Teachers

[Starry Eyes]

I have many teachers in my family, including a retired teacher husband. So if a discount included retired teachers, I'd benefit. Before DH retired, scheduling trips around the school schedule made things more challenging, more crowded and more expensive, so I relate to the OP's feelings. If the cruise lines wish to offer a discount, fine, but they will only do that if it makes business sense. It probably does not, so it is not typically offer at peak summer.

 

I question the whole school schedule in most US schools. I believe many children forget a tremendous amount over th long summer breaks. And the kids are not, by and large, out work the fields on the family farm (I have been told that presumably was the origin of the long summer vacation). So, I think kids would be better off with year round schools with interspersed short and medium vacation periods. Ideally, enrichment and extra tutoring would be offered during those breaks for those interested in or needing extra educational opportunities. timing of breaks would vary from district to district, so family and teacher vacations would be spread out, potentially leading to lower travel costs and congestion. Vacation costs declining would be an incidental benefit, the big issue is children's educational attainment, especially children in less intellectually stimulating households. I wish I saw most of my local teachers pushing for the schedule that would best serve the children's long term educational needs, but only one school in my area is on a year round schedule (and that year round program is placed a frightful area, so many parents won't consider it). The long, long summer vacation is a tradition in the US. I know the tradition is unlikely to radically change, but that's how I feel.

[Sitzmark]

For not understanding what I meant regarding salary PD over 10 months let me clarify it for you. If the average teacher earns 68000 annually this is amortized over a 10 month period or can be PD over 12 months depending on the district.

 

 

This is accurate, I have a friend who works in the public school system that was able to choose his compensation period. His annual pay was set, he got to choose to be paid only during the school year or through the summer as well. Total amount Is the same, the pay per period is different, pretty simple and a pretty nice option.

[existentialtraveler]

This is accurate, I have a friend who works in the public school system that was able to choose his compensation period. His annual pay was set, he got to choose to be paid only during the school year or through the summer as well. Total amount Is the same, the pay per period is different, pretty simple and a pretty nice option.

 

Again, I do not know where you live, but every teacher contract I have dealt with specifies the number of DAYS ( in Ct.,185 to 190 days depending on the district) a teacher is to work and be paid for. I have never seen a teacher contract that stipulated a YEARLY salary. Some contracts do specify a SCHOOL YEAR but then define it more accurately in number of DAYS, and by doing so stipulate that teachers are paid PER DIEM. Some districts do allow teachers to CHOOSE to have their pay period stretched out over the entire year. In other districts, the teachers' union and district have negotiated this into the contract and it is not a choice. To reiterate what I said in my original post: teachers get paid for the days they work, just like everybody else.

[Jana60]

I question the whole school schedule in most US schools. I believe many children forget a tremendous amount over th long summer breaks. And the kids are not, by and large, out work the fields on the family farm (I have been told that presumably was the origin of the long summer vacation). So, I think kids would be better off with year round schools with interspersed short and medium vacation periods. Ideally, enrichment and extra tutoring would be offered during those breaks for those interested in or needing extra educational opportunities. timing of breaks would vary from district to district, so family and teacher vacations would be spread out, potentially leading to lower travel costs and congestion. Vacation costs declining would be an incidental benefit, the big issue is children's educational attainment, especially children in less intellectually stimulating households. I wish I saw most of my local teachers pushing for the schedule that would best serve the children's long term educational needs, but only one school in my area is on a year round schedule (and that year round program is placed a frightful area, so many parents won't consider it). The long, long summer vacation is a tradition in the US. I know the tradition is unlikely to radically change, but that's how I feel.

 

I see what you're saying and academically yes that would be superior however, while children gain academically from that schedule they lose out culturally, physically, and emotionally. I remember childhood vacations as a time of growth. I was sort of the nerdy type and concentrated on studies during the school year. Since the geeks of the world are so focused that we ignore the social aspects of life we need the long summer to grow in ways that cannot be measured on an SAT or MCAT.

 

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[Sitzmark]

Again, I do not know where you live, but every teacher contract I have dealt with specifies the number of DAYS ( in Ct.,185 to 190 days depending on the district) a teacher is to work and be paid for. I have never seen a teacher contract that stipulated a YEARLY salary. Some contracts do specify a SCHOOL YEAR but then define it more accurately in number of DAYS, and by doing so stipulate that teachers are paid PER DIEM. Some districts do allow teachers to CHOOSE to have their pay period stretched out over the entire year. In other districts, the teachers' union and district have negotiated this into the contract and it is not a choice. To reiterate what I said in my original post: teachers get paid for the days they work, just like everybody else.

