Teachers Deserve to Be Paid More!

There has been some debate as to why teachers are not being paid what they deserve. It seems that with the difficulty in attracting and retaining quality and qualified teachers, this concern would be addressed with a higher level of concern. There is something wrong in a society when entertainers such as rappers, actors, and athletes are being paid more than teachers. It sends a message that entertainment is more important than getting a quality education.

This became even more clear to me the other day while having a conversation with my nephew. My nephew is a 4th grader and a very intelligent young man who is wise beyond his years. When asked about what it is he wants to be when he grows up, he usually replies, "I want to be a teacher".

This is because we have always instilled in him how important a good education is and how it is the ticket out of any situation. Another factor in his decision is that he realized that he has quality teachers who work with him and genuinely show interest in welfare and development. They are his role models and he want to be just like them. If he can see and understand this, than why can't anyone else?

As sad as I am to say, he has now changed his mind about the whole education thing. He now tells me that he wants to be an NBA basketball player. Although having great athletic ability is to be admired and commended, I was a little disappointed in his proclamation. I asked him why the sudden change in his decision.

He replied, " I still want to be a teacher, but I like basketball , and I will make a WHOOOOOLE lotta money!" What could I say to that? What can anyone say to that? You want to be positive and encourage them to be whatever it is they want to be. You also have to be realistic. I explained to him that if he loves basketball, go for it, but not everyone who wants to go pro is able to. You still have to make education a priority.

He's young, and he feels discouraged to someday enter the teaching profession. Why wouldn't anyone else feel discouraged? Teachers are very important. These people shape the lives of our children. We will never be able to compete with other countries if we do not make education a priority.

We cannot send the message that there is more value to entertaining someone than teaching someone. Teachers find themselves in tough situations everyday, often unable to do what needs to be done because they fear litigation and retaliation. It is their job to held accountable for student achievement, but it our job as parents to raise our children. Somehow all the burden falls on them.

We need to push for a higher increase in teacher pay. Just as sports teams are willing to pay out more to attract the best players, the government needs to do the same to attract more talent to the teaching profession. Educators have lives to live also. They deserve better quality of life because they educate us and our children so that we will have a better quality of life.