School Lunch Time

By Concerned Parent
Published/Last Modified on Thursday, September 18, 2008 11:06 AM CDT

 

I saw this mentioned on another forum and decided to bring it out in another thread.  I am just curious how some schools, on the north end of town can get away with only giving 20 minutes for lunch.  This does include going through the line, washing hands, getting plates, etc, getting served, walking to table, and eating.  How do they get away with this?  Also, aren't the teachers as working people supposed to get a lunch break?  If you've ever eaten beside a teacher for lunch, you will see that this is no break.  They just swallow food while correcting, answering questions, etc. 

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Comments

    AC wrote on Oct 6, 2008 1:21 PM:

    " Thanks? I dont really know what to say to that.... So i will just say thanks :) "

    To AC wrote on Oct 1, 2008 9:12 PM:

    " Can't wait until you get a REAL job. See if the boss will allow that in his place of business. "

    fyi wrote on Oct 1, 2008 5:39 PM:

    " Just finish reading that a person can not multi-task as claimed. What is occuring * one task will suffer because way less attention is being payed towards that task. Sounds like grades will suffer, work will be less productive and the boss is paying way too much, unless min. wage is the pay. "

    AC wrote on Oct 1, 2008 8:28 AM:

    " Also in response to my job. As long as my job is done, my boss doesnt mind. I do my job and when it is done, i am not required to clock out until more work comes in. I can sit there and look bored or I can do something on the internet. Then when work comes in for me. I stop doing whatever I was doing and complete whatever task I need to do.... that is the luxury of a part time job. Get one of those, maybe you will be happy. Oh wait nope, wont be enough money. "

    AC wrote on Oct 1, 2008 8:24 AM:

    " Yes I do that in class, I am sorry that I am able to do two things at once. I can listen and still do something else. I am also the student who responds in class when they ask something. If I was a teacher, I would rather a student who plays on the computer but still responds when I ask something, thats way better than the ones who sit there and write and write but dont know what they are writing and then when asked, they cant think. "

    a proud teacher wrote on Sep 30, 2008 9:04 PM:

    " I am fed up with people who believe that teachers only work from 8am-3pm and that we have ALL SUMMER OFF. If you were a dedicated teacher as I am then you would know that our day is ongoing. We grade papers, do lesson plans and research skills that need to be taught. Not counting all the other things we must do like go to workshops to learn new ideas, serve on several committees and answer numerous letters and loads of paper work for different situations during the day. Just stating some unknown facts. "

    To AC wrote on Sep 30, 2008 8:55 PM:

    " You are one of those arrogant students who sit in class with a laptop while the professor is teaching/lecturing. I've been in those classrooms. How aggravating when those young punks pull out a laptop and act like they are typing notes when they are surfing the internet. Get a life. And, what employer would not mind paying someone to play on the internet. I still say you are "stealing" from your employer. Don't you have a conscience? "

    Both Sides wrote on Sep 30, 2008 3:07 PM:

    " To: Yes, Obama - first dont you realize that he will tax ALL that work - including your girlfriend. Even if you dont work, she'll bring home less money. Second, teachers knew what the conditions they would be going into before they chose that profession. Finally, they do spend the entire SUMMER off and have personal days off. My sister is a teacher - she wouldnt last in a job that is year round. "

    AC wrote on Sep 29, 2008 9:23 PM:

    " Nope, I dont get paid anything by the state. And I get online when I am bored while either having my brain stimulated by a boring college professor (become one of those, you get breaks and paid more), or when I have nothing else to do at work, and my employer does not mind. Thanks for asking "

    Deborah C. White wrote on Sep 28, 2008 8:50 AM:

    " I also use to sub at NISH. Regarding kids behavior. I noticed if you set them straight from the beginning and they knew they could not get away with anything the kids behaved very nicely. They will see a sub and think, oh yeah, this will be fun. Let them know you will walk them to the office in a heartbeat if they create problems. Teaching is a really tough job and the good teacher that do it are very appreciated. There are always bad apples in every bunch. "

    mary wrote on Sep 26, 2008 11:14 PM:

    " I feel so sorry for some of the teachers.I have sub a long time ago,and I will Never do it again.Kids don't listen,I had so much trouble.I don't think teachers are getting paid enough,Kids are good around thery parents,but its different at school.I know this for a fact. "

    Teacher wrote on Sep 26, 2008 8:19 PM:

