As a teacher I sometimes feel like there is a mismatch between the amount of work I do and how that work is counted towards meeting my job requirements.
Like most teachers I'm expected to teach a certain number of courses. But it doesn't matter if it's a course I've taught before, or a totally new course I've developing it's all counted the same.
Designing a new course is much harder and takes much more time than teaching the same thing I taught last year to new students.
So there is a subtile pressure to just teach the same things over and over. Because I've created all of the material, I know how it will work. In terms of time? I'm talking three times more prep to teach something new vs. teaching something old.
Of course I still take on new courses and develop new worksheets, lessons, test, tons of material. But this isn't officially part of my job, I just like teaching. I do the work for the love of the game and because it's more fun being good at your job.
There are "summer curriculum development grants" and this helps a little, but it's not always work done during the summer.
Right now I'm organizing my old worksheets and tests so they will be easier for other teachers to use. I know the department head will be pleased with this, and the other teachers will like it, but it's extra work and "not counted"
I think most jobs can look like this. And I don't have a great solution. I just wish teachers were recognized more for this kind of work.
@futurebird Glue work is how I've heard it referred to but not sure how widespread the term is outside of coding.
myrmepropagandist
Bai Shen