Teachers Are Cashing In On Your Education

[Jesus Perez]

An odd micro-niche and somewhat controversial...

Teachers are making money by selling lesson plans they've created over the years.

So if you're a teacher -retired or active- with good lesson plans, TeachersPayTeachers and WeAreTeachers lets you sell them and earn some cash on the side. Some are even paying their mortgages with them.

Talk about a micro niche! It just goes to show how many markets exist out there.

[Radix]

Even teachers are cheating these days...our civilization is doomed.

As a former teacher, this is equal to sharing underwear with a hobo.

[Martin Luxton]

Don't see anything controversial about it. Teachers are underpaid, overworked and underappreciated.

Why shouldn't they make extra money from their expertise?

This is not a new niche by any means. Teachers were selling lesson plans and activities decades ago.

Martin

[Radix]

Originally Posted by Martin Luxton

Don't see anything controversial about it. Teachers are underpaid, overworked and underappreciated.

Why shouldn't they make extra money from their expertise?

This is not a new niche by any means. Teachers were selling lesson plans and activities decades ago.

Martin

Selling leads to buying and buying leads to teachers not really doing 100% of their job. It is your job as a teacher to create your own lesson plans. This is really on the same level as buying and selling college essays. I wonder how many of these teachers would openly admit to buying their lesson plans.

[DrewG]

I remember my highschool teacher saying something about selling her lesson plans and retiring (she had a HUGE binder full of stuff), so I'm pretty sure this thing is pretty common.

[Taylor French]

I think teachers are vastly underpaid and deserve to make more money with their plans. And I'd rather teachers buy lesson plans that make poor ones. Not all teachers are on equal footing as far as being creative with their planning, so let the good ones profit and the bad ones have better plans for students. Nothing wrong with that.

[Radix]

Originally Posted by Taylor French

I think teachers are vastly underpaid and deserve to make more money with their plans. And I'd rather teachers buy lesson plans that make poor ones. Not all teachers are on equal footing as far as being creative with their planning, so let the good ones profit and the bad ones have better plans for students. Nothing wrong with that.

Except a bad teacher won't recognize a bad lesson plan. I have no problem with teachers cashing in, I simply chose to leave the profession. I'd just assume anyone doing a bad job find another one. Especially when the quality of their work impacts so many.

[AmyBrown]

Teachers have always been able to buy lesson plans in books and other resources. What's different is this is teacher-teacher (hopefully) and that teachers are profiting from a work product that some conclude does not belong to them. Therein lies the controversy.

I was an elementary and special-needs teacher and I've never heard of anyone selling their lesson plans and resources. My experience was that retiring teachers gave their stuff to remaining teachers, especially new teachers. If they didn't we knew they were moving on and not really retiring

[Martin Luxton]

Originally Posted by Radix

It is your job as a teacher to create your own lesson plans.

Your job as a teacher is to deliver the best lesson you can. Of course you have to know how to plan a lesson.

If teachers had to write all their own lesson plans why do schools use course books? Why do speakers at teachers' conferences give copies of their activities? Why are photocopiable resource books a mainstay of a teachers' library?

Martin

[Taylor French]

Originally Posted by Martin Luxton

Your job as a teacher is to deliver the best lesson you can. Of course you have to know how to plan a lesson.

If teachers had to write all their own lesson plans why do schools use course books? Why do speakers at teachers' conferences give copies of their activities? Why are photocopiable resource books a mainstay of a teachers' library?

Martin

I agree. I don't consider it a teacher's job to create lesson plans. I don't care if a teacher uses their own lesson, plan or one they bought, or one they were gifted, as long as they deliver a solid education.

[Taylor French]

And some parents are schooling their children at home. I think I read that there are over a million families doing this in the U.S. It was a big number. Those families would benefit greatly from being able to purchase lesson plans from qualified educators.

[Goatboy]

When my nephew told me one of his college science teachers was selling his own lectures on video for $5 each I just about hit the floor. It makes no sense to agree to teach a class and then charge for the lessons. I could understand it if the videos were free to the teacher's own students and at a charge to students from other schools.

[Steven Wagenheim]

I'm sorry but the person who has a problem with this practice is quite
misinformed.

My wife is a teacher and there are actual companies, sanctioned by the
Teacher's Union, that sell lesson plans.