    " cont to AC:
    And, you said something about the six hours that we teach. This is constant. You get to go to the bathroom when you want. You get to sit at your desk and drink coffee or drink a soft drink. And, apparently you don't do much work when you are stealing your employers time by entertaining yourself on iberianet. Save that for your house and give your employer an honest day's work "

    Teacher wrote on Sep 26, 2008 8:16 PM:

    " And AC, just to let you know -- I make less than 40,000 a year. Public schools pay that, but not private schools. And, I have been teaching way longer than one year. Seems like all you do during your job is stay on iberianet. Do you do any work? Is the state paying your salary? Maybe they better investigate what you do during a day for your pay. You are cheating your employer by "playing" on the computer while getting paid a salary for being a professional. "

    AC wrote on Sep 25, 2008 3:46 PM:

    " Ok.. Let's have our teachers answer this: Who did not know how much teachers made before deciding to become a teacher? "

    To Ac wrote on Sep 25, 2008 11:53 AM:

    " You cannot consider subbing teaching. It is not "good enough" because it is not an adequate example of what teachers do during the day. You should really consider going into teaching, since you already seem to know everything about the proffession, so you can really see what is invovled in teaching. No, six hours of work a day are not overwhelming. Dealing with parents, students, grading papers, lesson planning, etc.. is what is exhausting! "

    AC wrote on Sep 25, 2008 10:29 AM:

    " And so what if they do teach 6 classes a day.... oh my 6 hours of work in a day, the horror. Quit teaching if it is so horrible, 40k/ year is plenty enough for a person who gets 4 months off per year. SIMPLE. get a summer job if you want more money, you can probably work at mcdonalds andmake an extra 3-4k just in the summer if you work hard enough. But you will need to work more than 6 hours/day. "

    AC wrote on Sep 25, 2008 10:26 AM:

    " Seriously.... You asked if i ever taught a class of children. I did. Now that isnt good enough. Here is the deal. You knew the pay when you decided to become a teacher, if it isnt enough, quit. Do something else. If you like doing it, take the pay and be happy. It isnt like you make $20k per year and work 12 hour days.You chose to be a teacher. Also the retirement is awesome for teachers. I know a few retired ones that never stop going on vacations. Every single week they go somewhere, Europe,Memphis,Tunica,Arkansas,Tulsa,Niagra Falls,and all in 1-year "

    To AC wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:10 PM:

    " Apparently you subbed many years ago because Catholic High teachers do not get 2 planning periods. They teach 6 classes with one planning period. And, subbing is easy. All the work is done for you. The students know that if they don't complete the work, they have to deal with the teacher when he/she returns. And, you did not have to "teach". Anyone can sit in a classroom and "babysit" a classroom full of kids. But, not anyone can "teach". Don't base your opinions on sitting in a classroom that a good teacher has trained from day one. "

    Jarred James Breaux wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:08 PM:

    " I was a teacher at CHS last year and it was far from easy. Other than the regular teaching duties, I was also incharge of two clubs which I was paid little extra for. I had two periods off but only because I was not "full time." It cost me more in gas to help with the clubs than the pay. I was making $1501.23 a month at Catholic High and I was working 60 hours a week at the school itself. Public school is completely different. "

    To AC wrote on Sep 24, 2008 2:03 PM:

    " How impressive, you subbed for free! I suppose we should all teach for free as well. Since you said you basically did nothing all day and had two periods off to eat and watch television, why should you have gotten paid anyways? You are making a lot of assumptions about teaching, and know very little about what actual teachers do. You should really do some hard research! "

    Substitute Teaching wrote on Sep 24, 2008 2:00 PM:

    " Substitute teaching is no where near what a real teacher does. You had all of your lessons prepared for you. Also, the teacher probably left lessons that allowed the students to do majority of their work on their own. Leaving you with little or nothing to do. I do not know what school you subbed at, but no teacher at the high school where I teach has two periods off. Lucky you! If that is what you are basing all of your comments on teaching on, perhaps you should become a real teacher and see what it truly involves. "

    AC wrote on Sep 24, 2008 1:45 PM:

    " Actually yes I have. I "substitued" one time for all of a teacher's classes. It was honestly as easy as can be. I sat there while the kids did busy work and if one had a quesiton, I helped them. Luckily I never got stumped, and I was able to answer all of the questions asked of me. Oh and I did it for free. So dont say I never did it. To answer your next question, no I never spent a school year teaching.P.S.I got 2 periods off to sit in the teachers lounge and watch TV and eat. "

    To AC wrote on Sep 24, 2008 11:22 AM:

