When I tell people that I’m an English major, I’m often met with the quip, “Where do you plan on teaching?” I’m never offended by the implication that there aren’t other jobs available for English majors. What irks me is the insinuation that teaching is a last resort for college graduates.
Anybody who has set foot in a school knows that teachers are often the difference between students excelling or failing. In many cases, teachers go above and beyond to foster a love of learning in their classrooms and help students cultivate their talents. In some, the relationships students develop with educators are more profound than those with family members.
The mantra, “Those who can’t do, teach,” is just one of the countless ways people seek to disparage teachers. Teaching is seen as a backup plan after a failed attempt at another profession, not an avenue for fulfillment. Countries that recognize the value of teachers and provide incentives for entering the field generally have a stronger education system.
In 2013, the Varkey Foundation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve global education opportunities, conducted a survey that gauged attitudes toward teachers, their salaries and their respective status in the economy in 21 countries. The United States came in ninth place, and while U.S. citizens reported a general respect for their teachers, they also expressed the belief that teachers are overpaid, despite the fact that teacher salaries have remained stagnant.
A 2015 study conducted published by the Economic Policy Institute showed that average weekly wages for teachers in the United States decreased by $30 from 1996 to 2015, after being adjusted for inflation. Weekly wages are 17 percent lower for public school teachers than comparable college-educated professionals. Teaching has never yielded in exceptionally high income potential, but salary is becoming an even greater disincentive from entering the field.
Singapore is frequently lauded for its education system, which recruits teachers from the top third of the secondary school graduating class. Teachers are mentored by veteran educators for several years, and their annual performance is evaluated based on several measures, including their collaboration with parents and community groups, and the academic and character growth of their students.
Singapore also provides key monetary incentives for its teachers. The Ministry of Education adjusts starting salaries for teachers to make them as financially appealing as other careers. Fledgling teachers are rewarded for their talents and are evaluated annually with the goal of mobility. Although teacher salaries do not increase over time as much as other jobs, there are many opportunities for advancement to positions such as master teachers, school leaders or specialists in curriculum or research.
This country needs a significant cultural and economic overhaul to redefine the role of educators, starting with the recruitment of teachers and emphasizing the dexterity required to shape the next generation of students.
As the daughter of a teacher, I would be incredibly lucky and proud to follow in my father’s footsteps, but not everybody has the skills or desire to become an educator. I advise those who don’t to find meaning in their own career without belittling our most invaluable educational professionals.
Kristen DiPietra is a junior double-majoring in English and human development.