To the editor:
“My impression is that teachers receive two months’ paid vacation per year and they want additional pay for being asked to work a few more days? Something is wrong with this picture.” — Phil Cyr, Caribou. Nov. 20. Aroostook Republican.
You are correct … there is something very wrong with that picture/impression.
In all due respect, let me reveal some facts to give a clearer picture/impression:
• teachers are paid a salary for 180 days of work, then they are laid off for nine weeks and unable to collect unemployment.
• teachers are given three options on how they wish to receive their salary — a) 26 payments, b) 22 payments, or c) 22 payments w/lump sum of the balance owed;
• they get no paid vacations, holidays, or overtime.
By the way, research shows the teaching profession ranks in the top 10 of the lowest paying professions that require a college education.
When it comes to retirement, the health benefits you mentioned are paid for from premiums deducted from an already meager compensation.
I hope this gives you a better understanding.
G. Neal Genz,
ret. Caribou teacher of 35 years