 

Well, you still haven't dealt with one, but at least you know they exist now.

[Starry Eyes]

I see what you're saying and academically yes that would be superior however, while children gain academically from that schedule they lose out culturally, physically, and emotionally. I remember childhood vacations as a time of growth. I was sort of the nerdy type and concentrated on studies during the school year. Since the geeks of the world are so focused that we ignore the social aspects of life we need the long summer to grow in ways that cannot be measured on an SAT or MCAT.

 

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I am glad your youthful summer were enriching; many have fond memories of those summers. Though I too was a nerdy, studious kid, perhaps my summers were less enriching; for sad reasons those were lean financial years for my family. I think I may have gained more culturally, physically and emotionally from multiple short to medium breaks that might have been less tiring and overwhelming for my too-often overwhelmed parent and extended family. Maybe you'd have found short and medium school breaks as enriching as the long one. For both of us that will be the mystery of the road not taken.

 

Our own experiences aside, I worry little about the summer intellectual loss (or lack of gains) of studious, nerdy kids from strong, supportive families with adequate (or better) means. They often lose math skills, but may hold steady or gain in verbal skills with family encouragement. Such thriving children would likely thrive with any number of schedules. I am most concerned about the less advantaged ones. My current community includes many, many children from lower socioeconomic status families. Too many do not thrive with the current school schedule, with some finding trouble rather than growth opportunities during their long summer break. The local school district's educational stats are poor and getting worse. I currently pay a lot of taxes, but still I'd happily pay more taxes if I thought it would give those kids a better future. Watching this district, I believe major changes are needed to aid these kids. I doubt a schedule change would be enough, but I think it would be a decent start.

[xmasteach]

Since all people READING this post can read, and it appears you can relate your opinions quite well, THANK a TEACHER.

They deserve it. :cool:

[bouhunter]

OMG, gotta' love CruiseCritic. This is even better than the thread about hat's in the MDR that I let myself get sucked into this week:D

[fred30]

You have to remember during peak times a lot of the the passengers are families. Many of which have responsible parents that don't want to take their kids out of school. As you know missing a week of school is not always that easy to achieve. On a cruise there is something to do almost all the time and school work is not high on the list.

 

Also, I don't think RCCL would target a group that mostly cruises during peak times and give them a discount. They have no problem filling the ships during these times.

[Havingfun2010]

I love this post.

 

Teachers get paid in many cases a fair salary for the time worked and they work in an occupation, they have chosen, with full knowledge of the pay structure. This is no different than most college graduates.

 

Teachers work 190 days a year per contract, with the "non-contract" months off. Many teachers opt in to receive a steady paycheck for the entire year, while others receive it based on actual days worked. Either way you look at it, this is a salary. You may call it by other names, but it is still a fixed price paycheck.

 

My job is 260 days a year, minus holidays and vacation. It is a salary, and it is fixed price. During the year, there are periods of time, where I can't travel. I also have two kids, and so travel is restricted.

 

When I left college, my pay was about the same as a teachers starting pay. But I worked many more days.

 

Sorry, but I hear about the plight of the poor teacher all the time, and I just don't see the issue. Why do so many teachers working a decent salary for only 3/4 a year complain so much?

 

I have friends, and family members that are teachers, and they are perfectly content with their pay in the high 40's, with the 10 weeks (unofficially paid) vacation.

[tanzer22pilot]

Teachers not only don't get a discount, but also get a penalty b/c they can only travel when school is out, which cost much more ...

 

 

As much as my local school taxes are and the amount the teachers get paid, I would figure that most teachers are private yacht owners.

[Mac303]

Below is the pay for a School District of Philadelphia teacher, they are paid very well!

 

Philadelphia School District Pay Range: Certified Teacher (Regular)

 

Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Master's Plus 30 credits

Step 1 $45,360 $46,694 $49,615

($241 daily) ($248 daily) ($263 daily)

daily rate based on 188 working days.

