I agree. Nothing in my classroom changed this year in spite of having NO classroom money. Where did it come from? That is right...my own pocketbook. I am also waiting for the lavish benefits to start rolling in.

I agree with the above post. Teacher DO spend out of their own pocket so the kids have what they need. Teachers have done that for years, But I have said for years that if I missed as many work days as some teachers I would lose my job. I have a child in school and I was amazed by how many days his teachers missed.

I realize that times are hard econmically on many families. Maybe the Lavish benefits the Joe Morton (moron) needs to cut is his own benefits. I would gladly change jobs with him and let him teach our students with nothing. too many times we all have paid hundreds and even thousands of dollars from our own pockets to make sure our students had the needed supplies, clothes, shoes, and even food they need on a daily basis. I think Mr, Moron needs to come to the classroom for a couple of years. Then maybe he can see what lavish benefits he could or would cut.

Why is this moron the state superintendent? Scary. The State of Idiotbama needs to spend more on education, including teacher pay, and maybe we will no longer be ranked last or next-lo-last (thanks, Mississsippi!) in every measure of educational success and proficiency in this country.

Teachers do pay out of pocket. I won't argue that. I have seen many of them go out of there way to amazingly decorate their rooms and I appreciate that. A fun, colorful room seems to keep children interested. I have also seen teachers buy things, out of their own money, to help the poor. That is wonderful, but not just because they are teachers. Many people take their own money and buy for the poor. My children are not even in school yet, but many times I have bought school supplies and donated them to the county. Now, what I want to point out is this: The State of Alabama is having a hiring freeze. They are also under a merit increase freeze...meaning no annual raises for state employees. BUT, the teachers are not held to this policy!!! WHAT??? Are they not employees of the state? I know for a fact that Lawrence County hired new teachers this year. I imagine other counties did as well. This, to me, is a lavish benefit. The Department of Transportation, a state entity, decided to join forces and freeze all hiring and raises. This was a COURTESY to all other departments. Transportation funding is totally separated from all other state funding. It is funded by gas taxes and federal funds. Plenty of money there to hire and allow raises, yet as a COURTESY, they chose to join with the rest of the state. Did the teachers choose to join? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!! AND THEY NEVER WILL!

Any you folks that don't like the teachers or the school system ever considered home schooling? Huh, ohhhh..........new ballgame. Kinda scary to consider isn't it? Ever been to a teachers house at 9:00 p.m. when after taking time with their own family they are back to grading papers, making assignments/test?

How long has it been since you as a parent have called your child's teachers and simply asked if there is anything you can do to help? Or just say "thanks"?

No, I am not a teacher, nor am I employed by the State or Fed Gov't.

Ummm James.....I am working the 3 months during the summer when the teachers are at the beach. AND teachers have kids grade their papers...been there done that! And SOME teachers NOT all thinks "teaching" is saying, "Read the chapter, do the questions at the end, we will have a test Friday." Sorry- that is not teaching. Yes, some about and beyond the call of duty but an equal amount "ride the system."

Most teachers work hard and are underpaid. Most care deeply about their students. I'm guessing the "lavish" benefits to which Mr. Morton referred are health insurance. Anybody know how much teachers pay out-of-pocket for health insurance? Anybody know of any other profession that gets that? I'm not saying teachers are underworked and overpaid -- neither was Mr. Morton. But with proration, an ever-growing portion of the education budget goes to employee benefits, leaving a smaller portion for classroom and curricula expenditures.

James, I do understand what you are saying, but don't the schools require a teacher to have the assignments made out before school starts? My kids attend a daycare/preschool that is basically set up just like a classroom. At the beginning of August the 2, 3, and 4 year old teachers are required to submit a "lesson plan" for the enitre year. Granted, they are allowed to deviate from it somewhat, if need be, but they do have guidelines on what each classroom must learn by the end of the year. I was under the impression that the public school system was run the same way. They may be grading tests, but the assignments should already be made. Also, that is what the "free-period" is for. The teachers can grade papers then. Not only that, but school runs roughly from 7:40-2:55. By my adding, that makes 7 hours and 15 minutes. You get to take a lunch time out of that and the teachers aren't even working a full 8-hour day. For those that are coaches, yes, they work longer, but they also get compensated for that. Also, I am with Grace, I work 12 months out of the year. They work 9 months with a fall break, a spring break, 3 days at Thanksgiving, 2 weeks at Christmas, and various "weather days". Don't get me wrong, good teachers are a great asset to our children, but not all of them are good. And, all the state employees I know pay out of pocket for at least part of their health insurance. It isn't just the teachers! I am just so sick of hearing about how mistreated they are. It can't be that bad, when so many people choose to go into that profession. Also, they can get compensated in some way by taking a job in a "poverty labeled" county, which is any county in the state of Alabama. It just isn't as bad as they are all screaming about. Try working for an agency that freezes your raises for a few years. Then come talk to me about it.

