the responsibility is SOLELY the teacher's. Time between class bells is usually only 4-5 minutes, and the bathrooms are invariably at the other end of the building.
*** "As much as 42 percent of teachers teach summer school or work a different, non-teaching job." (p.7) The myth that teachers have their summers off is pervasive. For some teachers---those that are lucky enough to afford it---it's true. There is also the myth that teachers actually get paid for those three months (as opposed to getting paychecks during those months, which is often true). This is untrue. Check with your local school boards to confirm it. Teacher salaries are calculated for only the nine-and-a-half months they are actually required to be in school.
*** "At least 20 percent of public school teachers report having second jobs outside of the field of education." (p. 49) In today's economy, this is just inevitable.
*** "Research by the Texas Center for Educational Research suggests that as many as 43 percent of new teachers in Texas leave within the first three years of teaching... The National Center for Education Statistics puts the figure at or around 20 percent. (p. 167)"
*** "In 2000, the nonprofit research organization Public Agenda surveyed 802 college graduates under age thirty who chose professions other than teaching... Their reasons [for not choosing teaching] varied. Among the statements respondents agreed with most often were these three: 1) teachers are seriously underpaid (78 percent), 2) Teachers do not have good opportunities for advancement (69 percent), 3) Teachers do not get a sense that they are respected or appreciated (66 percent)." (p. 179)
Most teachers will tell you that they did not choose to go into teaching for the money, or even to be appreciated. They went into it because they believe that a good education is important for a healthy society. They also went into it because they believe children are our future. Sadly, with the growing anti-public education sentiment out there today, the health of our society and our future looks somewhat bleak.
Most, if not all, teachers have heard it all before: "You only got into teaching because you get to have three months in the summer off." or "You're getting a full-time salary for a part-time job." or "You're overpaid."
That such ridiculous statements are still being made by ignorant people (most notably politicians and journalists) is a testament to the vitriolic and politically-motivated anti-teacher and anti-public education hysteria that seems to be rampant today. That these vicious and untrue accusations are continuing to be perpetuated by people who have, most likely, never stepped foot into a public school classroom in the role of a teacher for even a day is all the more ridiculous and depressing, because the average American's view of teachers is probably already a negative one ("Why do THEY get to have health coverage?", "How come THEY can't get fired for being lazy and ineffectual?", "What is it with those three months off every year---must be nice.") and the shit-talking from their elected officials and media simply adds fuel to the fire.
Teachers rarely speak up, either, because they know that they are going to get shot down as whiners, money-grubbers, or people who want to "justify" their "pathetic" jobs. The only time they can make a statement is usually when they are on a picket line during the rare and unfortunate event of a teacher strike. Then watch the average person's opinion of teachers drop even further.
"The only people they are hurting is the students," "The teachers are nothing more than thugs or bullies," "They're being greedy and selfish---the district should fire every last one of them." Never mind that these teachers are the last people on Earth who WANT to strike, that they have usually been trying for months to negotiate with a School Board or Administration who refuses to budge or even listen to what the teachers have to say, that they are quite mindful and saddened by the fact that their students are missing out on the education they deserve.
Daniel Moulthrop, Ninive Clements Calegari, and Dave Eggers collaborated, in 2005, on the book "Teachers Have it Easy: The Big Sacrifices and Small Salaries of America's Teachers", which was an attempt to counteract the lies, distortions, and myths that the general public seems to have about teachers and that politicians seem to love to spew.
In it, the authors attempt to show a bleak portrait of the field of education, told through interviews of roughly 200 teachers---young, old, first year, retired, from teachers working in poor school districts to teachers working in more affluent ones, from teachers who love what they are doing to teachers who quit after only a few years for a variety of reasons. Interspersed throughout are interesting (and not-so-shocking) statistics about teaching. Here are a few that I found very telling:
***"Most teachers work far beyond the hours stipulated in their contracts." (p. 6) Based on polls of teachers, the average teacher generally works 50 hours a week or more. It often depends on the number of students for which they are responsible. Teachers who teach six classes a day, with each class of 20-25 kids (a very conservative estimate), are responsible for grading, evaluating and planning for roughly 150-200 kids a year. A teacher's job does not end after the last bell. It doesn't even end on Friday.