 

Step 10 $66,462 $73,454 $79,586

($353 daily) ($390 daily) ($423 daily)

Each step is a year, used year one, and year ten for comparison.

 

Total Number of Days Scheduled Student Attendance: 181

2013 Days of Attendance 2014 Days of Attendance

JULY 0 JANUARY 21

AUGUST 0 FEBRUARY 18

SEPTEMBER 16 MARCH 21

OCTOBER 22 APRIL 17

NOVEMBER 16 MAY 20

DECEMBER 16 JUNE 14

 

Total Number of Days Scheduled Teacher Attendance: 188

2013 Days of Attendance 2014 Days of Attendance

JULY 0 JANUARY 21

AUGUST 0 FEBRUARY 19

SEPTEMBER 18 MARCH 21

OCTOBER 22 APRIL 17

NOVEMBER 18 MAY 21

DECEMBER 16 JUNE 15

 

The above information is from the School District web-site (public information)

[Thetrail]

I'm not a teacher but I do think it's different for teachers because unlike other professions they do not have the option to take a vacation during the school year. Not to mention the fact that while they are highly educated, they work like slaves and are treated like slaves by some of these kids. I think they definitely deserve a discount.

 

 

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Work like slaves, I doubt it!Deserve a discount, why???????? Highly educated, some yes some no.....Your post makes zero sense!...:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Adayatatime]

Not really since the parent of a school age child will only have that school age child for 12 years. After that you will be free to cruise anytime. The teacher whose career typically lasts between 20 and 40 years must pay as much as twice the price for their cruises.

 

If you were going to have to pay twice the rate for your cruises, while typically earning only about half what people do in other professions requiring equal education, for your entire 30-40 year career, you might reconsider whether or not teachers deserve a discount.

 

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Contrary to popular belief, if a teacher doesn't want to be a teacher, they are quite welcome to do something else. That's what I did. It's a luxury also to consider someone may have a job for 40 years nowadays.

[existentialtraveler]

Well, you still haven't dealt with one, but at least you know they exist now.

 

Quite the contrary. Your informal conversation with a friend does not constitute proof that such a contract exists. Clearly, you have not actually read the contract and so do not know the specific wording of the contract.

[Sitzmark]

Quite the contrary. Your informal conversation with a friend does not constitute proof that such a contract exists. Clearly, you have not actually read the contract and so do not know the specific wording of the contract.

 

It's public information and available online.

 

TEACHER'S SALARY SCHEDULE Effective 1/1/2014 (1% Increase) (Fact Finder Report Dated 9/18/2013 - Board Approval 9/21/2013) SALARY STEPSB.A.B.A. +15M.A.M.A. +15M.A. +60Ph.D. Intern$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 0.50$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 2.00$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 2.50$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 3.00$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 3.50$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 4.00$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 4.50$35,484$36,273$37,228$38,016$40,384$41,173 5.00$35,904$36,691$37,716$38,505$40,873$41,663 5.50$36,262$37,051$38,213$39,003$41,372$42,160 6.00$36,889$37,678$38,982$39,770$42,138$42,927 6.50$37,517$38,306$39,750$40,538$42,907$43,696 7.00$38,145$38,934$40,516$41,305$43,673$44,462 7.50$38,844$39,631$41,352$42,142$44,509$45,299 8.00$39,907$40,702$42,584$43,380$45,770$46,567 8.50$40,682$41,478$43,428$44,225$46,616$47,411 9.00$41,992$42,789$44,809$45,606$47,997$48,792 9.50$42,871$43,667$45,760$46,556$48,947$49,743 10.00$43,751$44,549$46,710$47,506$49,897$50,694 10.50$44,669$45,465$47,697$48,493$50,883$51,681 11.00$45,583$46,381$48,682$49,478$51,869$52,667 11.50$46,605$47,401$49,739$50,536$52,926$53,722 12.00$47,626$48,423$50,796$51,594$53,983$54,779 12.50XXXXXX$51,852$52,648$55,040$55,837 13.00XXXXXX$52,909$53,707$56,097$56,893 15.00$51,492$52,291$56,683$57,481$59,880$60,679 18.00$52,764$53,563$57,954$58,753$61,150$61,950 21.00$54,176$54,975$59,346$60,146$62,541$63,341 24.00$55,730$56,530$60,931$61,728$64,126$64,926 27.00$58,517$59,325$63,802$64,610$67,033$67,843 30.00$59,662$60,471$64,946$65,755$68,178$68,987

 

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Edited June 4, 2014 by Sitzmark

[Sitzmark]

Quite the contrary. Your informal conversation with a friend does not constitute proof that such a contract exists. Clearly, you have not actually read the contract and so do not know the specific wording of the contract.

