We all remember that one teacher growing up who encouraged us to be better than average. The teacher who told us we could be anything our minds could imagine. The teacher who helped shape who we are today.

In America, teachers just don't get enough credit. They're the people who pave our futures, and yet, they're consistently underpaid and under appreciated.

In 1970 in New York City, a starting lawyer going into a prestigious firm and a starting teacher going into public education only saw about a $2,000 difference between their salaries. Today, that starting lawyer makes $160,000, while starting teachers in New York make roughly $45,0001.

If teacher pay had risen in proportion to per-pupil spending since 1970, the average teacher would make more than $120,000 today2.

Worldwide, the US ranks about seventh in the world for average teacher pay, behind Switzerland, South Korea, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Ireland3.

Younger teachers, typically on the low end of the paycheck scale, are even being pressured to take up second jobs. Around 16% of teachers hold a second job over the summer, and 20% of them hold a second job year-round. Counting second jobs within the school system, such as coaching, teaching evening classes, or directing shows, the segment jumps to 59%4.

It's time we recognize those teachers who have given of themselves to influence our lives and given us the tools to succeed beyond the classroom.

Sign the pledge in honor of that one teacher who helped you see a subject in a new light, who pushed you further than you thought you could ever go, who helped to change your life. Then give a shout-out to that teacher in the comments section!

More on this issue:

1. The Teacher Salary Project "Facts About Teachers."
2. Teacher Salary Reform Act of 2014 (2014), "The Facts."
3. Shayanne Gal , Marissa Perino , and Leanna Garfield, Business Insider (10 May 2019), "The best and worst countries to be a teacher, based on salary ."
4. Tim Walker, National Education Association (25 July 2019), "Almost One-Third of New Teachers Take on Second Jobs."