This is a perfectly viable and legitimate niche.

Having said that, my wife makes her own plans, BUT...I really have to talk
to her about selling some of them now.

Could be an extra income for my poor underpaid, school system abused wife.

[Rezbi]

Originally Posted by Radix

Selling leads to buying and buying leads to teachers not really doing 100% of their job. It is your job as a teacher to create your own lesson plans. This is really on the same level as buying and selling college essays. I wonder how many of these teachers would openly admit to buying their lesson plans.

I see, so you know what a techer's job is, then? Are you a teacher, or ever been one?

It's tough enough teaching a bunch of kids who don't want to be taught. Then setting them homework they don't want to do. And then marking that same homework.

Now, keep in mind, some teachers teach more than one class in each subject: that's around 25 kids each class x 3= 75 kids.

Then there's other classes to the same numbers of kids, doing the same amount of work.

And you have a teacher who gets paid a fraction of what he or she should be getting paid.

And don't forget, the teacher's work isn't finished in school. Once home, there's more to be done. Much more.

How do I know? I used to be a teacher.

So, please, unless you've done all of that, stop being a judgemental know-it-all.

I forgot to mention: I taught four subects to four different classes.

[Rezbi]

Originally Posted by Goatboy

When my nephew told me one of his college science teachers was selling his own lectures on video for $5 each I just about hit the floor. It makes no sense to agree to teach a class and then charge for the lessons. I could understand it if the videos were free to the teacher's own students and at a charge to students from other schools.

I wonder how many people on this forum complain they're not making any money, despite doing nothing to deserve it.

[Rezbi]

Originally Posted by Martin Luxton

Your job as a teacher is to deliver the best lesson you can. Of course you have to know how to plan a lesson.

If teachers had to write all their own lesson plans why do schools use course books? Why do speakers at teachers' conferences give copies of their activities? Why are photocopiable resource books a mainstay of a teachers' library?

Martin

Exactly.

Why do people on here buy prepared courses to learn internet market instead of doing their own research from scratch?

[butters]

Dam right they should cash in on this and good on them, if they create a lesson plan they got the right to sell it on. We pay for many things which are useless at-least they are selling something kids + adults can benefit from. If a adult wants to go back to college/university, they get to see the criteria and get to know what is expected of them for 27 bucks. Thats much better then going to college / uni and paying 4k and realizing crap, I can't do this.

[AmyBrown]

Looking at the sellers terms on one of the sites it's not the teachers who are cashing in... It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out but could be worthwhile to develop a competing marketplace. Neither of the sites mentioned in the article are terribly impressive.

[Dan C. Rinnert]

Controversy?

Isn't making sure kids get a good education the important thing here?

Wouldn't you prefer a teacher that gives the best lessons possible to hold kids' interest and ensure that they learn the subject matter, even if that teacher has to buy a lesson plan from someone else?

Or, would you prefer a teacher that does everything on their own? He or she may not give the best lessons. Maybe they're acceptable, but they're not great. But, at least, they did it on their own, right?

I would think that if education is the focus, you'd prefer the former over the latter. In that case, shouldn't the person who developed the superior lesson plan be rewarded for it?

And, if they are rewarded for it, wouldn't you think other teachers would step up and try to improve on things, making better and better lesson plans? It may even attract more people into the field, which could help increase quality even further.

It would seem to be a better motivator than equal pay for unequal work.

There are good teachers and there are bad teachers. Some so bad they really have no business trying to teach kids, but what are schools to do with a limited pool of teachers? So, anything that helps retain good teachers and perhaps bring more good teachers into the field can't be too bad.

Bringing back capitalism into education is perhaps long overdue.

[AffiliateInABox1]

Actually, depending on *where* to teach, some of the requirements for teachers has become ridiculous (in terms of what you need for your lesson plans/practicum/etc/etc). So it\'s not really a niche -- (or if you call it that, its a huge one), because pretty much every teacher needs a lesson plan, and when you are just starting out, they are usually reviewed extensively.

[seasoned]

Originally Posted by Taylor French

I think teachers are vastly underpaid and deserve to make more money with their plans. And I'd rather teachers buy lesson plans that make poor ones. Not all teachers are on equal footing as far as being creative with their planning, so let the good ones profit and the bad ones have better plans for students. Nothing wrong with that.

