teachers and a scarcity of jobs. If we post a k-2 elementary job, we'll get 30-50 applicants. Most jobs through HS will draw at least 10-20 applicants. The exception are jobs for HS math, HS science, and foreign language teachers.

Should schools pay first year teachers $36,000? The benefits package costs our school district roughly $45,000 (including salary) for a first year teacher with a bachelor's degree. Maybe, but why would we when we can fill our classrooms with highly qualified teachers at the lower rate? Consider they're working 9 months a year, and that's an entry level package equivalent to $60,000 for a first-year college grad. It's not Wall Street pay, but it isn't highway robbery either.

Our salary schedule tops out at $75,000. Add in health insurance and retirement, and if the teacher is willing to agree to some extra-duty contract extras, we can pay a long-tenured teacher salary and benefits approaching $100,000 per year. Adjust for only working 9 months, and the salary is equivalent to $130,000 for a 12 month employee. I don't think that fits the narrative of being underpaid, especially when they're working 9 months a year.