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Teachers make about $25.00 an hour plus a retirement that is out of this world. I think you teachers make excellent money and wonder if you just quit using lavish supplies like water paints, huge paper,and other crafts, and then get back to the basics our children won't be better off. What does art supplies have to do with reading and math and writing. OK go to work on my grammar.

Bubba never had such in school.

I think you people are jealous of the benefits of the position. In the State of Alabama what do you think a teacher gets paid annually? Got to have a degree to get certified. Want to be a teacher? Go get you the job. It's easy right? Most people last less than 5 yrs in the teaching profession. Why? Why in the world would somebody not want the benefits? Because the kids are a reflection of you, the parents.

There are excellent students at every level and in every community, but look at your comments. Upset with you own situation so you're going to play the blame game.

Teachers got a raise.........boohoo you didn't. They also got zero, nada, nothing for supplies and materials.

The county hired more teachers? Want the class sizes to be bigger? Then don't hire. Plus they replaced the teachers who left. Didn't two local schools combine this year? Wonder how many people lost their job?

At the beach for 3 mos? Hartselle's school yr started August 5th, ends May 28. Wonder how many attend traing and continue education classes. Summer school too!

A daycare / preschool? Isn't that a private business?

Just because someone is working on an assignment tonight doesn't mean it's for tommorow, could be for the day after. Doesn't matter because it's got to be done.

"Free period"? Whats free about those 55 mins? Try grading all the students papers. Try reading emails and responding to them. Try going to the office and back. Try entering info into the computer system - if it's working. Try making copies. Please, in 55 mins.

Try eating lunch at school in 20 mins. Bet that's enjoyable.

Would it make you happy if teachers worked year round? Would it make your kids happy to go to school year round? Or does it just satisfy your need for a year round baby sitter? If your boss told you to take 2 mos off with pay - would you?

Is Morgan County proverty labeled? What about Madison County? If life is so great in Pickens County then why aren't more people moving there? Add money to the situation and it becomes more attractive.

Work at a place that doesn't offer raises? Tough. Do they offer layoffs? Free country.

Envy and jealous, really sad.