MAN, you are assuming a LOT! Supposed the ones selling plans are selling BAD plans? FRANKLY, I think a lot of teachers are OVERpaid. When asked to have tests, etc.. they STRIKE! at least that is what happened in texas and california, and probably ELSEWHERE!

Pay the good ones, FIRE the bad(TENURED OR NOT!)!

Steve

[Steven Wagenheim]

Originally Posted by seasoned

MAN, you are assuming a LOT! Supposed the ones selling plans are selling BAD plans? FRANKLY, I think a lot of teachers are OVERpaid. When asked to have tests, etc.. they STRIKE! at least that is what happened in texas and california, and probably ELSEWHERE!

Pay the good ones, FIRE the bad(TENURED OR NOT!)!

Steve

Steve, I agree with you. Even though my wife is a teacher, I say the bad
ones should be shown the door.

The other side of the fence, however, is that a lot of school systems don't
support their teachers properly and give them the materials they need to
do the job effectively, usually because of lack of funds.

But that's another can of worms that I'd just assume not get into here.

I'm just going to be very happy when my wife retires.

25 plus years has been way too long.

[Kevin AKA Hubcap]

What's wrong with a teacher purchasing a lesson plan from another teacher.

Of course we expect a teacher to be able to tell the difference between a good lesson plan and a deficient one but IMO that has little to no relevance to the theme of the OP which is teachers selling lesson plans.

Why develop something totally from scratch when you can purchase a plan that that's just as good and has an additional benefit of giving you more time?

Kevin

[Rezbi]

Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert

Controversy?

Isn't making sure kids get a good education the important thing here?

Wouldn't you prefer a teacher that gives the best lessons possible to hold kids' interest and ensure that they learn the subject matter, even if that teacher has to buy a lesson plan from someone else?

Absolutely.

I remember spending a lot of time worrying about the amount of time I would need to put in just to prepare and mark homework outside of working hours.

That's not something teachers should have to worry about when they're trying to teach kids the best they can.

[Taylor French]

Originally Posted by Radix

Except a bad teacher won't recognize a bad lesson plan. I have no problem with teachers cashing in, I simply chose to leave the profession. I'd just assume anyone doing a bad job find another one. Especially when the quality of their work impacts so many.

You'd "just assume anyone doing a bad job find another one"? Huh? That's not grammatically correct, is it? Is that why you left the profession?

just as soon just assume - Google Search

I assume you mean "just as soon".

Anyway, considering there is a severe shortage of teachers in the United States, I think even a mediocre teacher is better than none at all. Schools are severely overcrowded. We need MORE teachers, not fewer.

[Rezbi]

Originally Posted by seasoned

MAN, you are assuming a LOT! Supposed the ones selling plans are selling BAD plans? FRANKLY, I think a lot of teachers are OVERpaid. When asked to have tests, etc.. they STRIKE! at least that is what happened in texas and california, and probably ELSEWHERE!

Pay the good ones, FIRE the bad(TENURED OR NOT!)!

Steve

While you're right and the bad teachers should be fired, that does not mean teachers in general are overpaid. Not by a long shot.

I quit my teaching job because I couldn't afford to live on the pay.

[TheDebtEliminator]

Here is my 2-cents

If the teacher is helping students study and get organized

Let’s give the credit and encouragement to these dedicated folks

We can all agree that they are under paid and many are just teaching for noble purposes.

Give your teacher a hug, plus an apple today – They deserve much more

All the Best

[Rezbi]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

The other side of the fence, however, is that a lot of school systems don't
support their teachers properly and give them the materials they need to
do the job effectively, usually because of lack of funds.

I know this too well. I had to fight just to get the materials I needed to teach my lessons.

[Mary Laine]

My sister is a teacher, and certainly is NOT overpaid!! Now, her husband, who is a tradesman is making + $40 ph with no formal education...is he overpaid because he is in a niche that will never stop..building houses?
I see nothing wrong with buying another teachers expertise, especially if it helps round out the class. It is like buying a WSO, why not be able to pay a bit and get some ideas? Not like I use every WSO I buy but always find SOMETHING new in a fresh outlook!

