My three sisters have over 89 years collective experience in teaching. They certainly didn't go into it expecting to make a huge salary of any kind. IMO, none of them has ever received as much as they deserve. When they got into teaching they were motivated by love of teaching and chidlren, with strong support from parents and communities they were in. It was still a revered vocation at whihc most did a very good job; my sisters are some of the best.

The climate has changed so much, it is so contentious, so unsupported, yet so much is expected of teachers in general, besides teaching their subject, it is no longer as attractive nor motivating as it used to be. Most parents have abdicated any responsibility for the chidlren and their education. Many children have no books, magazine, or even newspapers at home. Our culture does not revere learning the way it used to and teachers are ready made scapegoats for lack on the part of parents.

Teacher-bashing does not solve a thing, better you should look to the people who have the children and what they are filling their lives with or not. The government nor teachers can make up for what parents need to provide their children with in their early years for learning, socialisation, and a good productive life.

kat