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When I was growing up teachers who were the only wage earner in the house had to find summer work to make ends meet too. That's when teacher salaries were more comparable to their fellow citizens. That's not the case today for the most part. Starting salaries may be low in some areas, but the increase over time, along with the job security more than makes up for that.

Tell you what. Take a look at the NC public teachers salary with an advanced salary.

2005-2006 salary schedules (pdf file)

30+ years is less than $52,000 with a Master's Degree. Add a supplement for another $8,000 (and that's really stretching it on the supplement). Why don't you tell us all where you work for over 30 years and barely crack $60,000? Even with a Masters Degree they don't hit $40,000 until after year 12. I for one wouldn't do it. And a few years ago, I actually considered a lateral move into the industry. But less than $40,000 for 12 years of experience? No thanks.

Matter of fact, I don't know one person outside of teaching that makes less than $40k. With less than 10 years experience. So who are these 'oommon citizens' who are making less than teachers? If I were you I'd stick to what I know. Teachers' salaries are not definitely not your forte.

Matter of fact, I don't know one person outside of teaching that makes less than $40k.

Really? Even though I live in a high-income area, I know a lot of people who work for less than 40k. Many people who don't work for government make less than that. They're above minimum wage, but not up to 40. Don't you know anyone who works in retail, or in the service industry? How about the tourism industry? On a slightly related subject, that's one of the things I find frustrating in rural PA - the state keeps telling the rural areas that tourism will replace all the businesses that are closing or leaving the state, yet few in the tourist industry make a living. Most jobs are part-time with no benefits, yet they tell us not to worry about the business climate...

But less than $40,000 for 12 years of experience?

My husband sold auto parts for 15 years, and was required to maintain ASE certification. He made $23,000 full time after 15 years. Clearly North Carolina is on the low end of the salary scale for teachers. Pennsylvania is at the top (that's in the article). I'm from PA, and I don't see increased quality teachers from higher pay - I see more people attracted to the union environment for the high pay and easy working conditions. Higher pay doesn't not attract more dedicated people, it attracts more people interested in higher pay.