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I am a high school math teacher. I sit here at home grading papers and creating a test on my own personal laptop that I purchased with my own money. I do this at home because I choose not to stay at school until 5 or 6 o'clock in the evening to finish preparations for tomorrow. No we do not have all of our preparations complete when school begins. We have a general plan for what we will teach each week / term / semester. We are required to report our plans for each week on Friday of the previous week. However, things happen that change those plans. Weather-related interruptions, field trips, mass illnesses, student deaths, personal illnesses, family emergencies, extra-curricular activities, and the list goes on. Furthermore, we do not know the individual needs of our students -- all kids are not cut from the same cloth. Last year's plans may not work for all of this year's students -- we may have to slow down, re-teach, tutor, etc. Twenty-five minutes for lunch -- that is nice when it happens. You see, at my school, many teachers, including me, give make-up tests, make-up work, or tutoring during the lunch rotation. Have you ever tried to grade 150 assignments during a 50 minute planning period? Oh, and there is the need to modify lessons, assignments, and tests for students with IEP's. Did I mention department meetings and faculty meetings? Making copies? Parent conferences? Phone calls that I make on my cell phone -- more of my money spent? I know, I could use the school phone, but very often I must make a call in the hallway while students work inside my classroom; I cannot leave as every student is my responsibility. I sprint to the bathroom on the opposite end of the building during the 4 minutes between classes -- not during break as students are stopping by to turn in late assignments or to ask questions. In my school system, the textbook that I teach from has been used for 16 years. Have you ever seen a textbook that has been used by students for 16 years? It is basically unusable; it has no resource materials to go along with it; and it has no technology resources. Therefore, I must create all of my worksheets and enrichment activities. 7:40 - 2:55??? I want a job at that school!!! There are IEP meetings, BBSST meetings, School Improvement Team meetings, Continuous Improvement Team meetings, Club meetings, hall monitoring, handling discipline issues, and - believe it or not - sometimes a student who is in the midst of a difficult time in their life turns to us as a confidante. I personally cannot walk away from a teenager needing a listening ear or advice. For so many, the 6-8 adults with whom they interact at school are the only role models they have -- and we do not take that role lightly. We must also deal with issues that should be handled by parents -- trashy mouths, disrespect, PDA, girls dressed like street walkers, cell phones, ipods, sleeping in class (they should sleep at night!), defiance, drugs, etc. The students who cause the most problems likely have parents who have a bad attitude toward teachers. We are also expected to organize / participate in canned food drives, coat and jean drives, health / toiletry drives, car washes, and other community service projects. By the way, most of these responsibilities are dealt with during lunch or after school. Any school-related activities are attended by a teacher, even on weekends and at night. When the students sell something to raise money for their team or club, who do you think is their first customers? I spend most of my summer attending at training for CE's or teaching a college class or planning for the next school year. I am not complaining -- I don't like all the extra stuff that comes with it, but I love my job. All of the above is in defense of the 7:40-2:55, 3 months off in the summer, Christmas break ignorant mentality. I have 2 degrees -- Bachelor's, and Master's -- and I spent a lot of money, time, and energy to get them. In most other professions an individual having 2 degrees would earn twice as much (or more) than a teacher, and we are the one's that taught them!!! Most occupations are routine -- same tasks on schedule day in and out. Rarely any change. As a teacher, I have to be prepared and respond to change without notice. We all make choices and often times we create opportunities that we would otherwise not have. I created for myself the opportunity to become a teacher. I don't regret it. Some of the comments on this site sound like they are tinged with jealousy. If you want a dose of what I described above, then GO. FOR. IT!! Now, at 11:05, I will return to my papers and finish my test...good night all...

I first want to apologize if I implied, for even a moment, that I do not appreciate teachers. i was fortunate enough to have some VERY good ones in elementary, high school and college. I also had some VERY crappy ones. Regardless, I still respect anyone who chooses to be a teacher, especially in times as they are. But, I am not jealous of their benefits nor am I ignorant of the time off they get. I am in a profession that requires a license as well. I too have to attend various training throughout the yearto maintain my certification. Granted, I am lucky in that the state pays for my training and I am unsure of that in the situation for teachers. I think I have been told that the state pays for some of it, but I don't know if they pay for all of it.

Now, JAMES, please refrain from judging me as a parent. You have no idea what kind of parent I am. I will give you a glimpse though. When I was choosing my childrens' daycare, because I have to work, I searched long and hard for one that had a loving environment, yet wouldn't spend the entire day just letting my children play. I searched for one that would prepare my children for public school, for one that would HELP teach them how to properly behave in a classroom. I say help, because I am the main person to educate my children on how to behave. If my children are a reflection of me, then I must be a very good person, as my kids get glowing compliments on their behavior at school. Daycares are normally a private business, but they are also supplemented with state funding, or at least some of them are. Really though, what does that have to do with anything?

Yes, I am going to complain when I work for the very same State System that the teachers work for and that very entity deems it appropriate to give one department raises, yet no other department gets them. Imagine how you would take that. You commented about a free country, but this has nothing to do with that. The "place" I work for is the exact same "place" the teachers work for. Maybe I didn't make that obvious enough for you in my original post. I wrongly assumed you would realize when I spoke knowledgeably about the State and the Department of Transportation that you figure out I was employeed by the state. Sorry, my incorrect assumption.

Yes, in Lawrence County, a few schools combined this year. As it was reported in the DD, no teacher lost their job. Now, I could be wrong about that, but that is what was reported. They either retained their job or they were relocated to one of the combined schools. If no one lost their job, then why was it a necessity to hire more? Hopefully, there is some information I missed. Otherwise, we just hired people that weren't needed to begin with.

As far as the summer vacations go, I personally know a teacher in the Decatur City School System who actually "moved" to the beach for most of the entire summer break one year. I don't begrudge that person their vacation, but they certainly were not spending the entire summer in training classes. Most of the teachers i know spend a week during the summer at training. I spend just as much time at training to keep my certification.

i would love to meet the teachers that last less than 5 yrs in the profession! They obviously live in a county that I don't. Every teacher I know has been in the profession since they started. Come to think of it, I don't know a single teacher who has chosen to quit the profession.

