You, Steeler, have somewhat of a legit point about the pay.  But this subject gets into an area of a lot of disagreement: teacher salary.  Why should a man or woman go to college, study to be a teacher, get paid $30-$40K a year, struggle to make ends meet & put up with multiple headaches from students & parents?  My po...more

Most of your comment is fine.  I agree.  But talking about "being inspired" . . .  You're living in a "dream world," if you think it's that easy.  It's tough, espec. in a middle or high school classroom.  A little naive to think one can always "inspire."  Depends on the group & the school.

Teachers, across the country, ought to make $50-$70K a year, but they don't, particularly in certain states.  There are a handful of states which pay this kind of salary.  I'll grant it's a "white collar job."  But sometimes, the stress can be high, particularly if you're in a school which has little to no administrati...more

Salarywise, you have to compare what teachers make with other "4 year college graduates."  Not somebody at McDonald's or one with a 2 year degree.  I will grant that the one problem with my argument would be: time worked.  The fact that teachers work 9 months out of the year.  That's the only thing I can give the other...more

I'm sorry for using the word, "idiot." CDM381.  That was a little rude.  But I get a little "fired up" about this.  No, teachers aren't perfect.  They deserve & should be evaluated.  And if not doing the job well, should be told so, asked to "shape up or ship out."  I don't have a problem with that.  No problem with st...more

Diane, you need to teach for a year or two.  Get a little taste of "this glorious career."  LOL.  I know you wouldn't do it, but just some unsolicited advice.

What you say is true.  But you will get bashed for "being so honest."  By some of these ppl in the public.  I would: A) go to a different school where you have more administrative support or B) leave the profession entirely & do something with less stress & better pay.  Transition into something different.

I'm not saying all the public is disrespectful, but all of these loudmouths, who bash teachers & talk about "how easy it is," wouldn't do it (teach) for a second.  Some of these critics are sitting here, making $60-$70-$80K or more, & they talk about "how well paid teachers are."  Depends on the state actually.  And te...more

Teaching is very difficult.  Teachers, for 4 year college graduates, are underpaid, unappreciated, oftentimes unsupported.  You deal with lazy students whose parents don't give a crap.  You're paid just $30-$40K to put up with all of this.  The principal won't deal with the idiocy, sometimes, that you have to face in t...more