    " Also seems like you have never spent a day teaching in a classroom. "

    AC wrote on Sep 24, 2008 8:45 AM:

    " When I was in high school (CHS), teachers had two free periods a day. One of them could be taken away b/c they had to substitute (still a free period they just sit in class room and have while students do busy work). So if you are that concerned with free time, take the pay cut and go work for a private school. Also, it didn’t seem that many of the teachers (public and private) were, I don’t know how to say it nicely, starving? Seems like teachers just like to complain. "

    About NCLB wrote on Sep 23, 2008 1:27 PM:

    " The NCLB does hold teachers accountable for failing students. The problem is, NCLB holds ONLY teachers and schools accountable for failing students. Parents complain about students' failing grades, but are not ready to take any responsibility for their children's lack of progress. Unfortunately, there are many bad teachers out there. But, there are also many bad parents and bad children. Teachers should not be the only people held accountable for what students are failing to do. "

    not to be gross but wrote on Sep 22, 2008 6:36 PM:

    " I am a teacher and go most days without even going to the restroom. No Joke! Recesses are taken up with phone calls, xeroxing, etc, so I usually have my bathroom trips at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. And this is, as I repeat, NO JOKE. "

    Jarred James Breaux wrote on Sep 22, 2008 4:33 PM:

    " The greatest difficulty with teaching is not the extracurricular assignments nor the after-school work, but rather differentiated instruction. Parents should try teaching a class of 31 where 7 are native-Spanish speakers, 5 are native-Vietnamese speakers, 11 are 504 and 2 Special Ed inclusion with several who are behavioral problems all trying to reach those Higher Order Thinking skills and the Comprehensive Curriculum. Several parishes have actually dumped their textbooks entirely and teachers use only the curriculum. Now thanks to NCLB, if teachers are unable to reach those low-end students, they are still held accountable and their teaching licenses are revoked. "

    Jarred James Breaux wrote on Sep 22, 2008 4:25 PM:

    " I am currently teaching in St. Mary Parish; however, I received similar incentives at Catholic High School in New Iberia last year. While teaching in the Diocese, I received stipends when I would attend Iberia parish workshops. But in St. Mary Parish, I receive extra money for working at the football games and other activities outside of the workshop stipends. One teacher gets gas mileage when she has to travel to other schools. I was paid gas mileage when working at Catholic High. Besides, even if you want to claim we work year 'round, that comes to $19.23/hour. "

    Highschool Teacher wrote on Sep 22, 2008 1:40 PM:

    " I do have an professional period. During this time, my students come into my classroom to get help with other classes and/or study. So, I very seldom find myself with that time off to eat. Also, I complete paperwork, run off tests, and get ready for the next day during this time. "

    Come On wrote on Sep 22, 2008 11:45 AM:

    " So what if one word wasn't correct. It is a forum not a term paper. Teachers can't do it all anyway - that is what parents are for. I am glad you don't make ANY mistakes, but the teachers my son has are human. "

    Teacher wrote on Sep 22, 2008 8:45 AM:

    " To the teacher who wrote on Sept. 21st. if you are a teacher I wouldn't want you teaching my child if you spell gesture (jesture) like you did in the forum. Maybe you need to get a spelling teacher for yourself. "

    To Mr. Breaux wrote on Sep 22, 2008 7:51 AM:

    " Please tell me what parish you teach in. I am a second year teacher and I make no where near 2700 a month after taxes. Also, I do not get paid to work dances, attend athletics, etc... nor do I get reimbursed gas mileage. I am not saying that I am significantly underpaid, but I do think individuals should realize that teaching is not the easy, high paying job they think it is. I work long after I am "off". "

    Elementary School Teacher wrote on Sep 21, 2008 9:07 PM:

    " Mr. Jarred James Breaux

    I don't know who writes your paycheck, but I wish that they would write mine! I have been teaching for almost ten years and clear closer to 2300 after taxes and insurances. Yes, I have helped on parish mapping and planning during the summer. I usually make an extra $400 a year doing this. But, I have also been to many workshops that I have not gotten paid!

