This anecdote came to mind because, a few weeks ago, the American Federation of Teachers released an eye-opening report on teachers' salaries. The rise in teacher pay was less than the rate of inflation and one of the smallest increases in 40 years. In New York, the AFT's salary snapshot showed we have made significant strides in teacher pay. I'm concerned that there remains such a wide disparity in what teachers earn in New York City compared to Long Island and other suburbs, and what teachers are paid in some upstate regions compared to rural districts in the north country and southern tier. Teaching is, of course, one of the most rewarding professions in the world.
Every day brings new adventures and new challenges.
Teachers give so much of themselves to their schools, their communities and the children in their classrooms, but they also get a lot in return. Clearly, teachers choose their profession because they love teaching and love to help children learn. But that doesn't mean that teachers should have to take a vow of poverty. Despite improvements over the years, teacher salaries still rank well below what the corporate world pays for jobs requiring the same or less professional training - and in some cases far less critical positions for the needs of society. This is something we must change if we are to successfully attract the best-qualified young people into the teaching profession.