When you average it out, the hourly wage of a teacher is $27/hr during a 40 hour work week (which we all know most teachers put in well beyond that). After taxes, insurance, bills, etc. the real number is closer to what fast food employees are asking for ($15/hr). Are we willing to compensate the individuals who are literally on the front line of shaping our countries future and citizens the same amount as someone who flips burgers for a living?