President's Viewpoint
Show Us The Money

Educating America's children is not an act of charity

Curiously, in the midst of America's supercharged economy, policymakers are suggesting that teaching should be an act of philanthropy.

Leonard DeFlore, president of the National Catholic Education Association, recently told The New York Times, "For most people who go into teaching, money is not an issue. It's like in other helping professions...you know you're not going to make a lot of money doing it."

Similarly, California's governor, Gray Davis, has announced: "I want to make teaching a selfless act of patriotism, something young people will see as a cause that they will do for a limited period of time."

Such assertions are insulting--and dangerous to the future of public education. In a culture that celebrates day-trading, Internet entrepreneurs, and "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?" who's going to want to work in a school?

Despite the stellar economy, teacher paychecks have barely kept pace with inflation. Quality Counts 2000, an annual report on America's teaching force, finds that educators in their 20s earn an average of $7,894 less than other college graduates their age. This pay gap only worsens over time. Teachers ages 44 to 50 earn an average of $23,655 less than their peers in other professions--unless they have a master's degree. Then they earn $32,511 less!

Salaries for education support staff are even lower--often far below the national median income.

Certainly, people have always gone into education for the "psychic rewards." But low salaries are a significant reason why at least 30 percent of new teachers leave the classroom within five years.

NEA members know that high staff turnover has devastating consequences for children. Research shows that the single most important factor in a child's education is the quality of his or her teacher--and quality depends in large measure upon years of experience.

In the next 10 years, a record number of retirements and skyrocketing school enrollments will create the largest teacher shortage in history. Some 2.2 million new teachers will be needed. How will schools attract and retain talent when a recent national Teacher of the Year earned only $36,000--despite her 30 years' experience?

Interestingly, a recent poll conducted by Recruiting New Teachers, Inc., and Harris and Associates found that 56 percent of Americans would consider teaching--if the salary were at least $60,000.

Leonard DeFlore's claims to the contrary, money is an issue.

Money is also an issue where education support personnel are concerned. Forty-two percent of NEA's ESP members are expected to retire in the next 10 years. Retaining skilled education support personnel is crucial to creating a stable learning environment for our children. But how are schools going to attract legions of dedicated support staff when the jobs often pay minimum wage?

Right now, frankly, schools across America are getting a bargain. Education employees are many children's second family. We mediate conflicts, instill values, teach manners, and promote tolerance. We also coach sports teams and chaperone dances. The bargain that we offer cannot--and should not--be banked upon for the future.

States across the nation are currently enjoying record surpluses. Why not devote a share of this wealth to attracting and retaining top-notch educators by paying all school employees competitively?

Comments? You can E-mail Bob Chase at BobChase@nea.org. If you would like a response, please be sure to include your name and NEA local affiliate.