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Sungirl, with respect, that's just not so. My wife makes about $6 an hour, when you factor in all the additional time she puts in--much of it mandatory; for instance they're required to attend workshops and meetings after hours from time to time--and also the money spent on classroom supplies, etc., to make up the budgetary shortfalls.

NO ONE goes into teaching because they think it's a cushy job.

I respectfully COMPLETELY disagree.

I will bet you MOST people go into teaching to get summers off and other 2 week Easter and Christmas off. Not because they want to 'help others'.
They only teach a few classes a day. Study halls and other free time give the teachers the time they need to 'grade papers', etc. What hours does your wife work? What time is she home? I see and know when the teachers that I know leave and are home. They are home 'by' 3:30pm. Add up the actual hours..and be honest.
Compare this to the average worker like me, who works 9 hours a day (I do NOT get paid for my lunch)...and I work at least 40 hours a week....52 weeks a year. I get 6 holidays and 2 weeks vacation. I do not get paid for my sick when I leave...do teachers? Of course. I do not get a month off for CHristmas and Easter. DO teachers? OF course. I do not get off from May to Sept. Nor do I get paid extra for staying to do 'dentention classes' or any other extra curriculum activities. They do.