What would our school systems be like if teachers were paid $100+k per year?

I was chatting with a cerebral, interesting friend of mine today and we were pondering the impact it would have if teachers were paid better than the sacrifice wages they receive.  We wondered what the world would be like if it were actually desirable, economically, to do this work.

I'm fairly certain there would be a mad rush to teach and the teaching would seemingly improve.  But then again, let's face it, many teachers are in it for the love of what they do, not the money.  Would infusing the capital element minimize that passion and impact the quality of education?  Perhaps.

Part of me also believes that a big reason that many of us want to teach is our ego.  What better way to assert our correctness and position than in front of obedient children? 

I also think that teachers, real teachers, are likely most successful when they are humble.  A true teaching relationship is a give and take.  I used to LOVE the teachers who made the classroom feel like a dialog not a sermon.

But all that aside, who doesn't LOVE to see a child learn.  I was in my car with Zoe last night and we were driving back to SF.  She asked me "Daddy are we going to downtown San Francisco?"

I said "Not really."  Then thought and asked her "Why did you ask me that?"

She said "Because that sign said "Downtown San Francisco these two lanes"".

It's fascinating for me be a part of her life as she learns to read (and apply it).  I remember how I felt when I saw her take her first few steps (both Tracy and I were there), it was magical!

I guess the question I'm pondering is if the pay was lucrative (at ALL levels of education) would you consider becoming a teacher?

Comments

[Jackie Danicki]

The pay can be pretty lucrative - if you work for a school that is held to higher standards (that is, a private school). The lack of competition in education, thanks to the immoral compulsory attendance requirment and public schools, is the reason why salaries are not very high...and why results are so much poorer than they need be.