What Are Some Reasons Why Teachers Should Be Paid More?
The reasons for paying teachers more include the potential increase in teacher satisfaction, the attraction of higher-quality candidates to teaching positions, incentives for teachers to pursue continued higher education and the elimination of the need for teachers to obtain secondary jobs. Currently, the average starting teacher’s salary in the United States is $39,000, according to the Washington Post.
When teachers earn more money, their job satisfaction increases and they are more likely to give their best efforts in the classroom. Higher salaries also attract teachers with better credentials, experience and education, which increases the quality of education. Teachers are also more likely to pursue graduate degrees when they know they will be rewarded with higher pay. Low salaries often discourage young professionals from pursuing teaching careers because they can earn considerably higher salaries in other industries.
Additionally, more than 60 percent of teachers hold secondary jobs to support themselves and their families, according to the New York Times. They might tutor students on the side, teach at night schools at the college level or hold jobs in restaurants.
Teachers who are forced to work more than one job are tired, run-down and unmotivated. By increasing teachers’ salaries, school districts eliminate the need for alternate employment, thereby increasing the quality of education in the classroom.