Originally Posted by seasoned

MAN, you are assuming a LOT! Supposed the ones selling plans are selling BAD plans? FRANKLY, I think a lot of teachers are OVERpaid. When asked to have tests, etc.. they STRIKE! at least that is what happened in texas and california, and probably ELSEWHERE!

Pay the good ones, FIRE the bad(TENURED OR NOT!)!

Steve

[Radix]

Originally Posted by Rezbi

I see, so you know what a techer's job is, then? Are you a teacher, or ever been one?

It's tough enough teaching a bunch of kids who don't want to be taught. Then setting them homework they don't want to do. And then marking that same homework.

Now, keep in mind, some teachers teach more than one class in each subject: that's around 25 kids each class x 3= 75 kids.

Then there's other classes to the same numbers of kids, doing the same amount of work.

And you have a teacher who gets paid a fraction of what he or she should be getting paid.

And don't forget, the teacher's work isn't finished in school. Once home, there's more to be done. Much more.

How do I know? I used to be a teacher.

So, please, unless you've done all of that, stop being a judgemental know-it-all.

I forgot to mention: I taught four subects to four different classes.

I was a secondary English teacher for eight years in public schools. I then spent another six years teaching curriculum and instruction in addition to supervising several student teachers every semester for a public university. My first teaching job had six preps. Two weekends a month I would plan out every lesson plan for the next two weeks. That was in addition to grading many, many papers. So you can see, it wasn't really a hasty or unqualified judgment.

Lesson plans are built around the curriculum. The curriculum is prescribed by the school itself usually under somewhat rigid guidelines provided by the state. Now if you were to buy a lesson plan from someone in State A and you live in State G, how exactly would these lesson plans line up? They won't, which leads new or lazy teachers adapting lesson plans to an instructional goal it was never intended to meet if they even put that much effort into it.

Problems arise with the type of individuals who buy lesson plans. The bulk of the people that do so are not experienced or veteran teachers. It's sometimes hard enough to determine the most direct path to meet your learning objectives. To then have to take some lesson plan and manipulate it into something else seems an additional and frankly stupid step.

Unless your goal is to simply "look" like you're teaching.

[AmyBrown]

Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert

Controversy?

-->snip

Bringing back capitalism into education is perhaps long overdue.

The controversy is whether the work product, for which a teacher has arguably been paid to produce, is legally theirs to sell. In my experience it's always been theirs to give away, the difference here is profit. That aspect will be decided by the school districts, judicial system or both.

On the other hand, if the marketplace becomes flooded with sub-standard materials because teachers or people pretending to be teachers are producing materials for profit that hasn't actually been used in the classroom it becomes a problem for teachers, students and parents. This is mitigated somewhat by the curriculum standards and review processes in place in many schools. Ironically it is usually the private school teachers who have the most leeway in terms of material use.

[Radix]

Originally Posted by AmyBrown

The controversy is whether the work product, for which a teacher has arguably been paid to produce, is legally theirs to sell. In my experience it's always been theirs to give away, the difference here is profit. That aspect will be decided by the school districts, judicial system or both.

On the other hand, if the marketplace becomes flooded with sub-standard materials because teachers or people pretending to be teachers are producing materials for profit that hasn't actually been used in the classroom it becomes a problem for teachers, students and parents. This is mitigated somewhat by the curriculum standards and review processes in place in many schools. Ironically it is usually the private school teachers who have the most leeway in terms of material use.

I have never personally witnessed any district laying claim to a teacher's lesson plans. Any lesson plan created by a teacher is generally considered their intellectual property. I can see how a school district would have grounds to contest that, but without any way to prove specifically when the materials were created they would not be successful.

[Radix]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

I'm sorry but the person who has a problem with this practice is quite
misinformed.

My wife is a teacher and there are actual companies, sanctioned by the
Teacher's Union, that sell lesson plans.

This is a perfectly viable and legitimate niche.

Having said that, my wife makes her own plans, BUT...I really have to talk
to her about selling some of them now.

Could be an extra income for my poor underpaid, school system abused wife.

"there are actual companies, sanctioned by the
Teacher's Union, that sell lesson plans."

Yes Steve, because they have been reviewed in relation to the curriculum they are being directly marketed towards.

[AmyBrown]

Did you read the article that sparked this thread? It gives specific examples.