 

 

I have read the contract, fyi. Also read the administration contract and the service workers contract if that matters.

[marci22]

To sum it all up, there are currently no teacher discounts available through Royal.

[musik07]

I'm confused. The school year was only extended by 8 days, yet your summer break is now only 5 weeks and you have no fall break and no spring break. Is your Christmas break 6 weeks long or something? Or is this some kind of year-round type school where students attend far more than the usual 180 days? :confused:

 

We attend over 190 days now while my contract states 180! Also keep in mind your children's teachers go back a few weeks before your children do for professional development and stay after your children do for the same. I also stated that my fall and spring breaks were moved from non-peak times to peak times. Which makes a huge difference in travel. I used to have off a week other than easter week, and a week other than Thanksgiving week. We now get the typical break weeks instead of just the holiday day off and a week at a different time to allow for student travel.

Edited June 4, 2014 by musik07

[kcteach12]

Okay! I've been reading the posts and I have finally decided that I need to make a comment. I have been a teacher in Texas for 22 years. I love my job and yes I made the choice to be a teacher. My salary is based on a 10 month contract but is spread out for all 12 months. I teach 60 students. I am at school by 7:30 every morning. I do not leave until 5:00 or later and I take work home nights and weekends. I will only receive teachers retirement when I retire and I will not receive SS. I will not receive free health care. I will pay for my health care. I am not looking for a discount. We ALL made a choice on our profession.

[existentialtraveler]

It's public information and available online.

 

TEACHER'S SALARY SCHEDULE Effective 1/1/2014 (1% Increase) (Fact Finder Report Dated 9/18/2013 - Board Approval 9/21/2013) SALARY STEPSB.A.B.A. +15M.A.M.A. +15M.A. +60Ph.D. Intern$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 0.50$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 2.00$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 2.50$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 3.00$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 3.50$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 4.00$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 4.50$35,484$36,273$37,228$38,016$40,384$41,173 5.00$35,904$36,691$37,716$38,505$40,873$41,663 5.50$36,262$37,051$38,213$39,003$41,372$42,160 6.00$36,889$37,678$38,982$39,770$42,138$42,927 6.50$37,517$38,306$39,750$40,538$42,907$43,696 7.00$38,145$38,934$40,516$41,305$43,673$44,462 7.50$38,844$39,631$41,352$42,142$44,509$45,299 8.00$39,907$40,702$42,584$43,380$45,770$46,567 8.50$40,682$41,478$43,428$44,225$46,616$47,411 9.00$41,992$42,789$44,809$45,606$47,997$48,792 9.50$42,871$43,667$45,760$46,556$48,947$49,743 10.00$43,751$44,549$46,710$47,506$49,897$50,694 10.50$44,669$45,465$47,697$48,493$50,883$51,681 11.00$45,583$46,381$48,682$49,478$51,869$52,667 11.50$46,605$47,401$49,739$50,536$52,926$53,722 12.00$47,626$48,423$50,796$51,594$53,983$54,779 12.50XXXXXX$51,852$52,648$55,040$55,837 13.00XXXXXX$52,909$53,707$56,097$56,893 15.00$51,492$52,291$56,683$57,481$59,880$60,679 18.00$52,764$53,563$57,954$58,753$61,150$61,950 21.00$54,176$54,975$59,346$60,146$62,541$63,341 24.00$55,730$56,530$60,931$61,728$64,126$64,926 27.00$58,517$59,325$63,802$64,610$67,033$67,843 30.00$59,662$60,471$64,946$65,755$68,178$68,987

 

Well, that didn't stay formatted well.

 

I am done attempting to explain contract law. My thirty years as lawyer working with the American Federation of Teachers on hundreds of contract negotiations in dozens of states do not make me nearly as qualified as you.

Edited June 4, 2014 by existentialtraveler

[Jana60]

Work like slaves, I doubt it!Deserve a discount, why???????? Highly educated, some yes some no.....Your post makes zero sense!...:rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

I've seen the teachers work and what their job entails and I would not be willing to change jobs with them even if they were paid as much as I get paid.

