I am a teacher, and I am satisfied with what I make. I get off all summer and the major holidays. I work from 6:30 to 2:45 M-F, and I spend about one hour a day with homework. I use my time wisely during my planning period, so I do not have to take my work home. I also tutor 4 or 5 kids a week making decent wages. We do lose a lot of young teachers who go out of state, especially to Texas. Unfortunately, we lose a lot more young teachers to poorly run schools and inept school boards. I always say that if you do not like your pay or your job, do not sign your contract. IMHO, a pay raise would be nice, but it will not make me a better teacher. The person and their school atmosphere make for a better educator.