teacher's pay

is now normal. did you know?

Public school teachers used to earn less than just about everyone else with a college degree. No longer ... Throughout the nation, teachers' hourly earnings rival the paychecks of accountants and engineers. As state employees in Virginia, teachers receive retirement and health benefits that surpass many professions in private business. Plus, teachers work almost two months less a year than most other college-educated workers ... The Bureau of Labor Statistics' National Compensation Survey, pegged the nationwide public school teachers' average annual salary at $46,629 in 2004. That was more than the average worker and $8,700 less than the average for all occupations requiring the equivalent of a college degree.

$46,629 is not enough. but it's certainly better.