A full-time public school educator should be earning a living wage, period. Teaching is often described as a thankless profession, and the latest cover series from TIME magazine starkly illustrates just how unappreciated teachers in America truly are. The narratives shared in this series serve as a sobering reminder of the numerous ways we neglect our educators every single day.
Take Jessica Turner, a high school science teacher who sells her old clothes and donates plasma twice a week just to get by. Meanwhile, Marcus Lee, a middle school instructor in North Carolina, frequently forgoes medical appointments to avoid expensive co-pays and struggles to keep up with utility bills. This is the harsh reality for many teachers nationwide, who are living on insufficient salaries, spending their own money on classroom essentials, and finding it difficult to make ends meet. Despite working full-time and often exceeding the hours of the average American worker, they are tasked with shaping the minds of future generations.
According to the Department of Education, full-time public school teachers are currently facing one of the most severe wage stagnations of any profession. When adjusted for inflation, teachers earn less now than they did in 1990. As TIME reveals, the disparity in pay between teachers and other similarly qualified professionals has reached an all-time high. In 1994, public school teachers made just 1.8% less per week than their counterparts with similar education; as of 2017, that gap has ballooned to 18.7%.
The question must be asked: Why are we failing our educators—and, by extension, our children—so drastically? Before anyone mentions the long summer breaks, it’s essential to clarify that teachers do not enjoy three full months “off.” Instead, they are busy lesson planning, preparing classrooms, and purchasing supplies even during the summer. Their responsibilities extend far beyond the school day.
The decline in education funding isn’t confined to teacher salaries. Many public schools are in disrepair, overcrowded, and forced to use outdated materials and worn-out supplies. Political factors also play a significant role; with many politicians and constituents at odds with public education, frustrations surrounding teachers’ unions, curriculum choices, and budgets have led to a rise in charter schools, which, while publicly funded, often come with reduced benefits for teachers.
This year has seen widespread teacher strikes across the country, as educators demand fair wages, improved benefits, and basic classroom necessities. Experts suggest that the ongoing issue of low pay for teachers is rooted in sexism, given that a majority of teachers are women.
When TIME shared these cover stories on Twitter, the public response was significant. Turner, the science teacher mentioned earlier, expressed her frustration: “I shouldn’t have to sacrifice doing what I love to make ends meet. I believe I’m meant to be a teacher, and I just want to be able to afford to do that.”
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In summary, the TIME magazine cover series sheds light on the daunting challenges faced by teachers in America—struggling with low wages, inadequate funding, and a lack of appreciation. It serves as a vital reminder of the need for systemic change in how we value and support our educators.
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