point, the rational reason for paying more is to attract better candidates. Implying that we aren't happy with the quality of our current teachers (the ones asking for more!). Seems like this issue isn't going to go anywhere until 2 things happen. First, the push for pay increases have to come from the parents/tax payers and administrators . . . not the teachers. Second, teachers' unions have to go away. If we want to pay more for better candidates, then inherently we get the right to get rid of the bad ones. Just like with other real professionals. Largely employment at will, or in certain cases, you could have actual employment contracts for some period of time. But unionized job protections, "first in first out" rules and tenure just don't lend themselves to professional salaries.