***"In order to maintain their certification, teachers are often required to attend university classes and professional development seminars in the evenings or on weekends. (And teachers are often required to pay for these classes---themselves---out of their already strained salaries.)" (p. 6) Consider, too, that these seminars, workshops, or classes, can run anywhere from $200 to $2,000 of non-refundable money, which is not reimbursed by the district.
***An average public school teacher "can go six hours at a stretch without a moment even to go to the bathroom." (p.6) Keep in mind that, by law, a teacher is required to be present in the classroom AT ALL TIMES. If something happens to a student in that classroom, the responsibility is SOLELY the teacher's. Time between class bells is usually only 4-5 minutes, and the bathrooms are invariably at the other end of the building.
*** "As much as 42 percent of teachers teach summer school or work a different, non-teaching job." (p.7) The myth that teachers have their summers off is pervasive. For some teachers---those that are lucky enough to afford it---it's true. There is also the myth that teachers actually get paid for those three months (as opposed to getting paychecks during those months, which is often true). This is untrue. Check with your local school boards to confirm it. Teacher salaries are calculated for only the nine-and-a-half months they are actually required to be in school.
*** "At least 20 percent of public school teachers report having second jobs outside of the field of education." (p. 49) In today's economy, this is just inevitable.
*** "Research by the Texas Center for Educational Research suggests that as many as 43 percent of new teachers in Texas leave within the first three years of teaching... The National Center for Education Statistics puts the figure at or around 20 percent. (p. 167)"
*** "In 2000, the nonprofit research organization Public Agenda surveyed 802 college graduates under age thirty who chose professions other than teaching... Their reasons [for not choosing teaching] varied. Among the statements respondents agreed with most often were these three: 1) teachers are seriously underpaid (78 percent), 2) Teachers do not have good opportunities for advancement (69 percent), 3) Teachers do not get a sense that they are respected or appreciated (66 percent)." (p. 179)
Most teachers will tell you that they did not choose to go into teaching for the money, or even to be appreciated. They went into it because they believe that a good education is important for a healthy society. They also went into it because they believe children are our future. Sadly, with the growing anti-public education sentiment out there today, the health of our society and our future looks somewhat bleak.
March 1, 2010
This is not an uplifting read, nor do I think it is meant for teachers or wanna-be teachers to read. I imagine the ideal audience for this book would be school administrators, business executives, parents, tax-payers, and anybody who has ever gone to school. So basically, everybody should read this book, except for people who are actually employed as a teacher because this will probably make them want to quit and become a real estate agent. What is repeated throughout is how badly teachers are compensated for work that is demanding, stressful, important, and yet undervalued. The book really does read as an appeal to the "Powers That Be," whomever that is, to raise wages. It is a compendium of testimonials from today's public school educators who talk about how they have to work two extra jobs, in addition to their teaching, just to make ends meet. Many of the teachers interviewed in the book have already abandoned the field to pursue more lucrative endeavors that would allow them some family time, disposable income, and respect.
I gave three stars to this not because it was a fun, enjoyable read (it was actually quite painful and choppy, with a lot of statistics and first-person anecdotes), but because it is information that is important for our society at-large to be aware of. Teachers need to be compensated better, that is for sure, but how? People pay enough taxes, and asking for more probably wouldn't help the teacher's cause. As far as I could tell, no concrete solutions were offered. I would have liked to read about some thoughts on charter schools, or the privatization of education; for instance, applying a capitalist philosophy to public education. Would that work, or are the two diametrically opposed? I don't know, but considering the desperate situation that is painted in this book, I think it is a worthy avenue to explore further. They do allude to it early on in the book where one very popular teacher left education, but upon being asked what would have kept him at the school he worked at, suggests that schools need to be structured as corporations so that teachers have incentives, raises, clear-cut goals, and opportunities for advancement. I don't know how that would be set-up exactly, but it is an intriguing idea although I can also see how conflicts of interest could arise. Perhaps the authors could pick up where this book left off and offer a follow-up book that outlines positive solutions to these issues in education. A few programs were profiled, but I didn't see how they could be realistically applied nationwide.
