The West Virginian Teachers' Strike Demonstrates How Badly We Treat Teachers In America
Start writing a post
Student Life

The West Virginian Teachers' Strike Demonstrates How Badly We Treat Teachers In America

The treatment of their workers reflects in America's underappreciated teachers.

792
The West Virginian Teachers' Strike Demonstrates How Badly We Treat Teachers In America
Facebook / Viralists

Teachers hold one of the most important jobs in America. There aren't many people who have the effect on children like teachers do. They can inspire, support and protect us along with frustrating and annoying us. I cannot imagine being where I am today, doing the things that I am doing, without their help and their teaching. They deserve respect and support from their governments for the effort they put in. Slowly, parts of our nation will begin to realize that the way they treat our teachers is disrespectful to the kind of work they do. That's because teachers have begun to speak up.

Recently in West Virginia, teachers went on a strike, effectively winning a five percent pay raise by closing schools for nine days. This was due to a tax cut, which in turn caused budget cuts in West Virginia, including the education sector. West Virginian teachers are also paid some of the lowest wages for teachers in the United States. People took note of this strike, and teachers in other states are moving forward with their own strikes. States such as Oklahoma have so many budget issues, they needed to switch to a four day work week, and some teachers are getting part-time jobs to compensate.

We should all support teachers' strikes, even though yes, the schools might need to be shut down.

I'm not saying this because I'm a high school student, but because I believe teachers are underpaid. The salaries do not fit the needs of teachers nor the students, especially in rural areas where local funding cannot cover many costs as richer suburban areas. We should all care about these things, everyone should have access to proper education, which is one of societies greatest equalizers.

Teachers need to pay their bills, their health needs and the needs of their families. Not only that, some teachers salaries go straight back to the school to buy supplies for the students and the classroom. Most teachers also stay behind to lead clubs, sports and tutoring, which is essentially overtime. Not only are teachers underpaid but the fact that they need to supply their classroom reflects the under-funding that the schools receive. An unfunded facility and underpaid employees defeat positive attitudes and care for their work.

Educators who are extremely dedicated may see themselves fall short and may have a second job, which may steal energy needed to teach properly.

You cannot play with a student's education, it represents their future.

SEE ALSO: Dear America, If High Schoolers Cheat, There Is Something Wrong With Our Education System

Schools that have more money per student have a higher graduation rate, and we need to get more students, especially in rural and poor areas, into college. Most new jobs are in areas where higher education will be necessary, and that begins with K-12 education. Schools that are underfunded overall will end up with more students in prison or in poverty than students graduated and in college.

An education begins with a teacher, therefore, like any other worker, they must be paid for their service. If a better-paid workforce leads to a better education it is worth the short time punishment of a week out from school. The investment in teachers is an investment in the future and in your children. The West Virginia protests show us that the educational system can change. It can get better for everyone involved.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

19527
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

947469
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

123965
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments