Oklahoma Is Leading

[YukonGlocker]

Some teachers are worthless and I have seen a bunch of them

Which means nothing. There are bad examples in every profession--teachers, welders, preachers, police officers, etc. That, alone, explains nothing. If you mean that the vast majority of teachers are bad examples, then that fault lies directly with the government for not paying enough to attract effective teachers. In short, it's a great example of capitalism--where the surrounding states are attracting the best teachers because they pay enough to compete for *quality* (and Oklahoma doesn't). If this is the case, it's the fault of Oklahoman's that fail to support the system, and not the fault of those teachers themselves.

It's amazing some of the professors and their complete lack of professionalism that are put in the classroom, just because they have an advanced degree. It's more than pathetic.

Do you have examples of this? If professors aren't acting appropriately or professionally, there are ways to deal with them using university-administration; so I'm wondering who you're talking about? Also, college professors aren't chosen based on an advanced degree--that is the last criteria that is considered in hiring professors.

It's not just Oklahoma with a poor education system.

And, that makes Oklahoma's poor education system ok? What does it matter what they are doing?

 

[lasher]

my daughter has an MS degree and is a certified speech therapist, she makes a very good living. my son in law is a master plumber now attending college to become, he hopes, a high school sports coach. she told him he was only doing it because he likes sports and he should be caring about teaching children, she also told him it's insane to attend college 4 years to take a cut in pay. my daughter is a very bright lady

 

[YukonGlocker]

This IMO is a true statement. College is not for every High School Graduate. There are many, many well paying professions that have no use for a college degree. Not to mention the student not necessarily being College material. My three oldest are either College Grads or about ready to graduate soon. They find college a challenge and truly enjoy it. My youngest son who makes straight "A" grades is not the type to attend College. His desired for life are more in line with many others. He wants a good job to be able to care for a wife, then kids. He has aspirations of Military Service, then to take over the Farm when he reitires. Can't fault him for this at all. He can weld and weld well, courtesy of the Vo Tech. Can tear down a tractor engine and put it back together, courtesy of the Vo tech and the old farmer he lives with. Works hard as a bull and is built like one as well. It takes all kinds, and I support all of them.

Agreed

 

[tRidiot]

my daughter has an MS degree and is a certified speech therapist, she makes a very good living. my son in law is a master plumber now attending college to become, he hopes, a high school sports coach. she told him he was only doing it because he likes sports and he should be caring about teaching children, she also told him it's insane to attend college 4 years to take a cut in pay. my daughter is a very bright lady

Taking a cut in pay isn't insane if you don't like what you do and hope to enjoy your life more than your salary.

Personally, I wish I could do something else and still make the bills.

 

[magna19]

I thought the lottery was gonna fix it?

Me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[emapples]

Ponca City with a population of 29K has the second highest paid school administrator in the state.
I don't understand a $200K + salary to run a school system.
BTW he resigned last week to work for some other business, and the replacement won't work for less.
Our students didn't get any better grades from his salary.

I don't think The BA super made 200K ......but they do manage something similar to a large business, if BA schools were a private corporation the CEO would make millions.

 

[emapples]

More kids need to go to votech and less to college.

I agree 100% have a step son that graduated votech last Wednesday, he starts a job making 50k on Monday of next week at 19. So he will have 100 k in earnings by the time most people graduate college with 100k in debt.

 

[SMS]

Finally, those choosing to go to TX are not getting a lot of ink or airtime on some of the disillusionment they've experienced since making that choice for the $$$. However, I've read some info from these teachers concerning TX property taxes and having to teach to the Texas State Standards, no questions asked and no need to really bring creativity to the classroom.

My thoughts exactly. We had an acquaintance bragging recently about leaving her teaching job in Oklahoma for a "50k a year teaching job in the DFW area". I bit my lip, but she's going to get a real wakeup call when the cost of living down there punches her right in the mouth.

 

[dlbleak]

my daughter has an MS degree and is a certified speech therapist, she makes a very good living. my son in law is a master plumber now attending college to become, he hopes, a high school sports coach. she told him he was only doing it because he likes sports and he should be caring about teaching children, she also told him it's insane to attend college 4 years to take a cut in pay. my daughter is a very bright lady

Yes she is! Speech and hearing teachers/therapists are not on the same scale as teachers. According to our bargaining agreement they make darn good money. It looks like a rewarding field to be in pay wise.

 

[dlbleak]

Federal law sets a bonding maximum??? Find that and cite it, otherwise I'm calling shenanigans. State law has limits, no doubt. Schools have no funding option from local sales tax revenue. Just flush that thought out of your mind.

sorry, I'm on my phone and it's difficult to pluck this quote. The millage and bonds are two different things. I was pointing out another limitation that rural schools and those with a small sales tax base have.