Since our early youth, teachers have been preparing us for the world and blessing us with the knowledge necessary to accomplish our dreams. Teachers dedicate their lives to enriching their students, and they still aren’t respected as highly as they should be. In light of last week’s Teacher Appreciation Week, it’s important to give teachers the credit they deserve.

In South Carolina, teachers make an average of $53,000 a year, which is 23% less than the average teacher in America. For most teachers, a salary like that is enough to cover basic needs, but it’s not enough to support anything extra. Because of this, plenty of teachers work at least one job outside of teaching. A national survey conducted by The Teacher Salary Project found that 82% of teachers have more than one job. 

“I work as a waitress on weekends and all summer. Teaching pays just enough to pay the bills, but I need more. For savings, emergencies, and fun stuff,” shared psychology teacher Leigha Farthing.

The need for better teacher salaries is not uncommon. In 2018 and 2019, over 300,000 educators across the country went on strike as part of the Red For Ed Movement, a protest advocating for education reform and better pay for teachers. While it didn’t greatly benefit every teacher in America, the strikes resulted in some states providing teachers with better resources and somewhat better pay.

Despite the accomplishments made by the strikes, the bigger picture is much less alluring. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, national teacher salaries have decreased by an average of 5% since 1999. So, if teachers don’t make nearly enough money to have a very fulfilling life, then why teach?

Science teacher Delanie Lewis, feels it isn’t about the money.  

“I can’t imagine having any other job besides teaching. My students are like my own children. To me, getting to be with my kids every day is worth the low pay,” said Lewis.

Teachers are probably some of the most valuable people in the workforce. They put up with unfair treatment each day but still come into work with a constant passion and drive, no matter what they earn, simply because they care. Teachers mold the future society, and they deserve infinite appreciation for what amazing work they do, even if their pay doesn’t reflect it.