The Problem with Teacher Salaries in Public Schools

Teachers have such a prevalent role in public schools in America, yet the salaries they earn do not reflect their importance. Teachers' jobs are vital in preparing the younger generations to come. Public school classrooms are beginning to become overcrowded because of the lack of teachers. This scenario is neither benefiting the children nor the teacher. These low salaries are making this rewarding profession less attractive and retainable. Teachers are getting frustrated when their efforts go unnoticed, leading them to find other professions.

Women protesting for an increase in teacher salaries

I believe that if we invested in our teachers, their efforts, and their education, we would attract better teachers as a society. Many steps need to happen to draw enough attention to this devastating problem before we can go forward in fixing it. There is research that shows that teacher pay is directly correlated to student performance. The government, in the past, has seen teacher salaries to be one of the first budget cuts. Teachers are beginning to really stand up for themselves which is what must happen in order for anything to change. 

Passionate teachers put their heart and soul into their job because they care about their students so much. Some teachers might stay late after school or get to school super early in the morning in order to prepare. Some teachers might do work, whether it be grading papers or planning new material, at home in their free time. These are just a few ways teachers can overexert themselves which will oftentimes lead to burnout on top of being underpaid. The change in teacher salaries ultimately comes down to our priorities as a nation and as a society. Everyone needs to realize the importance a teacher's job has on the overall success and health of our economy and society.