Wondering why there's so much hate for teachers?

[Nannyogg134]

I've just been reading some responses to another thread concerning teachers and working over summer and there's a real mix of thoughts. I know that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but I'm always very taken back by the amount of negative comments regarding teachers (especially regarding workload and school holidays.)

I've taught in a state secondary school for almost 13 years and I came to the job after working in a care home for a few years. There are pros and cons; the school holidays are great (and yes, they are unpaid- teachers are paid per day of their contract, this is term time only, the wage is delivered over 12 monthly payments for ease of life.) However, there is no flexibility, so I rarely see my own children in sport's day, nativities, or even on parent's evening (if it clashes with something at my school.) Overall, I feel very passionately about giving my best to my students and extra time I spend on them feels mostly worthwhile.

However, whenever there is chat about teaching, the general feeling seems to be very negative. I'm just wondering where this seems to come from? Is it the classic 'horrible teacher' stereotype we see on TV etc.? Or is it a leftover from some of our own school days?

I suppose it's not really AIBU, more of a wondering where this issue comes from and if public view can ever be shifted?

@Snog that’s because life expectancy drops significantly if retiring post 65, which most have to do now as final salary pensions no longer exist. Statistically, the majority of teachers don’t actually get their full pension pay out.

@mumsneedwine all public sector pensions have been revised downwards for new entrants but you have been extremely poorly advised if you have chosen to opt out of yours. Private pensions can in no way compete as value for money, especially in these inflationary times. Do seek further independent advice.

And that’s a reason to hate teachers? Pure jealousy? Blimey!

I moved to a school from commerce last year.

Private sector pension contribution from employer 3%

Local Govt scheme for support staff is 22%

Teachers just under 24%.

By any stretch both are better than any private sector ones

@NCNCNCN teachers pensions are now based on career average earnings which I think is much fairer. It disadvantages those who end their careers on the highest salaries though as previously pension contributions from earlier in their career when earnings and contributions were less were all assessed at the rate of the final salary.
As the pension is index linked this way better than private pensions can provide. I'm really don't understand what you mean when you say that most teachers don't actually get their full pension benefit - of course they do if they live to pensionable age. It's a defined benefit scheme.

Because they die before the can receive it. Life expectancy of teacher’s is appalling

@Newrumpus I expect many people envy the pension scheme for teachers and wish they could have the same scheme. Does it make them HATE teachers? I doubt that and indeed haven't said that.

That's a shame, as I've always thought of Mumsnet as being very pro teachers.

I thought you mentioned the pensions in answer to the OP?

@NCNCNCN research from the Office of National Statistics shows that male and female teachers are likely to live to 83 and 86 so I'm not sure why you have this opinion

They are probably exhausted by all the moaning they do!

@Newrumpus OP mentioned there are pros and cons of being a teacher, I'm saying that the pension is very much a pro

Oh I agree it is very much a pro. And it is one of many imho.

I don’t think that this should be a reason for people to hate, moan about and constantly bash teachers.

@NCNCNCN can you share your source for that please?
If it’s true, I’d be very surprised at the NASUWT not referencing it in the report.

www.nasuwt.org.uk/advice/pay-pensions/pensions/england/teachers-pension-age-and-life-expectancy.html

It’s interesting though isn’t it that 1/3 of teachers leave the profession within 5 years when it’s such a cushy job….. experienced teachers are also leaving the profession at the fastest rate in over a decade. Teacher training recruitment is down 25000 from last year.

I’ve taught for over 20 years now. The job has changed dramatically since I started in terms of workload.

Clearly currently as it stands something isn’t right as clearly shown by recruitment and more importantly retention numbers.

That isn’t to say that other jobs aren’t hard, or long hours. I’m not saying it is harder than any other job in the world. You can listen and support teachers as well as think other jobs are hard/need improved working conditions/pay. It’s not one or the other.

But we need to accept it is hard work and there are issues currently without our education system. If we continue to not address it, then we’re heading for an absolute crisis in our schools.

I fail to understand why all those who think it’s such an easy ride and so we’ll laid for what little we do don’t join the profession….

@Newrumpus I think in RL mainly people give teachers a lot of presents

ONS Link please @Snog

This is the reason 👍

I wouldn’t consider that a pro though. And again it doesn’t justify the bashing.

In RL I receive huge amounts of gratitude from parents that understand what I do for their kids and a few moans from those that don’t understand what I do or think that systemic failings are my fault. But in proportion the appreciation far outweighs any negativity.

@NCNCNCN www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18952037

@Newrumpus it's sad that you don't consider receiving grateful presents from parents for your work a pro. Many of us who are not teachers absolutely would consider it a pro.

@Snog thats not where you quoted from up-thread though. You copied it from ‘yourmoneysorted’ as it
comes up in a simple good search. I would not say that source is reputable.

Apologies @Testina, I was incorrect. Evidence is insubstantial

@NCNCNCN if you think info published by the BBCis not reputable you may of course be correct.
Where is your information to back up your own opinion?

For what opinion?