I gave three stars to this not because it was a fun, enjoyable read (it was actually quite painful and choppy, with a lot of statistics and first-person anecdotes), but because it is information that is important for our society at-large to be aware of. Teachers need to be compensated better, that is for sure, but how? People pay enough taxes, and asking for more probably wouldn't help the teacher's cause. As far as I could tell, no concrete solutions were offered. I would have liked to read about some thoughts on charter schools, or the privatization of education; for instance, applying a capitalist philosophy to public education. Would that work, or are the two diametrically opposed? I don't know, but considering the desperate situation that is painted in this book, I think it is a worthy avenue to explore further. They do allude to it early on in the book where one very popular teacher left education, but upon being asked what would have kept him at the school he worked at, suggests that schools need to be structured as corporations so that teachers have incentives, raises, clear-cut goals, and opportunities for advancement. I don't know how that would be set-up exactly, but it is an intriguing idea although I can also see how conflicts of interest could arise. Perhaps the authors could pick up where this book left off and offer a follow-up book that outlines positive solutions to these issues in education. A few programs were profiled, but I didn't see how they could be realistically applied nationwide.
December 28, 2008
It will be hard for me not to jump on my soapbox here, because this is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. After all, I spent 6 years as a teacher, and this topic was my life for those 6 years. That said, I'd like to hand a copy of this book to everyone I know. It's well-written, informative, and truly makes a strong case for the need to pay teachers what they are worth. The best thing is that Eggers & Co. does so without coming across as heavy-handed or illogical in their arguements.
April 21, 2022
While I appreciate what this book is intending to do, which is to highlight that teachers are underpaid and underappreciated, I don't think the examples of possible solutions that the authors provide really hit the mark. Market-based ideas like merit pay and bonuses tied to performance evaluations (mostly associated with standardized tests) sound appealing, until you lift the hood and realize that these incentives aren't sustainable in a social context like a school that isn't a factory producing widgets.
It's worth noting that since its publication in 2005, some of the examples the authors cited have turned out to be less successful than predicted, like what was attempted in Denver Public Schools. I am admittedly biased towards teachers unions, but there is an apparent suggestion that unions are part of the problem, unless they are willing to adopt reform measures that satisfy the demands of advocates for questionable performance-based schemes.
In a pluralistic society like the U.S., it can undoubtedly be challenging to apply a universal fix to something like public education, especially in our current polarized paradigm. I applaud the authors for at least addressing the issue. Unfortunately, this book serves as another instance of good intentions without much potential for meaningful results. Pity the American teacher.
It's worth noting that since its publication in 2005, some of the examples the authors cited have turned out to be less successful than predicted, like what was attempted in Denver Public Schools. I am admittedly biased towards teachers unions, but there is an apparent suggestion that unions are part of the problem, unless they are willing to adopt reform measures that satisfy the demands of advocates for questionable performance-based schemes.
In a pluralistic society like the U.S., it can undoubtedly be challenging to apply a universal fix to something like public education, especially in our current polarized paradigm. I applaud the authors for at least addressing the issue. Unfortunately, this book serves as another instance of good intentions without much potential for meaningful results. Pity the American teacher.
October 8, 2008
I read this right after my very idealist graduate work in teaching. I walked away with a MAT focusing on Elem. Ed. towards a job at a huge TX school district.
Honestly not the best choice to read right before embarking on my teaching career, but eye opening nonetheless.
Honestly not the best choice to read right before embarking on my teaching career, but eye opening nonetheless.
July 5, 2014
My sister & I got in a heated argument. She works in pharmacology field. I'm a retired teacher. I loved teaching. My sister believes teachers are paid too much for how little they work. I read this book to make me feel like I'm not alone.
September 21, 2011
Just got this yesterday and am MEGA-EXCITED to read it!!
After reading:
It's not that the ideas given in the book are impractical or fantastical, but more that the book itself was published in 2005, when it was easier--or at least, people were more willing--to fund programs that would pay teachers, well, almost as much as they were worth.
There are a lot of good points that the book brings up about how public schools are losing its better teachers because of the lack of pay, and about how hard it is to support a family on a teacher's salary. I agree with all these points, vehemently and fervently.
However, since I live in a country facing a second recession, that has a huge unemployment rate and a government that--it seems like--actively hates public workers, I came away feeling more depressed than inspired.
That's not to say that I don't admire the school systems that the authors describe; I just wonder if an update would be as positive as the profiles that were written six short years ago.
After reading:
It's not that the ideas given in the book are impractical or fantastical, but more that the book itself was published in 2005, when it was easier--or at least, people were more willing--to fund programs that would pay teachers, well, almost as much as they were worth.
