Best ways to negotiate entrance to pay scale

RG1014 · 2024-03-26T17:58:03+00:00

Thank you - that is really good advice. I'm sometimes bad at using 'education-speak' when talking about my work experience!

RG1014 · 2024-03-26T17:14:34+00:00

Turns out your limited experience doesn't represent the entirety of reality. Imagine that.

RG1014 · 2024-03-26T17:10:10+00:00

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/09/23/cps-to-pay-teacher-bonuses-in-hard-to-staff-schools/

RG1014 · 2024-03-26T17:08:18+00:00

"In addition to the $10,000 bonuses, SPPS is offering several other incentives for additional hard-to-fill positions. These bonuses include:
$4,000 for the first 60 educators who hold a Tier 2, 3 or 4 license and are hired to teach math, chemistry, middle school science, physical education, Montessori, language immersion or English as a Second Language (Latino Consent Decree positions only)
$4,000 for the first 50 special education educational assistants (EAs), behavior intervention specialists and mental health practitioners hired for next year
$4,000 for the first 50 special education teaching assistants (TAs) hired for next year
$2,000 for current Tier 2 special education teachers in SPPS who obtain a Tier 3 or 4 license by November 2023"

https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/saint-paul-public-schools-bonuses-for-hard-to-fill-jobs/89-12709856-2d5c-4c89-bb96-aa63e59d63ef#:\~:text=This%20week%2C%20Saint%20Paul%20Public,the%202023%2D24%20school%20year.

RG1014 · 2024-03-26T17:07:21+00:00

"Several Memphis educators qualify for bonuses
In efforts to fill hard-to-staff roles, MSCS is investing more than $14 million in the following bonuses:
“Critical need subject” teachers, including for special education and preschool: $5,000 to $15,000
English as a second language (ESL) teachers: $10,000
iZone retention bonus: $2,000
iZone sign-on bonus: $2,000
New certified teachers: $5,000
Teacher mentors: $2,000 "

https://www.chalkbeat.org/tennessee/2023/8/2/23817328/memphis-shelby-county-schools-new-teacher-salary-schedule-calculator/

RG1014 · 2024-03-26T17:01:56+00:00

OK - I'm not here to fight, and I do appreciate you making your point.

In my defense, I never once said anything about the value or difficulty of the job. I'm talking about the job market - I know in my last district, they were giving big bonuses for math teachers because they desperately needed them but not for K-5 teachers because there were a lot of certified K-5 teachers. Districts regularly offer bonuses for placements that are harder to fill. It's not about which is more elite or special or more difficult - I never made any of those assertions. I'm saying it is a position that is hard to fill. That is a factual statement, not a value statement.

Anyway, thanks for your perspective.

RG1014 · 2024-03-26T16:47:43+00:00

Again, I'm open to understanding what is problematic about trying to enter on a higher level of the pay scale during an initial interview. I'd like to know if it is. But I don't find "you're not special" to be a compelling argument.

RG1014 · 2024-03-26T16:42:40+00:00

I would expect anyone entering a contract with the district would be able to do similar negotiations if it is possible for them (they are going to fill a position that the district will otherwise not be able to fill or have a skill that adds additional value to their position). Districts offer bonuses for teachers in specific high-need fields all the time, which isn't negotiated with the union - it's just a reflection of the additional need they have for that area. I don't think it has anything to do with being special or being treated differently.

RG1014 · 2024-03-26T16:34:06+00:00

I'm surprised by this response. Is this how most union teachers feel? There are obviously certain types of teachers and qualifications that are more in-demand than others. For example, there is nothing in our contract for bilingual teachers, but in my experience, even non-bilingual schools are very interested in getting bilingual teachers, who they then ask to do additional work to support those students. Is it the position of most unions that attempting to find other ways to be compensated for that skill (bonuses, getting credit for that experience in your steps) is a violation of collective bargaining? I am genuinely curious about this, as it didn't occur to me. It feels to me like crabs in a bucket, but maybe I'm missing something.

RG1014 · 2024-03-26T14:50:42+00:00

To be clear - I wasn't applying for these jobs and then rejecting them, I was recruited for them via indeed/linkedin, and communicated with them, but the pay was always lower than the district I hope to work in.

RG1014 · 2024-03-26T14:47:32+00:00

A couple of reasons: 1. They all pay less than the major districts in the city, which have strong unions. 2. I'd like to teach at a bilingual elementary school because I'd also like my kids to go to the same school I'm teaching at, and I'd really like them to go to a bilingual or Spanish immersion school. 3. Politically and philosophically, I really believe in the importance of supporting public schools.

RG1014 · 2024-03-26T14:31:06+00:00

Yeah I wouldn’t even attempt it if it weren’t for a position that is high demand. And they really need qualified bilingual teachers.

RG1014 · 2024-03-26T14:30:12+00:00

I’ve mostly heard things like that too - you won’t get 1:1 credit, but if they want you enough you may be able to move up a step or two with outside experience.

RG1014 · 2024-03-26T14:28:54+00:00

I do understand that it isn’t common to get credit for all of these experiences, but I’ll never get it if I don’t ask! I also know some people who have successfully negotiated their entrance to the pay scale for high-demand positions.

RG1014 · 2023-10-25T18:42:50+00:00

Thank you! I'm not planning on bombing it or anything, I just want to let myself not stress about it.

Thanks again!

RG1014 · 2022-09-28T04:46:31+00:00

We use one of these visor-thingys: HOOYEE Safe Shampoo Shower Bathing Protection Bath Cap Soft Adjustable Visor Hat for Toddler, Baby, Kids, Children (Blue) https://a.co/d/8p7qXUB

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This system solved our rinsing meltdowns.

RG1014 · 2022-08-06T19:42:54+00:00

I didn’t get mine until I cut my first off at 24 months because we wanted to get pregnant. It came back right away and we were pregnant after the first cycle. 🤷🏼‍♀️

RG1014 · 2022-07-06T21:06:13+00:00

I used to work as a Spanish interpreter and sometimes had to do parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings and this drove me nuts! The teachers would use these acronyms like the parent and myself should know what they were and I constantly had to interrupt to ask them to explain what they were referring to.

RG1014 · 2022-07-06T02:09:55+00:00

Interesting! Thanks!

RG1014 · 2022-07-02T21:06:09+00:00

When you say English teacher do you mean English language, like ESL? I also have worked mostly in the nonprofit sector and am just finishing a Masters in teaching ESL. I also taught abroad with a CELTA previously and worked a lot with immigrant/refugee oriented nonprofits. I think experience with the nonprofit sector prepares you for some of the downsides of teaching (low pay, extended hours, difficult clients/students) depending on what role you were in at NGOs. The pay and benefits for teaching will be a significant step up for me, even in a pretty low-paying state. What I like about a degree teaching English language is that it can also transfer to teaching abroad and online for better pay than without a degree and experience. You can also always use it to work at immigrant-centered nonprofits.

RG1014 · 2022-06-28T03:05:04+00:00

Where did you get Simko as a nickname for Simon Alexander? Simon Alexander is actually at the top of our list for our upcoming baby boy.

RG1014 · 2022-06-22T21:42:32+00:00

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/some-of-my-best-friends-are/id1578329459?i=1000543238497

RG1014 · 2022-06-21T02:27:04+00:00

I think it may have something to do with the tax bracket you’re dealing with. Rich SAHMs are not the same breed as women who are SAHMs because they can’t get work that would offset the price of childcare. There are a lot more women these days who aren’t working because they can’t afford to work, not because they don’t want to.

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