[Rezbi]

Originally Posted by Radix

I was a secondary English teacher for eight years in public schools. I then spent another six years teaching curriculum and instruction in addition to supervising several student teachers every semester for a public university. My first teaching job had six preps. Two weekends a month I would plan out every lesson plan for the next two weeks. That was in addition to grading many, many papers. So you can see, it wasn't really a hasty or unqualified judgment.

Lesson plans are built around the curriculum. The curriculum is prescribed by the school itself usually under somewhat rigid guidelines provided by the state. Now if you were to buy a lesson plan from someone in State A and you live in State G, how exactly would these lesson plans line up? They won't, which leads new or lazy teachers adapting lesson plans to an instructional goal it was never intended to meet if they even put that much effort into it.

Problems arise with the type of individuals who buy lesson plans. The bulk of the people that do so are not experienced or veteran teachers. It's sometimes hard enough to determine the most direct path to meet your learning objectives. To then have to take some lesson plan and manipulate it into something else seems an additional and frankly stupid step.

Unless your goal is to simply "look" like you're teaching.

So, you teach in the U.S.?

I've never personally bought lesson plans, but I bloody well felt like doing it.

I don't know how much you earned but I was getting a pittance.

[Steven Wagenheim]

Originally Posted by Radix

"there are actual companies, sanctioned by the
Teacher's Union, that sell lesson plans."

Yes Steve, because they have been reviewed in relation to the curriculum they are being directly marketed towards.

Except that these companies can sell lesson plans to ANYBODY regardless of
what school or district it is. And certainly not every school district has the
same curriculum. so the argument really doesn't hold up.

Case in point. Go find one of these companies online and you can purchase
from them REGARDLESS of what state you live in. I know from personal
experience with the NJEA that NJ is quite different from many states.

But that's another can of worms I don't want to open up.

[Rezbi]

Originally Posted by AmyBrown

The controversy is whether the work product, for which a teacher has arguably been paid to produce, is legally theirs to sell. In my experience it's always been theirs to give away, the difference here is profit.

My point, also.

When you have internet marketers who teach others on courses where they charge thousands, and then they take the recordings and sell it on to others - what's the difference?

[aquablue]

What's the difference between buying and sharing (other than the obvious)? More experienced teachers have always lent a helping hand to those newer to the profession. I really don't see the problem with buying lesson plans. The "real" teaching is in the delivery.

@Radix: I would think that anyone buying lesson plans would actually purchase those appropriate for their subject. I don't totally get the whole State A, State B reference. Is solving long division word problems taught differently in north Carolina than in New York? I doubt it.

[Radix]

Originally Posted by AmyBrown

Did you read the article that sparked this thread? It gives specific examples.

I did, but the examples they provide aren't clear enough to make any kind of decision regarding the validity of each party's claims.

For example, many purchased instructional materials include teacher lesson plans. If I were to sell those as my own, I'd be in trouble. If I modified them and sold them as my own, I'd be in trouble.

Planning time for the average teacher is typically 50-60 minutes per day unless they're on a block schedule. The bulk of their work is done after the school day has ended. Unless the school provides a reasonable amount of time for planning and compensates the individual for that time, they have zero claim to the work product.

[Radix]

Originally Posted by Rezbi

So, you teach in the U.S.?

I've never personally bought lesson plans, but I bloody well felt like doing it.

I don't know how much you earned but I was getting a pittance.

I don't anymore. My first teaching gig paid $14,500 and that was with five different preps, plus I was the school newspaper adviser, yearbook adviser, student government adviser and director of the school play. They paid me an additional $250 to be an assistant basketball coach.

Basically I was doing three people's job for about half of what they could pay a veteran teacher.

I was happy to have the job and don't regret it. With that said, the money thing is really why I eventually left public schools.

[Radix]

Originally Posted by aquablue

What's the difference between buying and sharing (other than the obvious)? More experienced teachers have always lent a helping hand to those newer to the profession. I really don't see the problem with buying lesson plans. The "real" teaching is in the delivery.

@Radix: I would think that anyone buying lesson plans would actually purchase those appropriate for their subject. I don't totally get the whole State A, State B reference. Is solving long division word problems taught differently in north Carolina than in New York? I doubt it.

