Let's not forget the grueling hours they work - What is the worst case? 8:00 to 3:00? And how many half days do they get? And here in the NY, a few flurries an a Monday or Friday gets you a three day weekend. It is not like they are working 50-60 hours a week like us mortals.
Underpaid my arse.
Your worst case would correlate with the worst teachers imaginable. They exist, but I've met only a handful that work those hours. My hours were 6:30 to 4:30 - 5:00 depending on which after-school activities I was obligated to supervise, plus commute, plus assorted evening hours, plus a significant portion of every weekend. And after a while, the internal time-value-of-money gauge kicked in (also known as common sense) and I took my math & science skills elsewhere. Now I work regular, predictable hours with good benefits - including flex hours and vacation time I can actually use - less stress and more sleep, more time with loved ones and friends. I also make three times as much as I did teaching. Simple cost-benefit analysis.
The public school model is a lost cause and I won't defend it. I won't defend the intellectual lightweights that gravitate toward that field. But it is disingenuous in the extreme to suggest that the majority of teachers work a shorter day or week than the rest of the workforce. I encourage anyone who doubts this to take a stint as a long-term substitute teacher and see for yourself.
You are delusional. Teachers do not just work, "worst case? 8:00 to 3:00" as you state. That is the BEST case. Those are the hours they are in school. But teachers are also expected to prepare tests, grade tests, meet with parents, etc. I would say 10 hours a day is average, or perhaps even below average. 12 hours a day, and quite a number of hours on the weekend is more typical!
But with all that said, the wage should be what the school is willing to pay, and what the teachers are willing to accept for the job.
"Let's not forget the grueling hours they work - What is the worst case? 8:00 to 3:00? And how many half days do they get? And here in the NY, a few flurries an a Monday or Friday gets you a three day weekend. It is not like they are working 50-60 hours a week like us mortals.
Underpaid my arse."
Not working 50-60- hours a week my arse (it's a big one). :) Actually, I often work more than that, even on some vacations. SOME work the 8 to 3, OTHERS do not, it depends on the teacher.