Why one good teacher decided to quit

[Liberal_in_LA]

Why one good teacher decided to quit

She doesn't want to go. After 13 years of teaching high-level math, she has a tested stable of learning methods that helped all her students pass the AP calculus exam. Her room is a popular place for students to escape the drama of the high school cafeteria. Few jobs can indulge her excitement for linear functions and matrix calculus.

"I hate to have to leave it," DeRegnaucourt said. "I really thought I was going to be that teacher, 65 years old and retiring from the education field. That's not going to happen."

She's quitting, she said, because she can't afford to stay.

Two years ago, a divorce left 47-year-old DeRegnaucourt with a single income. Rental properties she owned only caused more financial strain as Florida's real estate market fell apart in recent years. Despite her years of experience, she earns $38,000, she said, less than she made in the past, when teachers received larger supplements for additional certifications.

Once she made a budget, she realized she didn't make enough money to cover her expenses and save for her future. Changing careers felt like the only wise financial move, she said.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/07/20/why.quit.teacher/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

[Sarah Ibarruri]

1. And of course, guess WHO have spent decades destroying teachers, teachers union and education?

Repigs, of course.

[southerncrone]

2. She is not the only one forced to make that decision...

it is happening all across the nation for various reasons, but many are based on financial straits.

By design, I suspect...just another block in the wall of Dumming Down of America....run off the good/experienced teachers (one way or another) & replace them w/young/inexperienced/cheaper teachers....or not at all.

Americans are being attacked on all fronts by the neocon/richie-rich simultaneously. Good bye Miss American Pie.

I hope she can find another job.

[ChrisBorg]

3. How is she only making 38K? Is she part-time? She should be making 42K.

If all goes as planned, this will be her last year teaching at Palm Bay High School in Brevard County, Florida.



http://hrweb.brevard.k12.fl.us/acrobats/07-08_Teacher_Salary_Schedule.pdf