Lol, math is actually probably the VERY BEST example you could have chosen to prove my point.

[Rezbi]

[QUOTE=Radix;1391157]I don't anymore. My first teaching gig paid $14,500 and that was with five different preps, plus I was the school newspaper adviser, yearbook adviser, student government adviser and director of the school play. They paid me an additional $250 to be an assistant basketball coach.

Basically I was doing three people's job for about half of what they could pay a veteran teacher.

I was happy to have the job and don't regret it. With that said, the money thing is really why I eventually left public schools.[/QUOTE]

'Nuff said, I think.

[Radix]

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

Except that these companies can sell lesson plans to ANYBODY regardless of
what school or district it is. And certainly not every school district has the
same curriculum. so the argument really doesn't hold up.

Case in point. Go find one of these companies online and you can purchase
from them REGARDLESS of what state you live in. I know from personal
experience with the NJEA that NJ is quite different from many states.

But that's another can of worms I don't want to open up.

Sure they can sell to anyone, but why would a district purchase plans that didn't meet their instructional objectives. Not all of these companies sell directly to teachers. Some districts buy these plans to help their teachers rather than paying textbook companies three times as much for crappy lesson plans. I don't really object to this arrangement. I do object to some clown selling his junk on ebay.

[AmyBrown]

Radix - This is sparking considerable controversy at the school and district level. I just got back from volunteering at the high school and neither the teachers nor principal think it's a simple as you've made it out to be. In this small sample none thought it was a good idea.

My last comment on this is that there is a huge gap between required curriculum and a specific lesson plan. A teacher searching on these sites would look for materials that supported the curriculum they're teaching.

The ability to turn the required curriculum and educational objectives into an engaging lesson is what differentiates a mediocre teacher from a great one. Whether a teacher creates the adjunct materials, borrows an idea or plan from another teacher or buys them doesn't change that. Some teachers are highly creative, others simply aren't creative but can leverage materials and involve students.

[seasoned]

Originally Posted by Rezbi

While you're right and the bad teachers should be fired, that does not mean teachers in general are overpaid. Not by a long shot.

I quit my teaching job because I couldn't afford to live on the pay.

I can't speak about YOU. I don't know you. SOME, however, do not deserve one PENNY! THINK about it! They waste maybe 30+ people's time with nonsense or stuff they don't know and/or can't teach.

And there was one teacher I knew that worked at approving teachers. There was a teacher that was OK at teaching classes, but I guess not the best at explaining. ANOTHER was one everyone liked, was a good tutor etc..., but not the best in front of a class. They WANTED to keep BOTH, but were AFRAID to keep the second guy! They were DEBATING it! WHY!?!!? Because this was their LAST year before he would have tenure. If they kept him on, and later lost funds, they would have to fire the BETTER teacher, because she WOULDN'T have tenure!

Sometimes things that SEEM good can BITE YOU!

HEY, they have more they SHOULD teach now, but don't, things are going downhill, and Obama is claiming the students should waste MORE of their time! INCREDIBLE!

Steve

[InternetMarketingIQ]

Who buys those lesson plans? Teachers!!!

The NY Times article brings up an interesting point about Teachers using Resources to create the plans while they are at work, but not sharing the profits.

Seems like teacher employment contracts will change as a result. The Schools are going to want their cut.

[Radix]

Originally Posted by AmyBrown

Radix - This is sparking considerable controversy at the school and district level. I just got back from volunteering at the high school and neither the teachers nor principal think it's a simple as you've made it out to be. In this small sample none thought it was a good idea.

My last comment on this is that there is a huge gap between required curriculum and a specific lesson plan. A teacher searching on these sites would look for materials that supported the curriculum they're teaching.

The ability to turn the required curriculum and educational objectives into an engaging lesson is what differentiates a mediocre teacher from a great one. Whether a teacher creates the adjunct materials, borrows an idea or plan from another teacher or buys them doesn't change that. Some teachers are highly creative, others simply aren't creative but can leverage materials and involve students.

I don't advocate the practice, that's what got everyone else worked up. I am oversimplifying, but I'm not also not speaking to educators here. There are multiple reasons the buying and selling of lesson plans is a poor practice. I completely disagree that the origin of the lesson plan is irrelevant. Borrowing ideas, modifying existing materials, using materials from a peer or mentor are all perfectly acceptable and encouraged. Buying a lesson plan from a perfect stranger is abusing the trust the school and community have placed in the teacher. They hired a teacher, not a stunt double.

