Why is it that people seem to think that all teachers are being paid too much? Most start in the low $30K around here, which compared to other starting saleries that require a four year degree, is fairly low. Nobody is arguing about a pharmisist getting $72k a year to start at Wal-Mart when we talk about rising health care costs. Nobody complains about pharmisutical sales reps starting in the mid 50K range with a car and laptop.

Privatizing schools will do little to improve things. I take it by your statement that you feel privitizing schools will equate to lower saleries, and therfore lower taxes. Who do you think will want to be a teacher if the pay drops below what it is now? Probably those who truely, deeply care. Great. But why punish them for caring by paying them a salery that won't be enough to live and pay back their student loans for a tuition that continues to climb even higher? It makes no sense to expect people to pay tuition for college, pay to take certification tests, pay for their own materials because they only get $150 a year to buy paper for their classroom, and then pay them a wage that is insulting. They are college grads afterall.

If the unions did not exist, saleries would still be what they are because the market would dictate it. Schools would want the best staff they can get - just like any other employer. The best cost money. Trained staff cost money.

Besides, most of you complaining have not steped foot in a classroom since you went to school. Walk a mile in their shoes before you bash them for a school schedule they have nothing to do with making. We all want our kids to have summers off, and be home by 3 right? Why punish the teachers for things outside their control. Its part of the job - we all know what we have in store for us when we start a profession.