Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher. I was inspired by my mom after seeing her connections with her students and coworkers. It made me realize that I wanted to be in a profession that helped people and directly contributed to making their lives better. Now, as a senior, I am preparing to start college and decide my major.
After researching information about educators in the United States, information began to appear on the ongoing shortage of teachers. I then was faced with the harsh reality of the low salaries given to educators.
Teachers are the foundation of education; they are the reason people learn skills both academic and social. So much time, effort, and expertise goes into their profession, but is not recognized through monetary compensation.
The average salary of teachers across the United States is roughly $74, 495. According to the Income Need “In 2025 dollars, a minimum of $71,277 is required for a single adult with one child to have a modest standard of living in the most affordable metro areas, according to the Economic Policy Institute.”
Teachers commit a large amount of their personal life in addition to working hours in order to get work complete for students. Every career comes with a sacrifice, however teachers extend past that expectation by having to set aside time outside of work hours to create lesson plans, grade papers, and fulfill other responsibilities. This additional time is not reflected in their paychecks and affects their work-life balance.
“The biggest thing is just trying to get as much as I can done during the school day and not taking it home,” English teacher Colton Schneider said. “If I’m grading essays, things like that, that’s less time that I can spend with [his son].”
Obviously, a correlation can be made between the low salaries and the shortage of teachers in the United States. Understandably, this undependable salary causes potential future teachers to resort to a different career to adequately provide for their future family.
This is where the question arises of whether passion outweighs pay. Senior Jenna Polking, who plans on becoming a teacher, voiced her opinion on the topic.
“When I have kids I want to be there for them when they grow up, so it definitely is a hard decision, but I feel like my passions do outweigh not getting paid as much,” Polking said. “I would rather love my job and not get paid as much.”
Senior Audra Brabec also plans on becoming a teacher.
“I think it’s hard to say right now because I think right now my passion definitely outweighs that, but I’ve also never been an adult living in the world,” Brabec said. “I hope the passion stays, but I just don’t know.”
A large aspect of teaching that many overlook is the heavy mental load put onto teachers, often draining them causing a loss in passion in the profession. An outlet for students who need academic assistance and mental guidance all while simultaneously dedicating time for their families and themselves.
Polking is a teacher cadet for a second grade teacher at West Dodge Station Elementary school. She made an intriguing observation about the work her teacher puts into the classroom.
“[Mrs. Weiss] is constantly working and pouring into the students,” Polking said. “It’s not like you can just leave the kids to do their work and tell them what to do. You’re also teaching them how to act and how to live; it takes so much patience.”
Teachers contribute so much to society by educating and preparing students for the future. They need to be adequately compensated for the amount of work that they do; currently that is not being met. A major factor of the low salaries is the lack of funding towards public education. In order to help make this change people need to vote for politicians who prioritize educators’ pay and prompt higher education funding at school board meetings.
