Why Teachers Don't Make Much

Hey, Teachers!

Of course, the baseline answers to "why teachers don't make much" center on history, societal values, and state funding.  When we hear "teacher" we think role model, steward of children, keeper of knowledge, friendly face, memorable and caring, uncompromising...for the most part. And these are all positive connotations, the ones I like to recall when asked to define being a "good teacher". None of these definitions for "good teacher" connect robustly to money, capitalism, financial gain, profitability, revenue, wealth, or elitism. 

These definitions, among others that define "good teacher", and the reasons many teachers go into the profession, cannot be monetized because often and in the very best sense of the title, "teacher" is a lifelong work of love. 

Why?

"Earning" is not part of our mindset, our breadth and scope, motivation, frame of reasoning, or goal. Earning is not part of the internal or external structure of our inherent individual and collective values as practitioners. Yes, we do need money to survive, but we don't think in terms of revenue, gains, growing and scaling, or...greed. Dollars signs don't drive our agendas. 

And we usually have a hard time with compliments, thank you gifts, public acknowledgements, and praises because..we just do what we do.

Good teachers are about humanity, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), guiding young minds, and facilitating skill development, being a voice for students, and contributing to the betterment of society, hence, the many coined sayings about the good work we do. I'm reminded of Christa McAuliffe, high school teacher and first American civilian in space who died tragically, and her powerful assertion from so many years ago, "I touch the future. I teach." We hear time and time again about "making a difference", being the one profession that all others rely upon, and taking on numerous (and often, unexpected) roles in the school building when our students don't have support at home.

And all of it is true.

Which is why we don't make much money.

And I wouldn't have it any other way as a teacher because teaching is about heart, altruism, dedication to others, investing in human capital, morality, truth, sacrifice, perseverance, triumph, growth, spiritualism, legacy, safe places, planting seeds, watering gardens, and watching our efforts bloom if we're so lucky as to learn we've influenced someone positively. 

You can't buy that.

So, for any new teachers who may be wondering why last year was so hard, or who are concerned about entering a profession rife with struggle, division, defiance, resistance, destruction, pain, and disrespect, I offer three reasons to be a classroom teacher and to nurture this unparalleled calling over a lifetime:

1. Love of the dance

2. Genuine concern about the well-being and growth of your students

3. Knowing that the work you do today truly contributes to what happens in this world tomorrow

No, we don't make much on paper.

Most of us don't own fancy cars or take expensive vacays regularly, if ever.

Many of us are hoping to have enough to send kids to college, help our elderly parents, or retire comfortably.

But all good teachers know why they chose to teach. 

And it's hard to explain to someone who's never been in our shoes...

Celebrate who you are because no one can replace you in the hearts and minds of those whose lives you have powerfully changed forever, which inevitably affects what happens to those lives because of your unique sphere of influence.