There are a lot of good points that the book brings up about how public schools are losing its better teachers because of the lack of pay, and about how hard it is to support a family on a teacher's salary. I agree with all these points, vehemently and fervently.
However, since I live in a country facing a second recession, that has a huge unemployment rate and a government that--it seems like--actively hates public workers, I came away feeling more depressed than inspired.
That's not to say that I don't admire the school systems that the authors describe; I just wonder if an update would be as positive as the profiles that were written six short years ago.
September 2, 2010
I fully admit I skimmed this book more than I actually read it word for word. It was filled with a lot of personal stories from various teachers about how much we don't get paid. The best part of this book is where the author compares the day to day goings of a teacher compared to a man who sells drugs to hospitals and the daily rate at which they get paid.
The saddest part about this book, however, is that the only people who are probably reading it are those people who are in education. I think everytime someone tells me that I have an easy job, or that I get better benefits than anyone else, or that I'm just a babysitter, I should be allowed to throw this book at their head - a head that is clearly devoid of any brain, common sense, or smarts.
The saddest part about this book, however, is that the only people who are probably reading it are those people who are in education. I think everytime someone tells me that I have an easy job, or that I get better benefits than anyone else, or that I'm just a babysitter, I should be allowed to throw this book at their head - a head that is clearly devoid of any brain, common sense, or smarts.
September 13, 2007
I would love all my teacher friends to read this and discuss it with me. It's not a book you read for the pleasure of reading--the structure is too choppy for that--but I think it's an important book. While we've all seen charts and graphs showing what teachers' salaries are, the first part of this book was umpteen first-person anecdotes from teachers about what the couldn't afford to do, how many hours they had to work, how they had to leave teaching for financial reasons. It's depressing, sobering, and important. The second part of the book spotlights financial plans that various districts have tried (incentives, bonuses, pay structures) and to what success.
February 23, 2008
I first saw this book when I was alphabetizing the Education section while working at Borders. It caught my attention because the title pissed me off (the subtitle wasn't on the spine). Once I picked it up, well, I had to read it. I think it is a must-read for every American. The state of education in our country is dismal, and can only be improved by improving teacher quality. This book gives you an inside view into what it's really like to be a teacher in this country....and does a great job of dismissing the idea that teachers get paid plenty for "only working 9 months a year."
August 14, 2010
In general I thought that the book was interesting. However, for any educator, I think that it was just re-stating of the obvious. This is most definitely a book for policy-makers, perhaps administrators, a the general public who do not truly understand the nature of education. However, it does offer interesting programs that work to attract and retain educators and some interesting life stories. Not the best book I have ever read, but, definitely worth my time.
March 14, 2011
After reading this book, I'm even more thankful that my husband did not continue teaching. We would have never have been able to do financially the things (buying a paying off a house, two cars, having no debt) at this point in our lives if he had stayed teaching. I became even more depressed about my career and the teaching profession after reading the book, but it is an important book to read.
June 25, 2009
What teachers read, when they want to feel sorry for themselves.
July 4, 2014
I think people that ARENT TEACHERS should read this. so true!
February 27, 2021
I wanted so so badly to like this book. I am not a teacher myself, but I am extremely sympathetic to the plights of teachers in America. I think teachers are instrumental in society and that they are criminally underpaid. I read this book excited to learn more about the poor standard of living that teachers are expected to suffer, as well as how we as a society can help make things better.
In its eagerness to make its point, I think this book dropped the ball. An overwhelming majority of the book is just vignettes about how bad teachers lives are in one aspect or another. One time it was "teachers can't live in the communities they teach in." Another time it was "teachers aren't rewarded for taking on more responsibility or getting more experience." Again and again I was assailed with firsthand account after firsthand account. I know teachers aren't treated well. If I didn't know that, I wouldn't have read this book. I wanted to know the effect this poor treatment has on society, and I wanted to know how to fix it.
This book does address those points—eventually—but it almost comes as an afterthought. It made me feel as though this book exists more to soothe the wounded souls of teachers (who deserve to feel wounded, by the way) rather than offer compelling stories on how to fix things. To that end, I was extremely disappointed.
