I've been interested in the comments on Gov. Perry. He's probably going to win. In contrast, our governor in Oklahoma, has raised teacher salaries (albeit to the level of poverty) and has done a good job walking the razor bridge between conservatives and liberals. He's a Democrat but is really quite middle of the road. He will win in a walk which is amazing since most of Oklahoma is heavily Republican. Of course, his opponent is Ernest Istook, possibly the stupidest person ever sent to Washington, except for our senators. He was positioning himself for a run for the presidency by running for governor, but he's losing big time. I think Brad Henry may be a good candidate for President though he hasn't made it big time in the Democratic party. Few do who aren't from the East or West coasts. I've been talking him up at DailyKos.

However, one of our Democratic hopefuls should lose because he recommended students should use thick textbooks as body armor in school shootings. He even did a video on which textbooks would hold up best. Of course, the guy who was doing the shooting couldn't hit a textbook from about 8 feet. But that's what some of the Okies think is the solution to our problems. Being from Oklahoma is always good for a laugh.

can someone verify how many days off a teacher gets a year??? and how many vacations days do they earn per year? come on teachers are underpaid, and teachers put up with alot of stuff, I have alot of respect for teachers but I sure wish I had your holidays off, Keep on teaching those kids, and oh ya, I appreciate you all...

I will explain the pay system for teachers. Teachers are paid by contract day. I work 187 days, which includes teaching days, and training (in-service) days. Teacher salary is for those contract days; technically, there are no paid vacation days. Thus, if a teacher must be "docked" for missing a day that is not covered by an agreed upon sick day, that "dock" is 1/187th of the yearly salary. Most districts divide the yearly salary (for the 187 work days) into 12 monthly installments, for the teacher's convenience.

Teachers have long asked for their jobs to be extended to longer contracts, but cannot get that approved by the legislature or the public. It is a good point to remember, however, that a teacher's contract is relatively short...I have pointed out earlier ( I think it was in this thread) that most teachers I know do not complain too much about their pay. Other aspects cause great frustration.