If you aren't a teacher James, then are you married to one or have one in your family? You are so quick to defend everything they do, just seems a little odd unless I have stepped on your toes. Yes, last I was told, every single county in Alabama was considered at poverty level. I'm not sure exactly how it works, but I think they can either get help to attend college or have student loans paid off if they work in a poverty level county. I could be wrong about the details. I am certainly not going to stake anything on it.

Now, I would like to address Dee. Thank you for choosing to be a teacher. I did not mean to imply that I do not respect or appreciate what you do. I would like to discuss a few issues though. You purchased a laptop with your own money. When I was in school, teachers didn't use computers at all to create a test. It was typed on a typewriter or handwritten. Sorry, but I don't think that one can be validated. You do your work at home so you do not have to stay until 5 o'clock. I stay at my job until 5 o'clock every day and many days I get a 20 or 30 minute lunch, depending on what the situation is. I don't get overtime either.

Umm, when I was in school, teachers didn't tutor students, without being paid. They didn't give make-up exams during lunch hours nor did they allow make-up work during that time. Maybe this is part of the problem with the education system today. Not that I am blaming you, as you are probably only doing what you are told to do. I blame this on that "wonderful" no child left behind garbage. If we would go back to the days of students actually failing when they didn't pass a class, things would probably be a lot better! I realize there are times a make-up exam is necessary, but in the past, those were given during regular class hours.

Why are you making calls on a cell phone when you should be teaching anyway? Yes, I realize that I am typing while working, but I am using my personal cell phone as well. When did it become okay for a teacher to even bring a cell phone to school? If the kids can't have them, then neither should the teachers. Late assignments should be graded accordingly. If it is late, then it should be turned in during the following day's class. Another one of those lenient gestures that is making our children a bunch of whining, sniveling little brats who think they deserve everything in life. Yes, I have seen textbooks used for 16 years. I attended an extremely poor, extremely old school and that was the norm. Still managed to graduate with a pretty good education and went on to get a really good degree!

I commend you for taking the time to counsel children. That is wonderful. You are right, for many kids, the only good adult role models they have are teachers. For that, I thank you. For the ones with discipline issues as you described, if we would go back to the old school way, those would not be a problem. Those children would be in suspension, detention, or being punished. It is not your responsibility to raise other people's children. That is the parents' responsibility. If you choose otherwise, then that is exactly what it is...your choice.

I know that this post sounds like I am one of those parents that has a problem with teachers. i really don't. I respect them, admire them, and am extremely greatful that we have people who choose to spend their day with other people's children. I would not trade jobs with you for any amount of money. But, I also chose a different profession so that I wouldn't have to deal with those things. I simply would like for teachers to realize just how good they do have it. An article in today's paper states you pay $2 a month for health coverage. At least that is the way I understood it. I pay $25 a month for the EXACT same coverage. Yes, some teachers choose to get paid for only the months they are physically teaching, but you also have the choice to get paid for all 12 months. You are not the only people who work long hours and go unpaid for it. Most any salary employee for the state has done it at some point. We have people who have to drive from Tuscumbia to Mobile whenever there is a threat of a hurricane. They are paid for travel, but they also get to stand in the pouring rain and direct traffic. We have those that get called out at 3 am because a tree has fallen across the road, or the bridge is iced over, or there has been a wreck and traffic needs to be rerouted. The whining and complaining just needs to stop. Try comparing your salaries to all of the other state employees. You will find that you have more benefits, better retirement, and it all comes at a cheaper cost than the rest of the state.

Teachers pay $2 per month for health insurance. That is what Mr. Morton was talking about. Seems pretty "lavish" to me. I pay more than $250 per month for family coverage and my employer also contributes.

