A few months ago Rep. Justo Quitugua made the outrageous comment about the principals making the "big bucks." I took exception on behalf of people like Boni, and even my own administrators, Pete Le'au and Craig Garrison, who put in an enormous amount of time to make the school run properly.
Principals here make between 50 and 60 thousand per annum for twelve months, only a small amount more than some teachers -- and with a lot more responsiblity. The principal's salary is about half of what that job pays in the states. Teachers by contrast make a minimum of about 32,000 up to $47,000. For teachers in the first ten years of their career, the salary is competitive. In places like New York City, a highly experienced teacher can make upwards of $100,000. This is not the norm by the way. I spent some time looking at salary guides and the CNMI for my particular situation is better than a lot of states, especially in the Southeast.
I take a risk here. There should be a risk premium. No school in the states is having a debate on whether they'll have funding to open. Schools in the states also offer stipends for all types of activities that don't exist here. But overall, teacher salaries aren't terrible these days. Principals are getting a raw deal, however. Don't move up the ladder here.
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This week marks the eleventh year I've had my dog. With an investment in veterinary care, an animal can live long and prosper, not to mention they offer all types of life enriching experiences. People say all these things about dogs being loyal, but I don't actually buy that. I had this dog for eight years, just her and me, but she is now more attached to my wife and ten year old. I don't begrudge that, though. She teaches my son about responsibilty, care and love, and she's still one sweet, spoiled, old cutie.
10 comments:
can you blame your dog for clinging to the other people in your house--the others who didn't have friends stop over and wipe ketchup on her?
I didn't catch the radio show. Give us the high points.
And how was the dive?
Thanks Jeff, but I really believe that money doesn't necessarily change things or people. A salary adjustment would be nice, but it's not necessary. What we need is an open system of operations and to be able to facilitate meaningful learning through strategies we know work like thematic teaching and addressing multiple intelligences, and creating an active, explorative classroom. In other words, my glazed look is part of the job, my glazed spirit is a symptom of other factors. Even if I made more money, I would still be unhappy with the way things are. I am doing lots of soul searching. I want to earn the right to walk away, but for now, there is still much to do and many things to keep learning.
Your dog is a cutie.
Hi, I meant to listen to the radio show this morning with my full attention, however, the lad wanted to engage his attention towards; the new neighborhood kitten, a stray puppie, several birds, a praying mantis. You get the idea. What I did pick up from the interview was several intelligent voices, communicating thier viewpoints and a shared affection for Saipan. Sounded great, even if I couldn't hear all of the words. Has anyone else noticed; how Harry B. has become more engaged and perceptively more excited about Saipan events, since he has been partcipating in the blog. Maybe there is something else I don't know about, but I've heard something in his presentation lately. Hope I'm right and the shared blog is making at least one more person happier and fully engaged in the better aspects of life on Saipan.
Thanks all. Angelo got a recording of the broadcast, so it should appear.
Harry, Angelo, Bruce and I went for two great dives and had fun. Angelo and Harry took lots of pics. I'm sure they'll appear soon. More on that later.
Jeff, do you know Barry...shoot, his last name escapes me...at NMC? He teaches in the English department. He's worked blogging into his classes. I know you mentioned an interest in that this morning. Give him a call, he's quite a nice fellow.
I've talked to Barry a few times at Java Joes. Nice guy.
I want to be a teacher!
I thought you are EJ.
I guess I am a teacher. I dont belong anywhere though.
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