This Labor Day, I pay tribute to everyone who works in the Public School System. A lot of critical jobs are lost when public schools close and changes are made to a school district. I am thinking Philadelphia here, although there are many other school districts which have changed drastically. A lot of these positions are filled by parents who have children in the public school systems they help run. These jobs are sometimes not valued as much as they should be. The classroom is, of course, important, but so is the overall support system that helps it run efficiently.
The public school system is a huge machine. Many look at it negatively. Some call it the big bad bureaucracy—perpetuator of the status quo. But I have never looked at it that way. While sometimes I get miffed that there might be too many administrators at the district level—some could be put back into the classroom where they would lower class sizes and really do some good—still, many positions really matter to the smooth flow of an organization.
Where I live, near Memphis, there has been a huge unification of city and county schools, and a lot of workers in the school system were fired. It was interesting to me when school started this year, under the streamlined system, there were payroll and bus problems galore. My hunch is some of the folks who were let go had been pretty effective managing salaries and bus routes. Without them, the system went kaput.
I’m also reminded of the 65% solution, put in place several years ago by a bunch of corporate execs who believed the bulk of funding should go directly to the classroom. Thank goodness it didn’t take long to see that a smooth running car can’t run without a battery or carburetor or a whole lot of other parts. That ploy still hurt libraries. But the whole endeavor showed how a good school system runs best with support staff, including librarians (media specialists), school psychologists, school counselors, etcetera.
A teacher’s job is always made easier with a supportive public school system. Whether it’s an elected school board addressing the concerns parents and teachers bring to bear, or the facilities director who makes sure the school building is kept top notch and ready, the smooth flow of this organization depends on many team members.
The best of schools also provide students with a comprehensive curriculum. Students thrive when they have well-endowed art and music programs. They learn, for example, how to work together marching in a school band. The fine arts—drawing and painting—may lead to careers for many talented students. Extra curricular activities, like sports, bond students, parents and teachers in support of their school.
One of the problems with charter schools is that they don’t have this support. They are riding a bike instead of driving a car. It is very clear when it comes to special education. They don’t usually have the school psychologists or the district staffing specialists that bring everyone together, or the school counselors with special education credentials. That’s why a lot of charter schools don’t serve students with serious disabilities.
Also, when you have a system it can be very cost effective, because the district staff can cover a whole lot of schools.
So here’s to you—the public school system—though your workers might be tired and worn these days, I’m banking on a recovery very soon. Happy Labor Day!
If you think of more workers, or if I have left someone off the list, please let me know. There are often a large group of workers under the district and school support areas. I realize too, sadly, some of these jobs may no longer exist. Economic difficulties affect the whole community when education jobs are lost.
Some Important Public School Professional Employees
Teachers—of which there are many kinds
Regular Education Teachers
Early Childhood Teachers
Special Education Teachers
Alternative Education Teachers
ESOL Teachers
Art Teachers (hopefully)
Band Directors
Vocal Music Directors
Physical Education Teachers
Reading Teachers
Speech and Language Teachers
Vocational-Career Technical Teachers
Home Economics Teachers (Bring it back!)
Shop (Bring it back!)
Teaching Assistants
Teacher Aides
School Support Staff
Principal
Assistant Principal
School Dean
School Resource Officers
School Psychologists
School Counselors
Purchasing
Technology Support
Cafeteria
School Crossing Guards
Bus Drivers
Custodians
District Support Staff
Superintendent
Asst. Superintendent
Early Childhood
Special Education
Special Education Staffing Specialists
Alternative Education
The Arts
ESOL
Elementary
Middle School
High School
School Safety
Vocational-Career/Technical
Financial
Nutrition
Community Services
Communications
Operations
Purchasing
Facilities
Professional Growth
Reading
Curriculum
Human Resources
Accounting
Payroll
Assessment
Libraries/Media
Extra Curricular
Student Services
Risk Management
School Health Services
Special Projects
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