According to PayScale.com, teachers with 1-4 years experience earn less than $34,000 per year. Teachers with 20 years experience or more are paid less than $56,000 per year.  When you compare these numbers with other careers, both entry level and experienced personnel, the field of education is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to compensation.  A construction worker with no college degree and 20 years experience earns an average of $65,000. It’s no wonder the field of education is not respected.

It’s ironic, however, that the majority of all political candidates build their campaigns on improving education for children and raising salaries for teachers. Hundreds of millions are spent on commercials, newspapers, radio, and other forms of media but nothing is ever done about it. As a country, we do not hold our elected officials responsible for what they promise us.

In order to make a difference, we need to take action by letting our political representatives know that we are not going to stand for mediocre results when it comes to paying teachers more money. Teaching is the greatest profession in the world. Every doctor, lawyer, engineer, athlete, and engineer starts with a dynamic teacher. Teachers don’t need millions, but all teachers need fair pay. It’s tough working for peanuts!