Young teachers put in a million percent effort during the school day. They are creative and flexible. They understand how one size does NOT fit all. They plan with rigor. What they DON’T seem to do with regularity are the “extras” that have been unpaid for so long. Not coaching (paid) but I’m talking about unpaid tasks like helping set up for dances, running summer tours, supportive teams, coordinating unpaid school activities (student of the month, for example).
My administrator pointed this out with disappointment the other day, and it struck me that, as a GenX-er, I have been brainwashed. For so long, we have been doing these things because it’s “what’s best for the students” “we are a family” etc. But gen Z is saying, “Ok, dad. I’ll do it. Where is my allowance??”
These demands have been packaged as “new teachers not wanting to advance,” and a “sad commentary on young, lazy teachers.” But, in reading this sub, I realize it is just valuing time and valuing worth. With a teacher shortage, it is kind of on the school to woo the teacher, not the other way around (which it has been for so long). There are so many creative ways to compensate people for effort (including TIME – leave early on Friday, for example), and the younger teachers are demanding it. Good for you, young teachers. Don’t ever let anyone guilt you into caring about a task – If it’s really that important, they will compensate you in some way.