Oh yeah.....these workers are just rolling in the dough.
Wisconsin teachers start out at 25k a year for a job that requires a degree. And I wonder what the trash collectors make? And damned few of you would (or could) do their job.
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They knew what the job paid before they got the education. Pay is not a function of qualification, its a function of demand for services. Qualification is a function of hiring. If they don't like the pay, they don't have to work there. Complaining about the pay you recieve after you take a job you know pays at that level is not any indicator of intelligence. It's evedence of being a pampered and spoiled brat who thinks your entitled to more than the market determines you're worth.
Teaching is not just a job, but a calling. For those really good teachers who make a difference it means a great deal of work at home grading papers, writing units and preparation for lessons. It means using your own money buying supplies for students, books for classroom libraries and bulletin board materials not to mention incentives for students. It also means continued college work to get masters and beyond at your own expense.
Other jobs do not demand that you have eyes circulating the room at all times aware that any child hitting another or stabbing with a pencil could land you in court, and field trips can do the same, teachers cannot leave the room to go to the restroom at anytime or get a cup of coffee.
It doesn't pay you for those extras you do, but you knew that before you signed up. You still wanted the job because there is something magical about a child who lights up when they get that math concept you have been teaching and he says, "I've got it now!" A big pay check can't give you that high. And teachers know it. But their own determination can.
And it's better than sitting at a desk working for a bigger paycheck. They do not need a union but they need taxpayers to be fair.