Obviously, based upon our current national reading, math, and science scores they should be asking that question of those who now hold teaching certificates. You know, the same people who regularly go out on strike and extort the public.
I've had some great teachers in my life for whom I have a lot of respect and admiration. That said, I take great issue with the idea / commentary that 'Teachers aren't paid enough', and 'We should be giving more money to teachers instead of to the military'
Can you imagine the screams from the left if we started linking teacher pay to outcomes (with an adjustment factor for where you are teaching)?
Relevant story: When our daughter was in fifth grade they stopped giving spelling words/tests. We continued at home with our own list of words. Fast forward to her 7th grade year. She was in the advanced placement class. The teacher was absolutely disgusted that most of the kids couldnt spell very well so he started giving them spelling and vocabulary tests every week.
Upshot: it was the same school district!!!!