Reply #39: I used to be an award winning music teacher.

[wolfgangmo]

I was also really good at grant writing. In my last year on the job I brought $250,000 in grants into the school. I was fired, er, non-renewed. Actually I was given a choice between taking on 2 other programs and working it into my day (3 times the work -3 different buildings a day - no money for transportation - pay frozen), going to 1/2 time at my building with my program cut so much that it basically stopped existing, or non-renewal.

I had been in education for 10 years and there wasn't a single year when I had any contract beyond 1 year with minimal salary and few benefits (no medical and I was "allowed" to participate in the crappy "retirement" account that didn't return a profit during the 90's - talk about bad management) and every year I had to re-apply for my job and go through interviews and compete. I decide to throw in the towel. I had a job working for VH1 music channel within 2 days at a higher salary, fewer hours, all travel expenses covered, full benefits, insurance, etc.

I have never looked back and now own and manage a medical clinic. I miss the music and I really miss the kids, but I don't recommend anyone become a teacher. It aint' worth it. You will lose money, sleep, and your future. If you are reading this and considering becoming a teacher do yourself and favor and find something else. Anything else. Get trained as an electrician or plumber or some other trade and then go to work with a transnational or other corporation. Or go to business school and learn how to become an amoral crook. Do anything except teaching.

MadFlo, I love your posts but they have convinced me that things are much worse now then when I quit / was forced out. Education in the US is dead and dying and with it will go the country in a single generation. It's sad but I think we need to look out for our families and find functioning countries to live in. My wife and I are looking strongly at Canada and at New Zealand. Both countries have lists of desired occupations that we qualify for and I hold commonwealth citizenship from my parents which streamlines the process.

It's time to abandon ship. The SS America is sinking. Time to drop your martini glass and get to a lifeboat.