Public school teachers don't seem terribly underpaid to me. In Seattle the 2015 starting salary is $44,372[1], which is about $60k when adjusted for a 12 month

Public school teachers don't seem terribly underpaid to me. In Seattle the 2015 starting salary is $44,372[1], which is about $60k when adjusted for a 12 month calendar. That's a solid middle class job that favorably compares with other similar career options. There is another 30% in benefits/hidden comp (health care and pension) on top of that[2]. And there is significant upside for ambitious teachers who want to focus on increasing their earnings. [1] http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/education/pay-varies-widely-for-seattle-teachers/ http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/education/pay-varie... [2] http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203687504576655352353046120 http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB100014240529702036875045766553...