 

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[Clarksfan1]

It's public information and available online.

 

TEACHER'S SALARY SCHEDULE Effective 1/1/2014 (1% Increase) (Fact Finder Report Dated 9/18/2013 - Board Approval 9/21/2013) SALARY STEPSB.A.B.A. +15M.A.M.A. +15M.A. +60Ph.D. Intern$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 0.50$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 2.00$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 2.50$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 3.00$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 3.50$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 4.00$34,427$35,200$36,067$36,843$39,162$39,936 4.50$35,484$36,273$37,228$38,016$40,384$41,173 5.00$35,904$36,691$37,716$38,505$40,873$41,663 5.50$36,262$37,051$38,213$39,003$41,372$42,160 6.00$36,889$37,678$38,982$39,770$42,138$42,927 6.50$37,517$38,306$39,750$40,538$42,907$43,696 7.00$38,145$38,934$40,516$41,305$43,673$44,462 7.50$38,844$39,631$41,352$42,142$44,509$45,299 8.00$39,907$40,702$42,584$43,380$45,770$46,567 8.50$40,682$41,478$43,428$44,225$46,616$47,411 9.00$41,992$42,789$44,809$45,606$47,997$48,792 9.50$42,871$43,667$45,760$46,556$48,947$49,743 10.00$43,751$44,549$46,710$47,506$49,897$50,694 10.50$44,669$45,465$47,697$48,493$50,883$51,681 11.00$45,583$46,381$48,682$49,478$51,869$52,667 11.50$46,605$47,401$49,739$50,536$52,926$53,722 12.00$47,626$48,423$50,796$51,594$53,983$54,779 12.50XXXXXX$51,852$52,648$55,040$55,837 13.00XXXXXX$52,909$53,707$56,097$56,893 15.00$51,492$52,291$56,683$57,481$59,880$60,679 18.00$52,764$53,563$57,954$58,753$61,150$61,950 21.00$54,176$54,975$59,346$60,146$62,541$63,341 24.00$55,730$56,530$60,931$61,728$64,126$64,926 27.00$58,517$59,325$63,802$64,610$67,033$67,843 30.00$59,662$60,471$64,946$65,755$68,178$68,987

 

Well, that didn't stay formatted well.

 

I will make it easy for you, I have taught 12 years in Ohio and I currently make $36.83 an hour which includes getting paid for my lunch and planning. And next year I get a $7000 raise because of my +15 on the pay scale. All adds up to making $42 an hour next year. Take out 5 snow days, 4 personal days, and 15 sick days (I use about 3) I earn every year. BTW......I love my job.

[Sitzmark]

I will make it easy for you, I have taught 12 years in Ohio and I currently make $36.83 an hour which includes getting paid for my lunch and planning. And next year I get a $7000 raise because of my +15 on the pay scale. All adds up to making $42 an hour next year. Take out 5 snow days, 4 personal days, and 15 sick days (I use about 3) I earn every year. BTW......I love my job.

 

 

Sounds like a great deal if you can get it. I'd love a job like that too. To be clear though, in Ohio not every teacher gets the same deal, each district has it's own teachers unions to argue with and come up with a different contract.

[Jana60]

Below is the pay for a School District of Philadelphia teacher, they are paid very well!

 

Philadelphia School District Pay Range: Certified Teacher (Regular)

 

Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Master's Plus 30 credits

Step 1 $45,360 $46,694 $49,615

($241 daily) ($248 daily) ($263 daily)

daily rate based on 188 working days.

 

Step 10 $66,462 $73,454 $79,586

($353 daily) ($390 daily) ($423 daily)

The above information is from the School District web-site (public information)

 

You obviously have absolutely no idea what teachers do or the hours of preparation required. Teachers don't just show up for class and start teaching they prepare for the classes extensively. Most teachers who care about the way they do their job start work well before students arrive and finish well after students leave. They also go to the school weeks in advance of the start of the school year to prepare their classroom usually at their own expense so that children have a bright and cheery and mentally stimulating place to go to learn. You really think it is good pay to gross $46,694 per year after earning a masters degree? And yes they do have the choice to go into a different profession. Thank God they don't all do so!

 

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