Teachers Should Be Paid More

By: Elyce West

Teachers face challenging student behavior and attitudes that demand a great deal of effort and patience. Despite their tireless work, many of them are not paid enough and struggle to make ends meet. Offering higher salaries would help schools retain talented teachers and benefit society as a whole.

Tracey Burke, a science at the Fruita 8/9 has a strong opinion on whether teachers should receive higher wages. She believes, "Teachers have a multitude of responsibilities, including not only educating students, but also acting as parents, counselors, therapists, disciplinarians, trusted adults, and comforting figures. In addition, teachers often have to bring work home; they receive only six personal days a year. I have a master's degree, and I earn $75,000 annually."

The average Public School Teacher salary in Grand Junction Colorado is $59,306 as of January 26, 2024, however the range typically falls between $49,520 and $72,336. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. Public School Salary 

Ethan Killan and Avyn Green, two 8th graders with a knack for expressing their views, hold very emphatic opinions about the quality of teaching. In their view, “Teachers do not deserve a salary hike because they show disrespect towards students and do not offer sufficient assistance when needed.” These students do not treat their teachers with respect. They treat them like they are a piece of trash, and when needed, those teachers don’t help them because these students don’t help these teachers. 

In conclusion, teachers deserve to be paid more because they are often undervalued and underappreciated despite their important role in shaping the future of our society. Many teachers enter this profession because they are passionate about helping children and want to make a positive impact on their lives. As a fourteen-year-old student, I have personally witnessed how dedicated and caring my teachers are in their efforts to help students achieve their full potential.