Teachers are underpaid essays

Teachers are underpaid essays Numerous studies have previously raised concerns regarding the deteriorating quality of education in the United States. American students lag behind their counterparts in other developed countries in key subjects like reading, math, history and science. Furthermore, a comparison of present and past scores in standardized examinations shows that students today are posting lower scores compared to the previous generation. To address this problem, government education administrators have instituted reforms that put the onus of improvement on the educators themselves. The "No Child Left Behind" policy has increased the demands on teachers, in terms of their work and responsibilities. Teachers are also required to undergo more tests and evaluations, and to take expensive courses to earn their certification (Reising). Many analysts view this as a positive development, since educators are seen as public servants who perform a vital social duty. This view of education as a calling and a duty has led to criticism of teachers who go on strikes to agitate for higher salaries. This paper argues, however, that adequate compensation for teachers is an intrinsic part to improving the quality of education in the United States. The first part of this paper discusses teacher salaries, highlighting the discrepancies between the starting salaries of teachers and other professions. It also discusses the changing nature of the teaching profession, and the difficulty of retaining qualified teachers in education. The second part then looks at the link between proper or adequate compensation and the quality of education a student receives. In the conclusion, the paper looks at how some educators have used to address compensation, including unionization and performance pay. In a survey of teacher salaries across the nation conducted in 2002, the American Federa...