In its eagerness to make its point, I think this book dropped the ball. An overwhelming majority of the book is just vignettes about how bad teachers lives are in one aspect or another. One time it was "teachers can't live in the communities they teach in." Another time it was "teachers aren't rewarded for taking on more responsibility or getting more experience." Again and again I was assailed with firsthand account after firsthand account. I know teachers aren't treated well. If I didn't know that, I wouldn't have read this book. I wanted to know the effect this poor treatment has on society, and I wanted to know how to fix it.
This book does address those points—eventually—but it almost comes as an afterthought. It made me feel as though this book exists more to soothe the wounded souls of teachers (who deserve to feel wounded, by the way) rather than offer compelling stories on how to fix things. To that end, I was extremely disappointed.
July 13, 2023
First, the argument being made here isn't new: teachers need to be paid more.
Second, large swaths of the argument are based on testimonials from a small cadre of teachers who are called upon to stand in for the many. The argument teacher in me doesn't find this to be enough: I was seeking more data, facts, history. As a teacher, there was little new in the testimonials beyond what we have seen for decades, and the year of the publication dated the testimonials and salaries quoted.
Third, while I don't generally disagree with the authors' purported solutions to the problem, I did find the "proof" that a solution was working rather weak. Of course, when you take a public school and turn it into a charter that is allowed to demand 30 hours of service of the parents, the data is going to show growth. The parents that the author describe as drug dealers and criminals certainly didn't sign that contract: they took their babies elsewhere. I'm always skeptical of the charters that show amazing growth in an area when they are allowed to incorporate practices that will most certainly cause a change in the demographics and population. I'm not sure all the growth was changed by happier teachers.
It felt like a long book for a very limited argument. It was readable; sometimes, such books are pedantic and heavy, but the testimonials did keep the book moving.
Second, large swaths of the argument are based on testimonials from a small cadre of teachers who are called upon to stand in for the many. The argument teacher in me doesn't find this to be enough: I was seeking more data, facts, history. As a teacher, there was little new in the testimonials beyond what we have seen for decades, and the year of the publication dated the testimonials and salaries quoted.
Third, while I don't generally disagree with the authors' purported solutions to the problem, I did find the "proof" that a solution was working rather weak. Of course, when you take a public school and turn it into a charter that is allowed to demand 30 hours of service of the parents, the data is going to show growth. The parents that the author describe as drug dealers and criminals certainly didn't sign that contract: they took their babies elsewhere. I'm always skeptical of the charters that show amazing growth in an area when they are allowed to incorporate practices that will most certainly cause a change in the demographics and population. I'm not sure all the growth was changed by happier teachers.
It felt like a long book for a very limited argument. It was readable; sometimes, such books are pedantic and heavy, but the testimonials did keep the book moving.
May 29, 2017
A well written expose regarding the actual work teachers do and the minimal-to-moderate compensation they get. The stories are a little dated and the author focuses primarily on urban schools, but much of his argument still rings true. I'd be interested in following up on some of the alternative pay systems the author talks about and see how they have worked long term.
August 1, 2024
3.5 stars. This book is 20 years old now, although sadly a lot of the issues they discuss are still relevant and probably more so now than before, but this is for non teachers so didn’t really tell me anything I didn’t already know.
October 27, 2017
This was okay, but it was kind of repetitive and very dated- most data and salaries given were from about 2004.
June 13, 2020
Interesting, but perhaps a little dated at this point.
February 3, 2009
I'm a parent of a first-grader, not a teacher. So why did I read this book? Because I'm just beginning to weave my way through the educational system as a parent, and I wanted a better idea of the teacher's perspective from a second-hand source as well as my child's teachers.
This book provides a fact-driven, comprehensive, persuasive argument as to why this paradigm must change, and school districts that are working to create a paradigm shift.
And every person who reviewed this book and recommended it to be read by parents was right. This is NOT a book to be read only by teachers.
I'll be honest - I never really thought that much about teachers as a profession before. While I knew that good teachers never get the respect nor an equitable salary for all of their hard work, it never occurred to me that poor teachers are often kept in the system longer than they should be, and that students have a right to consistently excellent teachers.
This book made me aware of the possibility that every single teacher that my child has could be excellent - but that most of them will leave, disheartened by all of some of the following factors: lack of pay, the stress of working a 60 hour week, or a school district that does not support or create incentives for teachers to excel.
Um, so this book scared me - but it was also a wake-up call.
If I could afford it, I'd buy copies and give them to all of my local school board members, legislators and friends who are parents. As it is, I'm certainly going to do my best to tell them about it.
