Darkest before dawn.: We’re doing it for the kids

Jan 24, 2012
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We’re doing it for the kids

A fourth-grade teacher in Chester, Pennsylvania, explains why teachers and other school staff have agreed to work for nothing. The local school district’s bank account is almost empty, but it owes suppliers $4m. (via theeconomist)

My cousin worked for this school before she left to take a job at a better funded public school. Working at this school was hell for her; it stressed her out to a point where her physical and mental health were both in trouble. The stress didn’t all come from the problematic student population, most of it came from the serious mismanagement of the school in general. We would give her cases of copier paper for Christmas since her school couldn’t afford to supply her with some. Yes, it’s noble that these teachers are working for nothing, but this should not simply be applauded - we should recognize their suffering and say, “Holy shit, how can we fix it so this NEVER HAS TO HAPPEN AGAIN?” (and then give them back pay, because we all know that they will never see money for these weeks/months they’re working without pay)

(via theeconomist)