You people all need a wake up call. These are college educated individuals. There are definitely some poor teachers. However the sad fact is that many people avoid or leave education because of the lack of funds.
My wife has taught 5th grade for 22 years in Leawood, Kansas. It is a school in a wealthy suburb so for the most part the parents and students. The hours and planning they have, especially with all the new testing , has them working much more then 40 hour weeks. It is funny that other professions with 4 plus year college degrees would be appalled at $34 dollars an hour but some how teachers should be "happy" with the pay.
I admittedly thought teachers were paid alright until I got a first hand glimpse with my wife. Today teachers also have to be part counsellor, deal with parents that "know more" then the teacher. Any problem the child has is "the schools" fault.
I am a big proponent of school voucher systems and making schools perform, thus the teachers. However all of you need a wake-up call if you think teachers pay is fair for their responsibility. Now if we could get the NEA out of the school system we would really be doing something!!!
AMEN... to what shoedog said. He is right!
Teachers shouldn't be paid as high as other professions--it doesn't involve as technical of work, but that doesn't mean we don't work as hard. I get home often around 8 or so and still have 3 hours worth of correcting or other stuff. Often, I'm up at 2 or 3 working. Not to mention many MORE hours on weekends and such. Nonetheless, I enjoy it and love the kids I teach.