IMPORTANT TRANSLATIONS
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All teachers need to be aware of the following translations, most of which involve phrases used by district administrators during the course of negotiations, or by legislators and anti-teacher union people.
“We all need to share in the pain”. Translation – ”you teachers will experience pain while everyone else reaps the benefit.” Currently a favorite phrase with state legislators gearing up for pension “reform”.
“Our district has no money for any type of salary increase”. Translation – ”sorry teachers, before negotiations began, we moved the money for salaries from that fund and hid it in another fund. Example: a district will shift money from what might be called the “Education Fund”, (where salaries are paid from), to the “Buildings and Grounds Fund” where it can’t be used for salaries.
“Property taxes in this district have put an incredible burden on the average homeowner”. Translation – “Unless legislators come up with an alternative way of funding schools, don’t even think about lower class sizes or increased benefits”.
“Tenure protects incompetent teachers”. Translation – “Experience matters in every profession but teaching.