I do not engage in the whole "whoa is me" bs that teachers do. This is just an excuse. To suggest that teachers are the only professionals who "work 24/7/365" is also very shortsighted. I'm suggesting that teachers, especially those of younger grades, deserve every penny that they earn and more. And yes, this include that 92k/year art hag. It may be cliche, but we take pride in our role of building the next generation. At least I do! I teach special education, I am proud of my work, but I do not want to be put on a pedestal. I just do my job and expect to be compensated. Teachers ARE getting royally screwed in North Carolina though. My wife (also a teacher) and I have not had a raise or even a pay increase based on accrued years of service since 2007. Also, tenure has been stripped as of this current legislative session which impacts my wife but not me. I'm not complaining. I still enjoy my job and live a healthy lifestyle. I'm suggesting that we deserve positive recognition by those not in academia. And to the original topic, hell no!