Most states require a master’s degree to teach. I don’t think there is a teacher at my school who has less than five years of education; most have well over six, I have over 10. Teachers are required to continue their education regularly. For the most part, teachers pay for their own education and take classes on their own time. I know many professionals who are trained and take classes on their company’s expense. My best friend works for the FAA; they pay for his airfare, pay for his classes, pay for his hotel room and rental car. This is done on a normal workday, for which he is paid. This is how things are often done in much of the business world.
Teachers are contracted to work about 80% as many days as a typical worker in the US. I know a full time postman who earns twice what a starting teacher at my school earns. He has a high school diploma. I know a full time school bus driver who earns considerably more than the postman. Even the part time bus drivers earn way more than I do. I’d love to earn 80% of what other professions pay (that require six or more years of education). Heck, I’d love to earn I’d love to earn 80% of what the dang bus driver earns.
Even if we overlook the fact that teachers must spend extra hours on weekdays, weekends and throughout the summer preparing lessons, grading, completing BS required paperwork, attending meetings, conferences, training, extra curricular activities, etc., teachers do not earn 80% of what other occupations that have similar educational requirements; not even close.
Something is wrong here. While I was putting myself through college, postmen and bus drivers were earning a good salary and building up years towards retirement. While I’m paying off my student loans on my low salary, they are investing their extra money.
At my school, we have two teachers who are single; their lifestyles are humble and meager. With the exception of myself, the other teachers are all the second incomes in their families. I am the only teacher at my school who is raising a family on a teacher’s income. My salary qualifies my family for a variety of financial aid.
Ten plus years of college… something is wrong here.