The annual Teachers threaten to strike thread

Again more ignorance displayed. Unable is not necessarily the teacher's fault, or anyone's for that matter. It can be because of SEN, societal issues, cultural factors etc. The same could be argued for unwilling.

The fact that you think reading for pleasure is a problem solved by digital devices or giving students books is laughable. Yes, some students will benefit but the benefits are hugely limited. It's not just the material lack of books it's the lack of a culture in which the value of reading and learning is fostered.

Google the organisation of schooltime in Europe explain how itish primary school teachers have the longest holidays in Europe?

Well it's constantly a case of public sector versus private sector on here. So yes, I agree Teaching is unique... So maybe the ones who are best placed to tell you what it entails are ....teachers.

But I'm sure it won't stop the rabble telling us what our job is. Because they knew a teacher, or possibly went to school a few years ago.

Well then report them if that's what you know. What's that got to do with anything.

I know a guy who robbed my car tyres before and he was unemployed, does that mean all unemployed people Rob car tyres? I rang the gardaí btw.

So what's your point.

Would you be happy if teachers worked longer?

Just because you went to school doesn't mean you know the work that a teacher undertakes. It's like saying I went to the dentist a few times so I know what's involved, just stick an injection in, pull a few teeth with a pliers, put some cement in a tooth, use the hose suction thing and charge €100.

Same as "knowing someone who is a teacher".

And yes teachers are unique in this belief because everybody has experience of being in their presence for 15 odd years. But you still haven't been on the other side of the desk.

... The other one I get too from parents and naysayers is "I'm involved in education myself", which inevitably turns out to be a soccer coach or an administrator in a College.

People just need to get over the fact that younger teachers deserve better pay. The same teacher bashers on here are quick to say (in ignorance) that the older teachers screwed them over, but when the demands are made to increase younger teachers pay then it's a case of ... Something something holidays, bad teachers, I know a teacher, grinds, don't pay tax.

Why don't you get on to your Union to campaign for lower working hours and greater a/l then?

It seems you'll only be happy when some other well know profession (that everyone is an expert on) has less favourable working conditions than they did last year.

What's the average annual pay for a garda in Ireland?

How about a doctor politician tradesman bus driver taxi driver pharmaceutical worker, any graduate with a good degree? Any public sector employee?

How much are our social welfare payments in comparison to Europe?

How much is a hotel in ireland? In comparison to Latvia Wales or even Germany?

Not every profession is unionised. Mine isn't unfortunately.

Unsure what your second point is. Many (myself included) are in the same boat as teachers regarding pay not matching inflation.

It's also important to take what's involved in the job into account.

A classroom of 25 -34 kids for 6 hours is 6 intense hours - try it for a week and see if your suited to it. You cant just pick the hours and holidays and compare the job otherwise accountants would br paid the same as factory floor workers with the same hours and holidays, why aren't they??

Teaching is not rocket science but few people are suited to it in terms of temperament, its a different job to an accountant.

I would agree with you I enjoy my job I look at friends in the private sector on 90k plus at age 40 and I wouldn't swap my job for theirs, but I chose the profession I'm in and knew what was involved in both the job and the benefits. Would I like more pay , yes would I like my union to fight for more pay for me, yes. The court of public opinion about teachers was never as bad and its reflected in attitudes of parents we all deal with nowadays there has been a huge shift - and not a good one for teachers or pupils.

You will find many people only look at the positive aspects of another job. So, you will have some say that teachers only work from 9-2:30 with nothing after school for example. But those in the public sector, including teachers, are as guilty of making the same kinds of comparisons with the private sector. Most professions in the private sector are paid salary, with quite a bit of unpaid overtime. As a software developer, I have not worked less than 50 hrs per week for the last 15 years or so. But, there is a large discretionary performance based part of my pay.

The holidays for teachers are a part of the package. Personally I would prefer to work longer and get paid more but I am sure teachers knew the situation with holidays. They have a benefit in terms of the amount of childcare required etc, so are certainly worth something.

No its not - its there gun to the head approach looking for unreasonable pay increases on top of their incremental system that does increase their wage every year. They knew this when they signed the contract so they can stay and do the job they signed up for or leave no one is forcing them to do the job. They have the same options as every other person in the world.

Welcome to the world of work as I stated every one is running the same race and jumping the same hurdles when it comes to affordability its not just an obstacle for the public sector or for teachers. In fact the security of your job gives you an advantage over those in the private sector when it comes to looking for a loan as you only have to look at the incremental system 99.99999% get an increment no matter how good, bad or ugly the public servant is.