There are those that do as little as possible for their paycheck. However, don't expect the $30k person to do the work of a $300k one. Yes, someone might go above and beyond, but they won't do it for long without some form of recognition. For a few it that could as little a lunch or simple thank you. Most will be looking to make more than $30k. "You get what you pay for," applies to employees and services.

Back to the subject of teachers, our culture doesn't have respect for the profession. Once had a coworker who, while in the Peace Corp, was a teacher in Africa. There the community held teachers in high regard. Among the level of doctors. If teaching was more respectable here, you might have more teachers willing to do more to earn the respect. If more students showit, their jobs might be a little easier.

Back to the subject of teachers, our culture doesn't have respect for the profession. Once had a coworker who, while in the Peace Corp, was a teacher in Africa. There the community held teachers in high regard. Among the level of doctors. If teaching was more respectable here, you might have more teachers willing to do more to earn the respect. If more students showit, their jobs might be a little easier.[/QUOTE]

Which leads to the question of what would happen if teachers were paid under an 'open market' system, as opposed to a monopoly system as they now are.

it isn't a complete monopoly as you have private schools (religious and non) but you don't have the benefits that teachers that work in public schools have.

my mother started teaching at a catholic school when she first started teaching. she told me that if she had just started in the public school system, she would have been able to retire a few years back.

she also has medical benefits for life with the option to add my father when he retires.

"Benefits" is how they lock you in.