Uh, a teacher dying in her classroom is a bit unusual, don't you think? Duh!

Geez but you know what bmitche meant.

You first..

Linda, I'm with you. I have almost stopped being amazed at how people will drag politics into any situation.

No more, most states have gone to the "teach to you die model" or 65. You try teaching 28 second graders at 65. I put 15% of my salary into my retirement and if I touch it before 65 the penalty is massive. I will have taught 41 years before I can retire without penalty.

I love the bozos who say things like "If you think teachers get a raw deal, see how well you fare in the private sector." My god I did and I do. Paid vacation, good benefits, paid holidays, if I'm sick I just called in (no planning for 2 hours for the sub), my job is done at the end of the day, paid training. Paid training how I miss you! I was extremely successful in the private sector and still am. If and that's a big if, you could get your BA in Ed or Sped, then your MA, then your ProCert and then your National Boards you probably wouldn't last in a classroom. Hell, 20% of people who do pass the academic rigors quit within the first 5 years anyway.

Something to ponder: Why do you think Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, Apple, Nike and many other great companies love to hire former teachers? Because if you can teach well you can adapt, overcome and excel in most any circumstance. When poached, I didn't leave because I love what I do but it is getting harder and harder to stay.

many people work long hours, stop complaining.

I hear you. I spend about 20 unpaid hours writing narratives on my report cards twice a year because I want each one to be personal and meaningful for the student and their parents. Since I have a wife and two children I made a commitment about nine years ago that I would give my district no more then two unpaid hours a day. I have done a pretty god job of it but as you know there is always something to improve, learn, try or do.