I often hear about the high cost of college and how it isn’t worth it any more, and often people point out the low salaries of teachers. These 2 problems are at the center of the problem with education. This is a cultural issue and shows a systemic problem with the American society. When we don’t value something, we don’t want to put money or time into it. Hence the low teacher salaries. But complaining about low teacher salaries isn’t a solution, its a symptom not a cause. In fact, complaining doesn’t spur people to action, but rather initiates defensive mechanisms and spurs the question of whether or not they are worth it. Perhaps, as contrarians insist, teachers don’t deserve a raise because they do a poor job with education. I know my kids and I have both had our fair share of poor teachers. Why should I support higher salaries when too much of it goes to mediocre teachers? Of course the answer to this question leads to lower salaries across the board and leads many of the best, most competent individuals to go into other fields where they can make more money and earn more prestige. That leaves many less competent individuals going into education leading to lower quality education. It’s a vicious cycle. That’s not to say that all teachers are less competent. There are many amazing teachers. I have personally witnessed them push myself, my kids, and others to new heights.