Teachers are underpaid
Numerous studies have previously raised concerns regarding thedeteriorating quality of education in the United States. American studentslag behind their counterparts in other developed countries in key subjectslike reading, math, history and science. Furthermore, a comparison ofpresent and past scores in standardized examinations shows that studentstoday are posting lower scores compared to the previous generation. To address this problem, government education administrators haveinstituted reforms that put the onus of improvement on the educatorsthemselves. The "No Child Left Behind" policy has increased the demands onteachers, in terms of their work and responsibilities. Teachers are alsorequired to undergo more tests and evaluations, and to take expensivecourses to earn their certification (Reising). Many analysts view this as a positive development, since educators areseen as public servants who perform a vital social duty. This view ofeducation as a calling and a duty has led to criticism of teachers who goon strikes to agitate for higher salaries. This paper argues, however, that adequate compensation for teachers isan intrinsic part to improving the quality of edu
Numerous studies have shown the relationship between the salary ofteachers and the quality of education. For many teachers, such inadequate increases arehardly enough to keep up with rising inflation rates. This hasmade it difficult to find qualified teachers in key subject areas,contributing to the overall deterioration of the American publiceducational system. States like Alabama, Minnesota and NewJersey in fact reported salary decreases. Such contract disputes have drawn criticism, especially from citizenswho fear that salary increases would result in higher property taxes. For Figlio, this means that higher-payingschool districts attract graduates from more selective colleges. The higher starting salaries have allowed theschool districts to be more competitive with higher-paying job sectors(Hoff). They have made the teaching profession morecomplex and for many teachers, more stressful. The first part of this paper discusses teacher salaries,highlighting the discrepancies between the starting salaries of teachersand other professions. The American Federation of Teachers study also found that whenadjusted for inflation, teacher salaries have increased by only $2,600 inwages since 1972. The school board inthis area has fought to limit teacher salaries. These discrepancies have given rise to instances of contract disputes,such as the long-running battle between the Somerset Area School Board andthe Somerset Area Education Association in Pennsylvania. Proposed solutions Many different solutions have been proposed to address the problem ofinadequate teacher compensation. These new challenges represent new duties for educators, in additionto their traditional duties. Furthermore, the board hasbudgeted no more increases until 2010, choosing instead to spend money onrepairs and a computerization project that costs $2 million (Winans).
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