Why don't K-12 public school teachers get the credit they deserve?

Question

The general public truly has no idea what it's like being a K-12 public school teacher...

Answer 1

The last time most people were in school, they were students, and students don't have an accurate view of teachers. People who are good at what they do, whatever it may be, make that job look easy. That is also true of teaching. Education is not a money making business therefore, those involved do not make big salaries. If thousands of people paid hundreds of dollars to come watch me teach science, I would make the salary of a professional athlete, but alas that doesn't happen. Thankfully, teachers do NOT teach for the money.

Answer 2

Good question. My father has taught in the public school system for over 23 years now. He has taught both high school and middle school. He left the high school he was working at not because of the students, of course, but because the politics involved. He now works at a junior high school and puts up with so much not only from students in the classroom but from parents who have no control over their children and give the teacher crap because of their own irresponsibility. And of course you have the prinicipals and the other administrators who think they know how to teach but have never actually taught a class so they just look out for their own image. He loves to teach but can't wait to retire which is another issue since he has to be 60 to receive his full pension. Will they ever get the credit they deserve?

Answer 3

Because they are too busy to do any self promotion. Because administrators take credit for anything positive going on--but, give the blame for problems to the teachers. Because teachers are working with children, and generally Americans don't value (in $$$$)
work that involves children. For most people $$$$ are how they decide the importance of a job or profession.

Answer 4

you really answered your own question...the general population assumes we cruise in at 8 or 9 and coast back out at 3...and that inbetween all we do is bully children...if the average person spent a week as a teacher every teacher in this country would get a raise...and that would be great, but teachers didn't get into education for the money...general recognition of how hard we work would be a good start...

Answer 5

Because there's mostly women in that profession...The few men that do get into teaching, a very small percent really want to do that for the rest of their lives. I am a female teacher and its sad that I went to school, got my masters and I still can't make 50k a year...Most people that teach aren't here necessarily for the money. Its more of a calling...sad but true.

Answer 6

Because the world is not half as good a place as it should be, that's why.

Answer 7

So true. They really are heroes.