Every public school teacher should receive a salary equivalent to a military officer of comparable experience, supplemented by a housing allowance similar to the military's basic allowance for housing. Photo by Max Fischer/Pexels
July 10 (UPI) -- The United States entrusts two professions with the future of the republic. One defends the nation against external threats. The other prepares the next generation to preserve and strengthen it.
Soldiers defend America's borders and interests. Teachers develop the citizens, innovators, workers and leaders upon whom the nation's future depends.
Both professions serve the public, accept significant responsibility and perform work that is indispensable to national security. Yet, one is compensated as a profession of national importance, while the other often struggles to earn a middle-class income.
America should establish a national teacher compensation system modeled on military officer pay. Every public school teacher should receive a salary equivalent to an officer of comparable experience, supplemented by a housing allowance similar to the military's basic allowance for housing.
