Numerous studies have previously raised concerns regarding the
             deteriorating quality of education in the United States. American students
             lag behind their counterparts in other developed countries in key subjects
             like reading, math, history and science. Furthermore, a comparison of
             present and past scores in standardized examinations shows that students
             today are posting lower scores compared to the previous generation.
             To address this problem, government education administrators have
             instituted reforms that put the onus of improvement on the educators
             themselves. The "No Child Left Behind" policy has increased the demands on
             teachers, in terms of their work and responsibilities. Teachers are also
             required to undergo more tests and evaluations, and to take expensive
             courses to earn their certification (Reising).
             Many analysts view this as a positive development, since educators are
             seen as public servants who perform a vital social duty. This view of
             education as a calling and a duty has led to criticism of teachers who go
             on strikes to agitate for higher salaries.
             This paper argues, however, that adequate compensation for teachers is
             an intrinsic part to improving the quality of education in the United
             States. The first part of this paper discusses teacher salaries,
             highlighting the discrepancies between the starting salaries of teachers
             and other professions. It also discusses the changing nature of the
             teaching profession, and the difficulty of retaining qualified teachers in
             education. The second part then looks at the link between proper or
             adequate compensation and the quality of education a student receives.
             In the conclusion, the paper looks at how some educators have used to
             address compensation, including unionization and performance pay.
             In a survey of teacher salaries across the nation conducted in 2002,
             the American Federa...