Job Security

Those employed in the private sector seem to think that a government employee is somehow benefiting from something that they are not.  It appears to me that our economic culture has rendered us all to lives of desperation.

One out of every four teachers leaves the profession within the first three years.  Thirty percent leave within the first five years of teaching.

Why?

It’s been reported that those who leave the profession look for higher salaries or easier conditions elsewhere.

Here’s another answer to consider: Performance reviews.

Despite mentoring programs, continual opportunities for peer assistance, professional development opportunities, and additional formal schooling, some employees just don’t grasp the nuances of the profession.

With or without union contracts, teachers may be fired for “just cause”.  Just cause is any violation of school or district policy.  In many cases, an act may not be specifically addressed by district policy but may warrant one’s firing.  Employees are given due process but the employer simply needs to defend its decision.

There are no severance packages in public education.  There are no additional payments, no payments for unused vacation or sick time, no stock options, and no assistance in finding new work. 

There is a misperception about job security for public school teachers. 

Today, hundreds of thousands teachers nationwide face layoffs due to state budget issues.  

This is due primarily to budget cuts caused by the ubiquitous economic challenges of the day -  Budget cuts with which the private sector is unfortunately familiar. 

Budget cuts and performance reviews.  There’s more that binds us than separates us.