Zathras said:
Considering everything people have mentioned here, teachers are still underpaid in my opinion.
Zathras, you are certainly entitled to your opinion, and I respect it. However, I really do not understand the logic at all (or maybe there is no logic to it, just emotion, which is also your right).
Sure, teachers are important, their work is important and honorable, and our children are important. But, how does that lead to 'underpaid' (or 'overpaid' for that matter)?
Example - My tooth cracked and I was in extreme pain - my Dentist did a great job fixing it. That was important and valuable (maybe life altering) to me. So is my Dentist underpaid?
The work that Plumbers do provides us with sanitary water. That is very important. Are Plumbers underpaid?
We all depend on electricity and our computers these days. Are Electricians and CS and EE's underpaid? Firefighters? EMTs? Police?
You can go on and on and on about the 'worth' of a profession, but supply and demand is what should determine the pay. How would you like someone to dictate to you what your career is 'worth'? What if they are biased? How would this work anyway?
Bus boys don't make minimum wage because someone determine that is what the job is 'worth'. Next time you have an expensive meal in a fancy restaurant, tell me the 'value' of having your table cleared between courses! Bus boys get minimum wage because there are enough people willing to take the job at that wage. Period.
If there are more than enough qualified people applying for teaching jobs, that is an indication that the compensation for the work is more than adequate. And vice-versa.
To any teachers who are reading or have posted, for the work you do/have done THANK YOU!!
For the exceptional teachers, I say 'Thank you' also. And to the exceptional plumbers, electricians, firefighters, EMTs, Dentists, EE's........
ERD50