Reflection Paper: Why Florida Public School Teachers Should Be Paid

When choosing a career there are always two important questions: is it what you love and is the pay going to be enough to support you. Recent statistics show that Florida public school teachers earn an average salary of $40,000 a year. Unfortunately, for all the dedicated time, work, and money teachers put into their students, they do not make a six-figure income. Teachers should earn higher salaries because they provide a safe and supportive learning environment, they spend their own money on school supplies, and one will not have a chance of greater knowledge without them. Teachers provide a safe and supportive learning environment for students. Additionally, they obtain discipline within the classroom. During class hours, the teachers not only educate the students, but also take a role as the student’s guardian or counselor for that time being. For example, when a student is going through personal problems, teachers evolve into a counselor. They discuss the student’s personal problems and encourage them through their circumstances. Educators give correction and direction to children who may not have that in their home life. These types of situations are not included in a teacher’s job description. However, the

For example, parents are required to purchase school supplies, however, not all parents can afford the supplies. With this being said, teachers buy the supplies for the child whose parent cannot afford them. Also, throughout the school year, they continually have to buy Kleenex, hand sanitizer, and other cleansing utensils. This constant spending interrupts a teacher's financial situation outside of school. The government should understand teachers have expenses outside of their job. Therefore, teachers cannot afford to purchase items for his/her classroom on a day to day basis. In solving this, the government can fund teachers more money for