Chicago

United States of America

Teachers Union Strike

I understand that the Teachers in Chicago are on Strike.  Today, September 18, 2012 is the seventh day of school that the Scholars in Chicago do not have the opportunity to learn.

I certainly am concerned  for the Teachers in the Chicago System.  Based on data I have heard in the electronic media I understand that the System has 420,000 Scholars and 26,000 educators/teachers.  That works out to 16.15 Scholars per teacher.

More recent electronic media reports indicate that there are 350,000 Scholars and 25,000 educators/teachers.  That works out to 14 Scholars per teacher.

I also understand that not all of these educators/teachers may be involved in classroom instruction; however the Scholar to educator/teacher ratio is outstanding based on what we often hear - thirty plus Scholars in a classroom in other areas of our Country.

If the above ratios are incorrect, I could quickly surmise that that the Chicago System must be top heavy with management - i. e. educators/teachers involved in the guidance of the classroom teacher. 

I am also concerned for the Teachers in the Chicago System as regards they salary.  I have heard reports that place the average salary from $70,000 to $76,000 per teacher.  It has also been reported that this is close to twice the average salary of a worker in the Chicago area.  I cannot comprehend the low salary for these educator/teachers.  They certainly deserve more than $70,000.00 each year for having to be responsible for the education of a mere 14 Scholars.

I submit this information to clarify the situation.  I suspect that in many School Systems here in the United States of America the teachers would appreciate only 14 Scholars in a classroom and an annual salary of $70,000.00.

Now, to be fair in my post regarding working in the Chicago Area, I can recall that it was as recent as 1960 when I worked for $175.00 a month.  Of course my food and lodging was also provided.  I enjoyed and appreciated this employment opportunity in the Chicago Area, just East of Elgin on Barrington, Road.  Times may have changed a bit since then, but when the average educator/teacher is on strike for more wages and/or benefits when the average citizen of the area may make only half as much certainly indicates to me that somebody somewhere has a misguided sense of priorities.

I suspect that a lot of Americans are asking themselves this question:

Why are the Teacher/Educators in the Chicago System on Strike?  It would appear that they are quite well off!!!!!

Certainly something to consider and give serious thought to as we all think about the current situation of unemployment and lack of opportunity in the United States of America.

"Why?"