Why are Teachers Still Underpaid?

Question

It baffles me as to why the Texas government does not take more action to raise teachers' salaries proportionate to their workload. Many of the 'regular' workforce individuals that I've heard, babbling about how teachers should be fortunate to have at least 2 months off plus holidays, are about as ignorant as a racist prick.

Average pay for first year teachers should be averaging (with a mere 5% standard deviation) of about $45,000 a year. Right now, most first year teacher salaries average $5000 less. Is there a difference? I think so. teachers make the difference in a child's education. Simple as that. teachers provide the encouragement and discipline children need after graduation. I can give many other 'common sense' reasons as to why tare important.

But the sad fact is: If we can't compensate them enough, we stand to lose Teachers to 'regular' jobs (no offense) and leave many students in dire need of attention, something most dead-beat parents don't give! :(>>>>>

Answer 1

Because Teacher Pay is not subject to our system of capitalistic economics. And NO ONE makes money off of a teacher (except maybe teacher supply stores).

There is no sense of true competition. If each school was run on a competitive basis, where there was a profit to be gained, then teacher's salaries would rise.

But then that would create an unfair disadvantage to those students that would not be able to access the more competitive schools so, we choose as a society not to have that type of system.

And the salaries are based on monies raised by taxes not by consumer driven forces. And although teachers are valued, when teachers and other "soical" programs are all pulling from the same pot, they are not "more" valuable than other government supported programs (which is what education is).

And because there are enough people that are passionate about teaching children, then there is generally enough supply to meet the demands, and salaries don't really have to raise significantly.

So, it stinks, but there you have it!

(PS - I've done the math. Teachers really only have about 6 weeks "off." Which is 240 hours considering a 40 hr. work week. Most teacher contracts are for 180 teaching days (plus 5 or so work days). If you only worked an extra 80min. per day taught, then that 240 hrs. would be comp time for time worked. And most teachers I know put in a lot more than an extra 1 1/2 hrs. for each day they teach!)

(PPS - Not to mention the significant out-of-pocket costs that teachers incur to purchase classroom supplies that schools won't pay for.)

Answer 2

Teachers are neither underpaid or overworked.

Administrators are, to the point of obscenity, grossly overpaid.

Teachers are never paid by the hour; they are paid a contracted salary based on number of "days" worked, usually 180 plus 5-8 more. Roughly a 1/2 years work. They also receive, in most districts, retirement benefits, health insurance, sick leave days (with pay) that accumulate over time, and personal leave days (usually around 10 days annually, with no reduction in salary for these absences). The cost of these benefits are never included in the advertised and contracted salary of the teacher. Add to the above that teachers also receive an annual raise for "years in service" (called a step raise), and a further raise in pay if they reach another level in education (Masters Degree, Professional Degree, Doctorate) by attending classes evenings or in the summer months.

Finally, while I do believe teachers are professionals, they are not doctors, scientists, engineers, ceo's, etc. Unfortunately, they are at the bottom end of the professional ranks.

Statistics and averages will make liars and fools out of many of the folk that put such great stock in them.

Answer 3

I am currently a preschool teacher in Iowa working on finishing my degree in Special Education. First year teachers in Iowa start at salaries around $30,000. No Child Left Behind has nothing to do with the salaries of teachers, they have always been paid this way... nothing has changed because of this stupid plan. Teacher salaries are based on government funding and the enrollment in a certain district. The sad truth is often teachers have to be fired because of budget cuts in a district. School districts are given a certain amount of money based on the number of students they have enrolled in their district. If enrollment goes down, so does the amount of funding and school administrators have the tough decision of where to make their cuts, often firing a good teacher because it is a course that is not deemed "necessary" such as Art, Music or Foreign Languages... The only way to increase teacher salaries is for the government to allocate more money to education and only then will school districts have the funds to hire good teachers and keep them.

Answer 4

My state is giving us gradual pay increases to help us reach the national average. I'm sure we're not the only state doing this. Texas will be sure to follow suit. Is the cost of living high in Texas? $40,000 a year starting salary would totally rock from where I'm standing (in good old NC).

Answer 5

The answer to the recent teacher pay woahs is No Child Left Behind. It was brought to us with promises of funding for teachers and supplies and many other things. However, the funding never materialized. Maybe Ted can get it straight this time.

Answer 6

i agree that teachers need more pay. does the world not realize teachers played a very large part in doctors being doctors, lawyers being lawyers, presidents being presidents, etc.... without teachers these people would not be so successful. and the big sports stars and movie stars? don't even get me started. teachers pay should be way up there since they do as much for the world if not more than these people.

Answer 7

because that shows how ignorant society is today. Teachers are one of the most important professions today. But you know that professional sports players are much more important they have 2 be paid multi million dollars. let me know when u figure it out. Maybe all teachers should just go on strike. then they would have to do frickn something about it. I would like to see that.

Answer 8

Because the words and the reason, and knowledge is not as seen as a Grand Cherokee..

Answer 9

I'm just happy that we're middle class.