    I do my job anyway because I love teaching children. It's definitely not for the money or lunchroom duty! "

    teacher also wrote on Sep 21, 2008 12:06 AM:

    " To Jarred Breaux: Where do you teach? I also teach and we do not get paid to work dances and athletic events? It is not considered overtime...it's considered a nice jesture. "

    to a mom wrote on Sep 20, 2008 8:57 PM:

    " How many teachers do you know personally? If you did know any, you would be aware that we work after 3 p.m. and in the summer. Why do you think they make teacher tote bags? I am here on a Saturday night doing lesson plans. They are due by midnight. Tomorrow I will grade approximately 90 tests and have them entered into the Parent Command Center by 6 p.m. so parents can stay informed. Don't say we're off on weekends, and 30 minutes break a day is just enough time to xerox papers-for-tomorrow.-Summers,-by-the-way,-are-when-we-train-and-set-up-our-fresh-new-rooms-for-the-next-year.-We-also-spend-summer-days-xeroxing-work-that-can-be-done-ahead.-I-almost-forgot---take-writing-back-to-parents-out-of-that-30-minutes-a-day,-too. "

    Jarred James Breaux wrote on Sep 20, 2008 5:38 PM:

    " I am a teacher, and if you figure it out, we do start at a little more than $29/hour this year. Considering we spend approximately 34 weeks in school, that is 1360 hours a year. Multiply that by $29.00 and you get $39,440. Also, teachers do get paid over time. We get $14.00/hour for every workshop/football game/dance/etc we attend and gas millage. A first year teach can easily bring home $2700 a month AFTER taxes and insurance. Also, teachers get tuition exemption to complete certification, masters & doctorial programs. The pay isn't bad at all. "

    parent helper wrote on Sep 20, 2008 4:23 PM:

    " Everyone is mistaken. I didn't say 30 minutes. They only have 20 minutes to eat with 21 kids. The little students do not have time to eat. You try to sit down with a large group of young ones and try to eat in 20 minutes. 30 minutes would be wonderful for those hungry growing kids. "

    school volunteer wrote on Sep 20, 2008 10:06 AM:

    " while we are focusing on the teachers what about thekids,we get a 20min lunch and have 2 very short recesses,if your not on duty you can go sit in the ac and snack,also some schools have pe and french and these teachers take the students for 30mins,again go sit in the ac(lounge)have a coke and snack,most do does that not count its more than what the kids get. and not all high schools get 50 min lunches.As usual were loosing focus on whats important the kids.. "

    A Mom wrote on Sep 19, 2008 9:40 PM:

    " I admire all teachers. You do have to be a special person to work with kids these days. However, I also feel that it is a choice to be a teacher, just like a fireman or police officer. It's part of the job. I work, sometimes I even have 12 hour days. I am allowed 30 mintutes for lunch, but I too am also too busy to eat. But, I don't get off at 3 pm everyday and have 2 months off in the summer! I haven't had a vacation in 9 years! "

    To highpay wrote on Sep 19, 2008 7:40 PM:

    " Teachers do not start at $29/hr. What world do you live in? And, if the pay seems glamorous, I would like for you to grade my papers, do lesson plans, and research lessons. My day does not end at 3:00. It goes on until I go to bed at night and all weekend. Good teachers work long hours to give your children an outstanding education. In my world, what is a social life? "

    To A Mom wrote on Sep 19, 2008 7:36 PM:

    " The vending machines are not allowed to be unlocked until after the last lunch is served. That is a state law, not a school law. If the school is cited for such an infraction, the fine is very expensive. "

    To Quit wrote on Sep 19, 2008 7:33 PM:

    " I am a teacher as well and my "professional period" is first thing in the morning. We do not coose our professional periods, administrators do. So, how can I eat lunch then? For our short lunch, I "inhale" my lunch thus having to deal with a terrible case of acid reflux. I certainly hope you are not one of those sitting home and collecting from the government. Maybe you should volunteer at a local school and be part of its rewarding chaos. "

    TO High Pay wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:52 PM:

    " Where do they start teachers off making $29 an hour? I would like to move to that parish. Most schools do have only a thirty minute lunch break. It is is a bit easier at the high school level to find time to eat, but elementary teachers do have more of a difficult time. Also, those of you who have "real" jobs in the "real world", you are only responsible for yourself when you get your thirty minutes of lunch. Teachers are responsible for 24+ kids. Teachers have to ensure that the students are displaying appropriate behavior, eating,etc... "

    thank you to the teachers wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:12 AM:

    " I just wanted to drop a line to let all the teachers know there are parents out there that appreciate you. You are with our children more during their waking hours than we are. Thank you for being there and sticking it out when bad things happen. Like ignorant parents berating you. "

    knows wrote on Sep 18, 2008 10:19 PM:

    " An hour professional period? I don't think so. Elementary school teachers may get an hour ALL week if they are lucky! Some days teachers have no breaks at all. They are with the students from the time they arrive at school, until the time they leave. Can you go all day without a restroom break? Many teachers do. I'm not complaining. It was my choice to enter the profession, and I knew that it came with the territory. But,before you try to be a know-it-all, KNOW THE FACTS! "

    McCain Voter wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:58 PM:

    " Just because middle and high school teachers get a 50 minute professinal period does not mean they don't work during that time. They meet with parents, other teachers, and their administars. And also some of their professional periods are in the morning. Are they suppose to eat "lunch" at "breakfast" time. Try being in a classroom it's not a job for everyone. "

    elementary teacher wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:47 PM:

    " I am a teacher and I get a 30 min. planning period once a day for only 4 of the 5 working days. That 30 min. planning period is used for just that planning and it is accounted for by our school. I NEVER get a break. You are ALWAYS on duty. "

    HIGHPAY wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:41 PM:

    " At $29.00/HR starting pay they should work through lunch hour.They rest of us in the non-governement world get 30 minutes to wash hands, get lunch, go to lunch area which is usually not Ac and eat. "

    A Mom wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:12 PM:

    " While we are venting on school lunch...my son stopped trying to eat at lunch. He got fed up with all the kids that cut in line and then dare you to make something of it. They have complained to the teachers, but that didn't help. He tried eating chips and drinks out of the vending machines, but the school turned those off! I guess it cuts into the money they make on school lunches! "

    Teacher wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:03 PM:

    " To Concerned Parent & Quit
    Concerned Parent, thank you for noticing that teachers don't get but only a few minutes to inhale our food...as well as our students. I guess it does come with the territory, but it would be nice to sit and eat in peace for a change.
    Quit,
    I DO NOT get a break or a professional period. I am with my students ALL DAY. I welcome you to come visit us in our "real world" because I don't think you would survive. Thanks for being a supporter of educators. "

    Teacher wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:02 PM:

    " I believe the school referred to is the one where I teach. We do have short lunches, but we are able to have two recesses during the day instead. It really runs smoothly and we don't have a problem with it. We would like to get back our third recess that we lost after Lily in 2002. In Andrew (1992), we extended our school day. We are wondering why we've been on those schedules ever since, then when we get a hurricane like this year, we make up even more time. Don't we get credit for those altered schedules? "

    Former Retired Teacher wrote on Sep 18, 2008 6:44 PM:

    " To Quit: You wouldn't last an hour as a teacher. Without teachers there would be nothing. Let there be no school and parents would go crazy trying to figure out where to put their children! "

    MidLChild wrote on Sep 18, 2008 3:57 PM:

    " also, Mr/Ms Quit - - what do YOU do for a living in the REAL WORLD?!! "

    MidLChild wrote on Sep 18, 2008 3:56 PM:

    " My friends are teachers and they don't even get to eat lunch most of the time! They are working through lunch and might be able to eat a banana if they are lucky. So to the person claiming that ALL teachers get an hour of free time, you are clearly quite ignorant. And as for working in the "real world," I am not sure what is more "real" or important than educating our youth so they don't grow up to be as narrow-minded and judgmental as you. "

    YesObama wrote on Sep 18, 2008 3:38 PM:

    " To Quit, My girlfriend does not get an hour professional period. You need to get your facts straight before you show your ignorance. And as far as couldn't work in the real world, I don't. The guvment gives me alls I need. "

    to quit wrote on Sep 18, 2008 2:57 PM:

    " I am not a teacher so quit trying to be a psychic. I am a grandparent who goes eat with my grandchildren. I know what the teachers do because I volunteer at different schools. By the way, I checked it out and not all teachers get an hour "professional period". Only middle and high school teachers get that and they don't even eat lunch with their students. Do your research before trying to be a wise guy. Also, you wouldn't last a day in their classrooms. I dare you to try it. "

    YesObama wrote on Sep 18, 2008 1:32 PM:

    " I agree. My girlfriend is a teacher and has to stay with her class through lunch. She doesn't get a break all day. But she wanted to be a teacher and that comes with the territory. I choose to be a bum and write on forums all day. And the guvment sends ma check! Hopefully Obama will win and increase my checks! Go Barack! Tax all those rich folks! "

    Quit wrote on Sep 18, 2008 12:42 PM:

    " To the teacher who wrote this piece. You forgot to tell everyone that you get an hour "professional period" to do what ever you want to. Eat at that time. You people couldn't work in the real world. "

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