This book provides a fact-driven, comprehensive, persuasive argument as to why this paradigm must change, and school districts that are working to create a paradigm shift.
And every person who reviewed this book and recommended it to be read by parents was right. This is NOT a book to be read only by teachers.
I'll be honest - I never really thought that much about teachers as a profession before. While I knew that good teachers never get the respect nor an equitable salary for all of their hard work, it never occurred to me that poor teachers are often kept in the system longer than they should be, and that students have a right to consistently excellent teachers.
This book made me aware of the possibility that every single teacher that my child has could be excellent - but that most of them will leave, disheartened by all of some of the following factors: lack of pay, the stress of working a 60 hour week, or a school district that does not support or create incentives for teachers to excel.
Um, so this book scared me - but it was also a wake-up call.
If I could afford it, I'd buy copies and give them to all of my local school board members, legislators and friends who are parents. As it is, I'm certainly going to do my best to tell them about it.
May 20, 2013
I can't even call this book surprising or shocking, b/c sadly I know enough teachers and their struggles plus enough about the current landscape of the education system in my own state to deduce that the American education system is a mess and that teachers in general are under appreciated and underpaid. While I totally support the root themes and ideas in this book, I was hoping it would be a little more entertaining than it was. But, perhaps it wasn't meant to be. I will say that it did give an extra shine to the daily routines and struggles that our teachers face, and this was written long before Newtown happened and those extra layers that have been piled on. The one cool thing about this book....it made me think of all the teachers that I had along the way who helped shape and mold me and my life and career path. I'm thankful they were there when I needed them. It's a crying shame some of the most talented people in the position to teach simply can't reasonably afford to continue to do it. We're all worse off for it. I can't even say I'm optimistic for the hopeful change mentioned in the book. It's been almost a decade since it was written and there's no major changes on the horizon that I can see. If only we cared as deeply for educating our population as we did about keeping them armed.
August 27, 2011
I applaud the effort and intention of this book. I understand the authors' perspective on the issue but wish they would have been a little more transparent in delivering it. I appreciate getting to read the direct perspectives and experiences of the practitioners so that readers could come to their own conclusions but assume that these quotes were also carefully selected. Though I didn't need persuading, I'm not certain this book will really change the minds of those on the other side of the issue. There was little in here that shocked me (both my parents and my spouse are teachers) but I think some may be a little surprised at some of the stories. It did make me stop and think and I found some of the programs highlighted to be signs of hope for the future. On the other hand, it is disheartening seeing that there are districts doing the right thing but that there are still so many not making a change. It's not a long or laborious read so if you're interested in the topic, I recommend it.
July 25, 2012
This book was of course mostly preaching to the choir, but it did bring into focus some issues that have only swirled around in my mind, i.e. if teachers are professionals why must they clock in/out [it's not like I actually only work those hours, after all], and the big one that I get a lot - if teaching is such a great thing and teachers are so wonderful, why does one get the third degree or made to feel like they've chosen a lesser job when one says they went to a competitive college and became a teacher? I get that one A LOT. Happily, my current teaching situation does not have the pay issues, and I have been able to afford a house (albeit with a big mortgage), but the issues of respect and professionalism are still very true.... and sadly, right now it seems that teachers must have it really easy and must be living really large, because I feel like they are being blamed and scapegoated in many places.
November 27, 2013
The book makes a compelling case for higher teacher pay. It reinforces this message with research and stories of and from teachers about what their lives are really like, and what their earning prospects are.
Teachers get a lot of the blame for what's wrong with our educational system. But there's a disconnect between the importance of teachers that we acknowledge and how we incentivize the best and brightest to go into teaching. That is, there are clear disincentives for people to go into teaching. Why is high pay a reasonable argument for attracting talent in the corporate world (CEOs, Investment Bankers), but not for one of the most critical jobs in our society?
The book acknowledges the difficulties that school districts, localities and states face in financing public education. Essentially, this is a call for us as a society to put our money where our mouths are. Why do we force these people to sacrifice? Being a teacher should not mean a life of penury.
Teachers get a lot of the blame for what's wrong with our educational system. But there's a disconnect between the importance of teachers that we acknowledge and how we incentivize the best and brightest to go into teaching. That is, there are clear disincentives for people to go into teaching. Why is high pay a reasonable argument for attracting talent in the corporate world (CEOs, Investment Bankers), but not for one of the most critical jobs in our society?