[seasoned]

Originally Posted by Mary Laine

My sister is a teacher, and certainly is NOT overpaid!! Now, her husband, who is a tradesman is making + $40 ph with no formal education...is he overpaid because he is in a niche that will never stop..building houses?
I see nothing wrong with buying another teachers expertise, especially if it helps round out the class. It is like buying a WSO, why not be able to pay a bit and get some ideas? Not like I use every WSO I buy but always find SOMETHING new in a fresh outlook!

I said a LOT are, certainly NOT all. I can't speak about your sister. If her husband is a homebuilder, he is out in the sun, doing hard work, and a lot may rest on his shoulders. If he has a good record, $40 may not be a bad amount. There is a lot more than simply formal training. Besides, the expertise in home building varies from something practically any monkey could do to things where a good person can do it neat, solid and safe, and a bad person may not even know where to start.

Steve

[drwhogoesthere]

I think you are all on the wrong track. I still work as a teacher and it is not the lesson plan that makes a good teacher, it’s how you get the kids interested.

A good lesson plan will not automatically give you success. What worked last year may not work this year. Teachers are constantly revising lessons. Different student require a different approach. I don’t know how many times I’ve thrown a lesson out of the window and started again.

In all honesty I give very little attention to lesson plans. I see them as paper work to justify someone else job.

My lesson plans sit in my draw and come out only when asked to be seen. I talk with, not to, my students.

Teaching is about engaging your students. If you can get to their level in talking to them or in the way they think you are doomed.

Buy, sell, copy, create your own lesson plans. Who really gives one flying (insert your own word here).
If you judge a teacher on their lesson plans then you have a poor idea about what teaching really is. Teaching is a 24 hour a day job. Under the NSW Department of Education, a teacher still has to act in an appropriate manner outside of school. And when you live in a community of less than 2000 people you are always on.
What makes a bad teacher? A person that won’t just bend over and take the rubbish dealt out by parents and “concerned” individuals. A person that tells parents to butt out and that you son/daughter is a little pain in the backside and not the innocent little angel. It has nothing to do with lesson plans.
And unless you are/have been a teacher I don't see how you can really participate in this discussion.
Yes I am one of those teachers that tell parents the truth about their kids, warts and all.

[Radix]

Originally Posted by drwhogoesthere

I think you are all on the wrong track. I still work as a teacher and it is not the lesson plan that makes a good teacher, it’s how you get the kids interested.

A good lesson plan will not automatically give you success. What worked last year may not work this year. Teachers are constantly revising lessons. Different student require a different approach. I don’t know how many times I’ve thrown a lesson out of the window and started again.

In all honesty I give very little attention to lesson plans. I see them as paper work to justify someone else job.

My lesson plans sit in my draw and come out only when asked to be seen. I talk with, not to, my students.

Teaching is about engaging your students. If you can get to their level in talking to them or in the way they think you are doomed.

Buy, sell, copy, create your own lesson plans. Who really gives one flying (insert your own word here).
If you judge a teacher on their lesson plans then you have a poor idea about what teaching really is. Teaching is a 24 hour a day job. Under the NSW Department of Education, a teacher still has to act in an appropriate manner outside of school. And when you live in a community of less than 2000 people you are always on.
What makes a bad teacher? A person that won’t just bend over and take the rubbish dealt out by parents and “concerned” individuals. A person that tells parents to butt out and that you son/daughter is a little pain in the backside and not the innocent little angel. It has nothing to do with lesson plans.
And unless you are/have been a teacher I don't see how you can really participate in this discussion.
Yes I am one of those teachers that tell parents the truth about their kids, warts and all.

We had to abandon the whole "trust teachers" thing here when Bush tied school funding to student success. It was headed that way long before, but he sealed the deal. Now teachers are responsible for the performance of creatures that are generally indifferent to the world that surrounds them. It's really quite comical if you think about it.

The sad reality is teachers are now required to provide lesson plans that prove they are teaching directly to their state's respective assessment. Anything beyond that is peachy, but that is the minimum administrators have to ensure.