I was very fortunate that I had one very special teacher, in which I really don't know where I would have ended up without her. God Bless you Bonnie Deal, wherever you are.
I also have a great deal of respect for Teachers, at every level. But... correct me if I'm wrong... didn't you guys know going into it that you were choosing a career that would never really be financially rewarding?
I would think that the biggest financial perk for Teachers has to be a having real pension instead of a 401k - and being able to retire before you're too old to enjoy it. Hell, in my field, I'm lucky my job offers any kind of retirement at all.
I too am not a fan of unions, but I do understand that there are some fields that they are essential like the Police, Firefighters, and Teachers. Of course after 25 years of service, my employer has given me just one raise... from $10 an hour to $10.75 (and I'm the Supervisor!) No kidding. When you depend on gratuities for your livelihood, you pretty much must work swingshift, weekends, and Holidays, so at least you'll have a decent opportunity to make your money. So, I tend to not feel so bad for union workers that have full benefits. But like all the rest of you, I also chose my career without a gun to my head (that came at least ten years into it).
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