Are teachers as well respected as other professionals?

Answer 1

Other than salary and benefits I would say teachers receive a great deal of respect from the public. Sure there is always a few clowns who are ethically challenged, but the teaching profession is quick to weed these people out. This is more than I can say for the other professions which tend to either spend big bucks for no fault settlements and/or to hire lobbyists so as to change the law. Given the low salaries and demanding work load put on teachers I think they deserve every bit of respect they get, plus more.

Answer 2

Depends what you mean by "respected" and who you ask.

Many people do respect teachers and recognize the hard work they put in. Teachers can make a decent wage and once they've got tenure, they can't be "downsized" like people working in other organizations. They often times get great benefits, a pension plan, severance package if they leave, and Union protections.

But some people see teachers are people who get off work at 2:30 each day and get every summer off. Teachers can be almost impossible to fire once they have tenure, no matter how bad they are. Good teachers are run off by the bad teachers, bad administrators, and poor school districts. Some teachers have parents who are defensive, won't allow the teacher to maintain any disipline, and who fight against the teacher because "their child would never do that"

Part of it also depends on where a person teaches. A teacher at Harvard University will get more respect than a homeroom teacher for 4th graders in an inner city.

Answer 3

Sadly many parents don't respect teachers. Parents will come to school and tell teachers how to teach in a minute. Would a teacher come to their job and tell them how to be a better accountant or sales clerk or fireman or whatever?

Also many people (parents and "professionals") think that teachers only work from 8am-3pm. Just because school lets out at 3pm, teachers work grading papers, making lesson plans, coaching, attending meetings, and much more way past 3 o'clock...for free! There have been countless times I've graded papers for 24 hours over the weekend or spent my own money for supplies. I teach in the south (where there are no teacher unions) and you are expected to fulfill those "extra" duties without compensation of time or money.

I had to learn that my thank yous and respect come from students. Although they don't usually "say" thank you, they "show" thanks by coming to visit after they graduate, asking your opinion, admitting that they understand your point of view, etc.

Answer 4

I would generally say that no teachers are not, but we are none the less professionals. For those of you who have said that teachers do deserve more respect, I thank you. It is nice to hear that some people DO understand the pressure on teachers. It's not about the status or what people think or my methods, it is that I would like to know that the endless effort I put into my classroom is appreciated. As for those who think that teachers don't deserve the respect ("those who can't, teach") I would be very interested to see you do my job with all of the same responsibilites I have for one week, then tell me that teachers don't deserve respect.

Answer 5

I am graduating this December with a master's in education. Teachers are not nearly as well respected as other professionals, although they take on the task of not only teaching, but parenting America's youth. People are always ready to complain about the state of American education, but no one is willing to stand up to the task of fixing our system. No one except for teachers! They deserve a little respect.

Answer 6

Our prestige is on the rise. I read an article some months ago ranking secondary teachers among--I believe--the top 10 or 20 most respected professions. I cannot find the particular article in the New York Times, but I did find the source below, which cites a Harris Poll.

Answer 7

I don't think it matters much whether teaching is called a profession or not. The label of "teacher" ought to be sufficient. When others advocate for professional standing, you have to ask what it is that they are after. Is it autonomy, respect, higher pay, status? Then you have to ask whether teachers need the label of "professional" to achieve these, or whether the use of the label is a means for short-circuiting debate and analysis.

As far as respect as you are speaking of it wouldn't the effects that you could have on one live be enough gratifacation?

Answer 8

The teaching profession may not be valued by people who have lots of money, have some high-powered career, or people who care about status, but it is one of the most difficult jobs out there and teachers deserve a lot of respect. Even at private schools where students are coddled and there are few discipline problems, teaching is overwhelming and can be very difficult the first year...

Answer 9

When taught by a good teacher, their words stay with you always. After 15 years of school, and now 15 years later, there are 5 teachers that immediately come to mind when I read your question. Starting with my history teacher in 7th grade up to a college professor my second year. So I'd say Yes. But I would also have to say that there are teachers that want to teach but lack the personality to catch your attention.

Answer 10

Yes, I was teaching two years ago, people look up to you and see you differently because everyone remembers what gits they were in school and respect you for being able to handle it! It's very easy to be a bad teacher but very hard to be a good one. How the students and staff treat you lets you know what kind of teacher you are.