During that same period, salaries for athletes and coaches boomed. In other words, increased spending on sports has not occurred because Americans have radically changed their priorities. Rather, they simply have had more disposable income, which only happens as they have become relatively wealthier. As noted earlier, it is not because Americans have backward priorities. Individuals are paid according to their relative productivity.
Most teachers reach a small number of students each day.
Athletes and coaches, on the other hand, entertain millions people at a time when events are televised. The amount of money that the Sooners' football successes will bring to the University of Oklahoma this year dwarfs whatever compensation Bob Stoops receives. In sum, payment to professional sports figures and big-time college coaches does not reflect inappropriate societal values. Contrary to teacher union pronouncements, Americans do value education. In fact, their spending habits indicate that they value education more than they do sports.