In light of the teachers protesting for more education funding in several states, it’s time to bring back one of the most popular posts on Harris Online. This appeared as an editorial (author unknown) in a New Hampshire newspaper in 2002. The numbers would be much higher using today’s prices, but you’ll get the idea.
Consider this:
If I had my way, I’d pay these teachers myself. I’d pay them babysitting wages. I’d give them $3/hour out of my own pocket. And I’m only going to pay them for 5 hours, not coffee breaks. That would be $15/day. Each parent should pay $15/day for these teachers to babysit their child. Even if they have more than one child, it’s still a lot cheaper than private day care.
Now, how many children do they teach everyday? Maybe 20? That’s $15 times 20, equaling $300/day. But remember, they only work 180 days a year! I’m not going to pay them for all those vacations! So that’s $300 x 180 = $54,000.
Wait. I know that you teachers will say, “What about those who have ten years experience and a masters degree?” Well, maybe (to be fair) they could get the minimum wage, and instead of just babysitting, they could read the kid a story. We could round that off to about $5/hour, times five hours, times 20 children. That’s $500/day times 180 days. That’s $90,000! Huh?
Wait a minute. Let’s get a little perspective here. Babysitting wages are too good for these teachers. Did anyone see a good salary guide around here?
Need I say more?
Signed, An Intelligent Parent