[twigs]

If you were to add in all the extra hours most teachers spend on preparation and grading, etc., they would make far less.

[A Strict Constructionist]

I would like to see teachers be able to bill each student like other professionals. Billable hours would be great if you look at the time my wife puts in. She works at least 1-2 hours each night of the week and is at school at least 1 hour early and late each day. She would like to teach in a district that has not evening activities and has one of these mythical 3 month vacations. She would also like a summer with no continuing education or meetings. O and eliminate having to call parents at night because they can't be bothered during the working day. Their job is too important to be bothered by the teacher of their child.

[Roses0508]

I agree that good teachers do spend a lot of discretionary time on additional work. I'd like to point out that good professionals of any ilk spend a lot of discretionary time on additional work, whether that be continuing education, additional certifications, just plain keeping up with the next thing. I'm a network engineer - I'm paid approximately the same thing as a teacher, my benefits package is dependent upon the job and varies considerably, I must constantly read and study to stay up to date (or be unemployable) and my work requires long hours, not my option, if it breaks and its critical, I crawl out of bed and fix it. I might get a pat on the back, but I don't get additional compensation. All of that is part of doing the job (which I love) well. I know my family gets tired of seeing me with my nose in a CISCO manual.

I am not putting down teachers here. My children both spent time in public schools. The quality of the teachers who instructed them varied from abysmal to very good and one per child that was outstanding. Given the importance of the job, it is not so much about the dollars as about how to find teachers who love their work and do it well. More dollars is NOT an automatic fix.