getfunky said...BTW Liz - you haven't been on the job a year yet and already walkin out?? WTF?? You haven't even earnt a nice teacher's jacket with padded elbows yet? Just kidding.. good luck getting some decent pay/conditions Lithbeth.

lol Ian, I'm not walking anywhere!
I had 4 days off sick last week and struggled to come to terms with handing them over to the very able, well known, regular school supply teachers. I did all four days planning, PowerPoints, worksheets, homework, spelling activities while home sick because I wanted my class (all 27 of them) in the same routine that has taken a whole term to get comfortable with. I wrote the class and 1.5 page letter on the first day I was away which was shown to them on the data projector about expectations etc.
The feedback I was given about their behaviour and overall work, was that their behaviour was exemplary and how far this class has come (considering it was planned for a particular male teacher with specific difficult personality and troublesome students).
Cheers Ian!

Another average Friday night where I'm at school till 5:45 organising next weeks activities, marking reading workshop activities (all 27) and organising the classroom with a new space themed classroom. etc. Home sweet home with 13 more books left to mark while watching the footy!

Go Broncos

But surfinchick, I know... they have discussed previously about wages being based upon student results or improvement; but, ethically, how can one be judged on students
RESULTS/ improvement only when the following effects how a student learns:
- school might receive less funding
- have less volunteers
- a smaller amount of learning support p/w
- small amount/ old resources
- schools which is in a low socio-economic area
- ESL students
- special ed students
A teacher has to demonstrate throughout each term of the year how they are meeting the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) Professional Standards (10 of them) in each KLA and for students who have learning support, ESL and special needs.
We have to demonstrate how we are catering for all students diverse learning needs, which range from adjusting the curriculum, supporting them with resources, having learning support, peer-support etc.
A teacher also has to demonstrate to Education Queensland Professional Standards (12 of them) which give a basis for teachers to identify and continue PD; informs their curriculum development and represents the aspirations of a teacher in the profession.
Teachers also have to complete a minimum of 50 hours Professional Development per year; which gives them the opportunity to update their knowledge and skills etc.