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Teachers often share a common sentiment when asked why they’ve chosen education as their career: a deep passion for their work rather than financial gain. And who can blame them? The pay is typically far from rewarding.
Despite these challenges, teachers continue to show up day after day, even amidst the ongoing pandemic, all while juggling safety protocols, extensive lesson planning, and constant communication with parents. Their dedication is evident as they often spend their own money on classroom supplies, manage overwhelming workloads, and face the unsettling reality of potential dangers in schools. The past couple of years have stretched educators even thinner, with stress being the leading cause of early departures from the profession—outpacing compensation concerns.
Enter Jake Matthews, a fourth-grade teacher from Cleveland, Ohio, who recently sparked conversation with a candid post about his starting salary. Matthews, who holds a master’s degree in educational leadership, disclosed that in his first year, he earned $31,000 while teaching a class of 16 students with diverse needs. This translates to about $16 an hour based on a standard 40-hour work week, not accounting for the reality that teachers often work much longer hours while being technically “unemployed” during the summer.
One commenter dismissed his concerns, stating, “You work 8 to 9 months a year.” Matthews responded wisely, explaining that he typically puts in around 10 hours a day, which, when calculated, results in around 2,160 hours of work throughout the school year. This brings his effective hourly wage down to approximately $14, a stark contrast to what many earn in less demanding roles.
“I’m incredibly grateful for my job,” Matthews clarified. “But we need to address the fact that teachers working only ‘8 to 9 months a year’ are underpaid for their immense efforts.”
As someone who briefly ventured into teaching, I can attest to the workload. I left my role as an educational assistant, overwhelmed by the demands and stress of the job. Despite my enthusiasm and experience with children, I found myself unable to cope—underscoring just how demanding the teaching profession is.
Teaching is not for everyone, and it requires a unique blend of resilience and passion. It’s time we advocate for fair compensation and respect for educators who play such a pivotal role in shaping our children’s futures. If you disagree, well, you might want to reconsider your stance.
For further insights on this topic, check out this previous blog post that touches on related issues. Additionally, for those interested in boosting fertility, Make A Mom has some valuable information. The ACOG also provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.