"R from somewhere:" Let's go ahead and clear up this insurance premium myth...I pay $240 per month in insurance premiums. Yes, that is for family coverage. I'm sure everything was perfect when you were in school, but we have left that era already. We are required to give make-up tests before / after school or during lunch, otherwise the student misses instruction time if they make up work during class. Umm, you may not have needed tutoring, but I would be willing to bet some students were tutored by your teachers (perhaps "individualized instruction") without you being aware of it. I care whether my students master the material taught; as a result, I tutor whenever necessary, at school during mine or the student's free time. No, I don't get paid any extra to do it, if that is what you attempted to imply. Yes, I choose to care...do you want to cut my pay because I do? If a child cares enough to ask for help, am I to say "Sorry, I'm a teacher, but tutoring isn't part of my job." Yes, it would be much easier to just give a zero when a child doesn't do their work, but then have they learned anything of academic value? So if I take the easy way out (and that is easier for me) that child attends school, using your tax dollars to fund the school/faculty, doesn't complete their work, and fails and fails and fails. Will that satisfy you insomuch as to how your tax dollars are being managed? Believe it or not, we are trying to give you the most for your money, which, by the way, is my money also since I pay taxes, too. I am so glad that you appreciate it. Most teachers will try to help the good learners as well as those who don't seem to care. If your children are the ones who are not receiving extra help as needed, will you not be upset. At least 90% of the students have cell phones at school. As long as I don't see the phones, I don't care. I do care when they take pictures of my tests to give to their friends. I do care when during my class someone texts a student in another class which means neither student is getting what is being taught. I do care when their phone gets stolen or damaged and the administration has to listen to parents gripe about something that happened when Precious should not have brought it to begin with. I said I step into the hallway to call parents; I am within 2 feet of my classroom door and can visually monitor them. If I don't use my own phone, then I would have to borrow one from a student, and that would inappropriate. I am not the "sage on the stage" for the entire 50 minutes. There comes a time when "guided practice" ends and "independent work" begins. Please get with the times. This is the age of technology. We must prepare our students for the world, which includes the use of computers, LCD projectors, powerpoint, Excel, graphing calculators, SmartBoards, etc. Kids have access to an abundance of technology outside of school (DVD's, ipods, cell phones, electronic games, online games with challengers from around the world). Be enlightened...a chalkboard and lecture doesn't cut it anymore. When our students leave high school, they will be trained to use these components and will be prepared to enter a technologically enhanced workplace. If you want schools to go back to handwritten tests and mimeograph copiers, then I suggest you move to Sudan. And yes, I choose type my tests also. Now, this "compensation for teaching in a poverty-labeled county." You are really showing your lack of research. There are actually only 4-5 SCHOOL SYSTEMS in the entire State of Alabama that have a per capita income level that is low enough that a teacher could receive compensation in the form of repayment of part or all of their college student loans. Yes, I am paid 12 months per year, even when I am at home during the summer, fall break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, and all of those other holidays you have mentioned. However, I am being paid for time I have already worked. If the State wants to pay me for the time I work at the end of those months, fine. I am a math teacher and am completely capable of budgeting my money so I can live during my down time. The thing about it is, I'll just earn more at the end of those working months, and at the end of the year, will have been paid no more or no less than I am being paid with the current plan. I am not from Lawrence County, but I believe I read that their students now have more elective and advanced classes from which to choose, which required that all teachers be retained. If you think about it, they still have the same number of students, so they need the same number of teachers, only now all students may choose from foreign languages, physics, Dual Enrollment classes, calculus, creative writing, etc. Lawrence County Schools have been in a financial crisis for years, so I doubt they wasted much money. They just don't have it. I realize that there are a few teachers who do not fulfill what is expected of them. However, I would wager that there are employees in the DOT who don't pull their load either. My husband's job requires that he deal with the DOT on a regular basis, so I know there are lazy employees in that State entity also. Not to mention that they (DOT employees) are a pain to deal with. OOPS, I just stereotyped the entire ALDOT based on my husband's interactions with a few employees!!cut your benefits and salaries as a result? "R," I am glad that you recognize that parenting is your responsibility and not that of the school employees. However, please understand that ALL kids deserve the same educational opportunities, even those whose parents do not share your parenting beliefs. And I for one will do EVERYTHING in my power to ensure that they receive a good education. And now...I am finished with this debate! Good night and God bless.

I pressed a function key and did not get to finish... THe 6th from last line should have said, " Should the State cut your benefits and salaries as a result?

To clear up the $2/month teacher insurance premium---that is only for single teachers. Family coverage (you+ spouse, or you+spouse+kids)=$172/month (this includes a dental rider I opted into). I agree their should be some reform for the $2/month. Even if they would just raise single rates up to $50, that would offset costs quite a bit, and it would still be a mighty bargain for the times we live in.