Stupid in America

[Moristans]

Mori,

Do you see the income potential a turnoff or a deteriment to the profession in anyway? Are the best and brightest even looking at teaching? I can't see how the profession can compete in the job market.

I can't say for sure Thudz. Personally, of course, I'm not dissapointed by the amount of money I make. I make a living and I'm happy with the benefits and retirement arrangements. I make way more than my parents ever did and I like the lifestyle that teaching allows me to have. Would I like to make more? Sure, but I was brought up learning that an honest day's pay for an honest day's work is what work is all about.

Am I comparably underpaid for my degree and training? Sure, and I know that there is, traditionally, a shortage of math and science teachers because of that. I don't know that the best and brightest mathematicians and scientists, for example, make the best teachers though. Teaching itself is neither math nor a science and if you don't have a passion for it, no amount of money is going to make you a more effective teacher if that's all your in it for.

I would love to give the merit pay system a shot. Sure, pay me more for doing what I love to do better. But, I'm not going to cherry pick and shortchange kids who need the help the most just to cater to the kids that will give them a fatter wallet.

As far as being a profession that competes in the marketplace, as corny as it may sound, I don't know that there is a job out there that can provide the job satisfaction that goes along with helping kids succeed. If you really like kids, and feeling 20 years younger because you are around them all the time, and long vacations, and crazy Friday Happy Hours surrounded by hot young bleeding heart liberals, then teaching, especially in the ghetto, is for you! Ok, maybe not you Thudz.