"Here here" Texas My State

The author of the blog Texas My State posted on April 30, 2010 a commentary entitled "Taxpayers money going to an unworthy cause." Anyone who is anti-Perry or leaning against the Governor's reelection would enjoy this posting as well as be able to "here here!" the overall tone and statements. I happen to be one of those who would agree with the overall feeling of the post. Our politicians are elected by the people to be leaders for our state and our nation. As the highest ranking public official in the State, Rick Perry should be leading by example not rolling in the benefits. It may not be as devastatingly apparent in our state, but, this country is going through a huge economic melt down. We're trying to recover as best we can but all around, everyone is cutting back and trying to salvage their lives and families. It pains me to see that something as easy as leading by example, a moral value that most are taught in their wonder and formative years, is difficult for one of the most powerful figures in our state.

In my opinion, Governor Perry has proved more than once that his interests are not in the State of Texas but in his personal ventures and future. It's not a crime to look out for yourself but when you step into politics, you are stepping into the role of a public servant and to me, it looks like he can afford to hire "the help" with the life he is living. Personally, I'm ready for change. Time will tell if Texas, as a whole, is ready; but, I would like to see someone else try the governorship on for size. I'll have my say later this year and I hope, if anything, my classmates and the people in my life, will take initiative and put their two cents in my voting. I'll take a moment to say that this class has reintroduced me to my civic and personal duty to make my voice heard. I intend to explain the importance of trying to make a difference and getting involved, as best I can, to my loved ones, past, present and future. Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion (even if I didn't want to), and I wish everyone luck in their future endeavors. Let's make a difference Texas, I know we can.

Low Teachers Pay: No End In Sight?

The question of whether or not our teachers get paid enough has been an ongoing issue. I remember first encountering this issue in 1995 as a freshman in high school. (Even in writing that stings a little.) The teachers in our district were in negotiations with the district and threatening to strike. Though that is not the case here in Austin at this time, it is not an unfamiliar tale for teachers across the nation.

Unfortunately, Texas is used to being ranked at the bottom of most nationwide polls on education. For being such a proud state, this was a surprise to me. A recent article in the Austin Chronicle, We’re 49^th! ... Or Just Seventh out of 10, takes a look at an internal state poll that ranks Austin Independent School District (AISD) at the bottom ranking 49^th out of the 50 top districts in Texas for basic teacher pay. With Austin being a major city in Texas, not to mention the capital, I expected more. AISD issued a statement arguing that the statistics were unfair and out of the top 10 districts in the state, AISD was ranked 7^th. In my opinion, that is bending numbers to make yourself look better in a nasty situation. The worth of a teacher is not measured by how many people are in the district. But, looking at the other districts in comparison, Northside in San Antonio has a starting salary at $47,000 with an average teacher salary at $51,976. Houston has a starting teachers salary at $44,987 with an average teacher salary at $52,912. Austin has the starting salary at $42,025 with an average teacher salary at $44,987. The numbers have spoken. Shouldn’t it mean something, to the districts, that we put elected officials (themselves included) in charge of making sure that the people teaching the future of our state and country are paid competitively?

The Austin Chronicle article also mentions that twenty years ago, firefighters and teachers in Austin earned similar salaries; and now the average firefighter earns $61,000 while the average teacher makes $45,000. Money is not everything but it is necessary to survive. It has become a common awareness and understanding that if you become a teacher, you will be underappreciated and underpaid. Most people would look for the best situation for themselves and/or their family. It is common for AISD to loose teachers to surrounding school districts because of better pay with similar benefits.

Teachers help students develop their skills, test their limits and encourage their growth. Teachers are a key factor. Education is a key factor. This should be a nonissue. Pay our teachers more because more likely than not, they helped you get where you are today.