Governments should be investing more into teachers‘ salaries as an investment in the future of the next generation. Incentivized teachers will work harder and produce better results. Merit pay programs will help recruit and retain top educators in an industry which already feels undervalued.
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What are the Salary Expectations for Teachers?
Teacher salaries depend on the wealth of the country, or state, in which they work, the kind of institution they teach at, and factors such as their qualifications and experience.
The salaries of teachers in the USA vary from $31,000 to $86,000 per annum. While some sources say the average salary of a teacher in the United States for 2022 is $58,593per year, the USA’s National Education Association (NEA) says there was a 1.75% increase nationally in the average numeration from $64,172 to $65,293 from 2021 to 2022.
The lowest of teachers earn 10% less than $30,000 and the best-paid 10% earn more than $75,000 per annum. According to the NEA, teachers on average are earning $2,150 less than they did in 2012 when adjusted for inflation. A number of states are busy making substantial increases in salaries to retain experienced teachers and to attract top students. The average new teacher in America earns about 25% less than other graduates according to their
In Asia, the average salary of a teacher is said to be around $36,000 pa. For example, in South Korea teachers’ salaries range from $26,000 to $100,000 for primary school teachers and from $50,000 to $150,000 for high school teachers. In China this ranges from 6,500 yuan (less than $1,000) to 30,000 yuan (about $4,500) per month for primary school teachers.
Factors causing Teachers to Leave the Profession
Comparatively speaking, teachers in most countries earn less than other graduates and often work in poor working conditions, with unreasonable demands and unrealistic expectations. These factors make the profession unattractive for the brightest students to make it a career choice.
Deteriorating discipline in society makes teaching even more difficult and almost half of the teachers leave within the first five years. New teachers are twice as likely to quit than those who are experienced.
For these reasons, governments should be investing more into teachers’ salaries as an investment in the future of the next generation. Incentivized teachers will work harder and produce better results. Merit pay programs will help recruit and retain top educators in an industry which already feels undervalued.
Benefits of increasing Teacher Salaries
The six proven benefits of increasing teacher pay:
- Increasing teacher pay strengthens the pipeline.
- It keeps teachers in the classroom.
- It helps with staffing in urban districts.
- Fewer teachers working second jobs.
- Less dependence on government programs.
- Higher pay for teachers means students do better.
How do Teachers Compare with Other Graduates?
It is a common misconception that teachers have a relatively easy job. The truth is, they are underpaid and overworked. They are often not paid as much as graduates in other industries, and they work more hours than graduates in other industries. Teachers have to deal with the pressures of students’ education. They also have to deal with the difficulties of teaching a class full of different personalities. Teachers also often have to stay late at school for meetings or grading assignments, which can take away from their personal time or family time.
The average age of a teacher in the United States is 39 years old. The trend has been for younger people to avoid teaching because it is a long-term career and few people will commit for such a long time. This trend has caused an increase in early retirement by teachers.
The term “failure” can be used to describe both a school that has not met its standards and the students who are not achieving enough. The consequences of failing schools vary depending on what is put into place after they have failed.
Reasons to Consider Teaching as a Career
Teaching is an undervalued profession and in many countries, the salaries are average or below that of other graduates. Teaching can be a great career, but it is not for everyone. It requires a lot of work, dedication and patience, but it is never dull and ideal for positive persons. For those who love working with other people, teaching offers rewards that are not measured in monetary value.
“Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
Albert Einstein.
There are many reasons to consider teaching as a profession:
- Teaching is a stable profession, unlike some other industries.
- Teaching is geographically not bound to certain areas.
- Teaching is a very sociable and a never-dull job.
- Seeing students develop is a gratifying experience.
- Teaching offers opportunities for professional development.
- Education qualifications are not super difficult to obtain.
- Teaching offers a stable income and usually with benefits such as a medical fund and pension scheme.
The reward of teaching is not so much monetary, but comes from the sense of accomplishment of seeing students develop. The work is hard, but it is rewarding to know you are making a real difference in many people’s lives.
Conclusion
Yes, teachers should be paid more! Teachers have the responsibility to prepare students for their future by instilling in them the values that are important in society. Teachers are dedicated professionals who often take on extra responsibilities outside of school hours, such as coaching sports teams or attending PTA meetings and often organize and provide leadership in community group or volunteering activities with a cause that matters to them.
