when will teachers stop raising our taxes?

One - usually it's not the teachers who are the cause for bloated school budgets, it's the school boards and administrations.

Two - Besides the student, who/what is the most important factor in a school? The teacher. Put me in the middle of the woods and I can teach.

Three - Many states now require graduate degrees for long-term certification of teachers. Just as doctors, lawyers, accountants, are paid for not only the job itself but the preparation, so should teachers.

Four - Responsibility. I'm responsible for the actions and learning of 20-30 students while they are in my classroom. I cannot fire them or even have them transferred to other classes (barring extreme circumstances).

Five - The "Part-time" job myth. The teacher work day is often longer than comparable professionals due to grading, preparation, and the lack of significant breaks during the day. I'm lucky if I get to eat my lunch for 20 minutes in peace. I do not have other breaks, nor can I just sit there for 5-10 minutes to rest. I am at school about 8 hours a day, but routinely take my work home. As for the holidays and summer break, the time spent teachers spend working is just a little less than similar professionals once you work in their vacation time.

Six - I spent approximately $600 dollars from Sept - Dec for materials and other expenses for my class.

Seven - Rather than just bashing a group of dedicated and underpaid professionals, why don't you try their job for a day. Ask a local teacher if you can observe them, or register to become a substitute teacher.

Oh, and as for the inevitable poor-teachers-not-doing-their-job argument... this applies to any profession, including your own. If we were all paid according to the efforts of the worst in our fields, I don't think there would be a job that paid more than $30,000.

... pretty much renders your post not worthy of reply. I know a lot of school teachers, and I would never consider their job part time. Their hours -- re: #days worked/year -- ARE good, but that is balanced to large extent by the work taken home, and often requirements to supervise extracurricular activities and/or attendance in "continuing education" seminars, etc.

I'm not sure where all the money is going, but in large part it's NOT the teachers. There's a 65% solution movement out there gaining some ground.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2006-04-10-65-percent-solution_x.htm

I have noticed from the results of student achievement; the student who answers the questions correctly, in my school district, receives the highest grade.

our school board is voted in to office by eligible voters in our district. they are not paid.
administrations are bloated as are almost all tax payer funded occupations.
teacher expenses for continuing education, supplies for classes, etc. are tax deductible.

all forms of work require additional training, etc. for the worker to advance and excel in their occupation. most workers are not protected from being fired.

when you are dissatisfied with the performance of other professionals; you hire another.

I have not experienced any protests by teachers regarding their salaries during the budget process.

I notice in 'pie chart' breakdowns, the smallest slice is given directly to the student.

I dug up this school calendar from Baltimore. It looks vary similar to our school district. I did not count the days but if you read it; you will find an answer

school calendar 2005-2006

to three replies individually. I shall take your suggestion and consider it. thanks