The book acknowledges the difficulties that school districts, localities and states face in financing public education. Essentially, this is a call for us as a society to put our money where our mouths are. Why do we force these people to sacrifice? Being a teacher should not mean a life of penury.
July 9, 2007
Though the title says it all, I still managed to be surprised when the entire book talked about teacher salaries. Eggers and co-authors interview teachers from all over the country who discuss their perspectives on teacher salaries and career retention-- the stories are often heart-breaking and repetitive-- if you're a teacher, it's nothing you haven't heard before.
If you get depressed mid-way through the book, chug through the sad stories until you get to the end. Eggers presents some case studies of school districts and individual schools that have reformed their teacher pay scales to reflect good teaching practices. He also gives ideas on how to make it work financially in a system that is always strapped for cash. Be aware, though: if you're a broke teacher, you may be tempted to change careers. Either that, or change the teaching profession.
If you get depressed mid-way through the book, chug through the sad stories until you get to the end. Eggers presents some case studies of school districts and individual schools that have reformed their teacher pay scales to reflect good teaching practices. He also gives ideas on how to make it work financially in a system that is always strapped for cash. Be aware, though: if you're a broke teacher, you may be tempted to change careers. Either that, or change the teaching profession.
June 24, 2011
Remember when I wanted to be a teacher? After reading this book... yeah, I can't remember either. My eyes were opened to the bigger problems teachers have, the problems that make disliking a coworker or unruly students seem trivial in comparison. It's great if I read this book and am inspired to try and do something about it, but let's be honest: there needs to be an army of people who have read this and feel the same way, a nation. It almost feels as if since I started reading, I've seen so much more about teachers' salaries in the news. It's a real issue that I think (and sincerely hope) my generation figures out.
It's criminal how little some teachers are paid despite how much they do. I came away from the book with even more respect for my past educators and all of the work they did during the school day and after-hours. Even the ones who gave me B's.
It's criminal how little some teachers are paid despite how much they do. I came away from the book with even more respect for my past educators and all of the work they did during the school day and after-hours. Even the ones who gave me B's.
November 6, 2011
I agree with others that this book was not meant for teachers, it is meant for policymakers/ decision makers. Right before I read the chapter on moonlighting I had decided that I needed to get a second job to help with some unexpected expenses. As I read the chapter on how little teachers make once you think about raising a family or trying to buy a house, I felt a little disheartened. I couldn't agree more and I sometimes worry what I will do once I want to have children and have to provide for someone other than myself. I agree that teacher salaries can be good at the beginning, but eventually they can't keep up and/ or keep teachers in the middle class. I particularly liked the day by day comparison of a math teacher and a pharmaceutical rep. The day is definitely busier and more demanding for the teacher.
January 23, 2016
The title caught my attention. As a high school teacher I thought it would be interesting to learn a new paradigm for experiencing my profession. What I found, instead, was a debunking of the myths that are pervasive in the publics view and understanding of the teaching profession. Authors Moulthorp, Ninive Clements Calegari, and David Eggers proceed from there to explain how these myths are hurting efforts to improve our schools. The Washington Post book review calls "Teachers Have It Easy" an investigation "full of truth" and suggests that everyone buy a copy. I concur. Also, pay attention to the subtitle, "The Big Sacrifices and Small Salaries of America's Teachers" as it does a much better job of articulating the focus and truth of the book than the eye catching, and hilarious title, "Teacher Have it Easy."
January 4, 2013
The first two-thirds of this book were fairly straight forward--setting out to show all of the ways that teachers are underpaid compared to other careers that require a similar level of commitment and training. The last third of this book--showing how this could be done--was very ambitious. I found their arguments to be a little hit or miss, that can be forgiven when trying to tackle such a difficult topic.
But what I couldn't figure out is: who is this book for? It seems like it was "for everyone" and it came off as unfocused. Policy Makers, people disinclined to give teachers raises, or educators them selves so they have talking points in the day-to-day conversations on the topic? Any one of these would have been acceptable.
But what I couldn't figure out is: who is this book for? It seems like it was "for everyone" and it came off as unfocused. Policy Makers, people disinclined to give teachers raises, or educators them selves so they have talking points in the day-to-day conversations on the topic? Any one of these would have been acceptable.
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