Teachers work about 9 months out of the year. That's why $34/hour makes "low pay". That $34/hour is equivalent to $25/hour(12 month) (math: p * 9/12 = s)
It's the equivalent to $25/hour with 3 months paid vacation plus excellent bene package.
The city of Detroit school teachers have a 182 day school year. I couldn't find out their vacation schedule but did find out that they also get 10 paid sick days per year which go into a bank if they aren't used......
Where we come from the benefits package is included in the salary. So...they are paying for their own insurance and if they want to add their family to the plan, it's over $500 a month. Doesn't sound like a great deal to me. Also, there is no time figured for lesson plans and grading papers, projects, etc. It always looks greener on the other side of the fence. Most people can't stand to be cooped up with their own children for a day...we should maybe try it with 25 or so of them. I think teachers earn everything they get......provided they are doing their job. Most teachers that I know work very hard and are getting close to burn-out....and me...I homeschooled after 15 years in public school education. Wouldn't want to go back, that's for sure!