Why Are Teachers the Underdogs in a World of High-Paying Professions?

Picture this: a room filled with eager students, notebooks at the ready, eyes wide with curiosity. In front of them stands a teacher, not just delivering lessons but shaping the very fabric of our society. Yet, while we cheer for athletes scoring touchdowns and actors winning Oscars, we seldom give a second thought to the educators who are molding the minds of future generations.

So, how can we reconcile the reality that teachers, who play such a crucial role in our society, are funded through public taxes that few are willing to increase, while being undervalued compared to other professions that command high salaries? Let’s dive into this paradox and uncover why teachers remain the underdogs.

The Tax Dilemma: We Want It All, But Don’t Want to Pay

It’s no secret that many people would prefer to keep their taxes low. After all, who doesn’t enjoy the feeling of a few extra bucks in their pocket? But here’s the catch: those extra bucks are often what fund the education system. Lowering taxes means less money for schools, which in turn leads to lower teacher salaries. It’s a classic case of wanting the benefits without wanting to foot the bill.

Imagine if we treated our schools like we treat our favorite restaurants. If you want that gourmet burger, you’ve got to pay for the quality ingredients. The same goes for education. If we want top-notch teachers who can inspire and innovate, we need to be willing to invest in their salaries and resources. Yet, this conversation is rarely on the table when tax cuts are discussed.

The Value of Education: Why Aren’t Teachers Paid Like Doctors?

In our society, professions that command high salaries—think doctors, lawyers, and executives—are often viewed through a lens of prestige. These careers are associated with years of rigorous training and specialized skills. But what about teachers? They too undergo extensive training, often earning advanced degrees and certifications. Yet, they’re frequently relegated to the sidelines in terms of respect and remuneration.

One reason for this disparity lies in how we define value. We often equate financial success with societal worth, assuming that higher pay reflects greater importance. But the truth is, teachers impact lives in profound ways that go far beyond a paycheck. They instill knowledge, critical thinking, and social skills that help shape a well-rounded citizen. Yet, when was the last time you saw a teacher featured on a magazine cover or celebrated at an awards show?

The “Hero” Complex: Teachers vs. Superstars

Consider this: we adore the superhero narrative. We cheer for the athletes who make miraculous plays and the entertainers who captivate us with their performances. Yet, the real superheroes—the ones who show up every day, often with their own resources to support their classrooms—are teachers. They don’t wear capes, but their impact is undeniable.

So, why aren’t they placed on the same pedestal? One reason may be the visibility and glitz surrounding other professions. It’s easy to admire a famous actor on the red carpet, but teachers work behind the scenes, often unnoticed and underappreciated. The irony is that while we elevate these high-paying professions, the backbone of our society—education—remains underfunded and undervalued.

The Shift We Need: Elevating Teachers to Their True Worth

If we want to elevate teachers to their rightful status in society, it starts with changing the narrative. Here are a few ways we can begin to make that shift:

1. Advocacy for Education Funding: Join local school boards or advocacy groups that push for increased funding. Your voice can make a difference in how education is prioritized in your community.

2. Community Support: Volunteer in schools or donate supplies. When communities rally around teachers, it shows that they’re valued and supported.

3. Celebrate Educators: Initiate or participate in local events that honor teachers. From Teacher Appreciation Week to awards ceremonies, let’s shine a light on their hard work.

4. Promote the Importance of Education: Use social media to share stories that highlight the impact teachers have on students’ lives. Let’s create a culture that values education and the professionals who deliver it.

Conclusion: The Call to Action

In a world where teachers are funded through public taxes that few want to increase, we must confront the uncomfortable truth: our society undervalues them. By recognizing their essential role and advocating for their worth, we can begin to shift the narrative.

So, the next time you think about cutting taxes, consider what that means for education. Let’s invest in the real heroes—those who dedicate their lives to teaching—and ensure that the people shaping our future are given the respect and compensation they truly deserve. After all, every student deserves a teacher who feels valued, just as much as we celebrate the stars on the big screen.

Sources

1. Education Funding Overview
2. Teacher Salary Data
3. Value of Education in Society

Let’s change the conversation and put teachers where they belong: at the forefront of our society’s achievements.

Motherhood Isn't Mandatory: Redefining Success for Girls

From childhood, many girls are surrounded by subtle, and sometimes loud, messages that suggest motherhood is their ultimate destiny. Whether it's seeing their own moms juggling schedules and snacks like Olympic athletes or observing peers proudly parading their new baby siblings, the assumption is often that girls will follow the same path. But what if they don’t want to? What if their life goal isn’t to become a snack-slinging, stroller-pushing superhero? It’s time to talk about how families and educators can teach girls that it’s perfectly okay not to want kids. Spoiler: You can be a functional adult without ever changing a diaper.

Breaking the Mold: Early Conversations and Diverse Role Models

From an early age, most girls are handed dolls, play kitchens, and strollers, as if their future resumes will have "mother" listed under Skills. But what if we switched it up? Why not astronaut helmets, science kits, and pretend boardrooms? If we want girls to see life beyond motherhood, we need to give them more options to explore. I mean, why are all the pretend baby bottles when you could give them a tiny coffee maker and let them pretend they’re running their own café at 5 a.m. (like their future startup CEO selves)?

For real change, we need educators to step up. Think back to career day in school. Did anyone ever introduce you to a woman who didn’t have kids and was totally thriving? No? Me neither. Let's fix that. Showcasing successful women who never walked down the path of motherhood—like Oprah, who opted to change the world in different ways¹, or Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who balanced motherhood but left a legacy that transcends it²—can change the narrative. Moms are amazing, but non-moms can change the world too, just without spit-up on their shirts.

As someone who doesn’t have kids by choice (I’m Team No-Baby), I remember how awkward it felt explaining that decision to people who acted like I was cancelling a subscription to happiness. It’s important for girls to know there’s no "life script" they have to follow.

Addressing the Biological Clock Myth

Let's talk about the “biological clock.” If I had a dollar for every time someone said, “You’re going to regret it later when your clock runs out,” I could buy myself a high-end, fancy watch to remind them that I make my own timeline. While it's true that fertility decreases with age, recent studies show that women are having kids later and still thriving as mothers—or not having kids at all and living their best lives³.

Waiting until your 30s to have kids is actually pretty standard now, and yet people still act like it’s a race against time. The truth? There’s no prize for being the youngest parent in the PTA. Educators can jump in here too, by talking about the science of fertility and the joys of self-development. Imagine if health class wasn’t just about reproductive organs but also about financial stability, travel, and personal growth. In my 20s, I was busy getting certified as a fitness instructor and traveling, while others were busy… well, busy with other things (aka kids). We all have different paths.

Reclaiming Youth: Emphasizing Self-Development Over Baby-Making

There’s this sneaky idea that women are “selling their youth” if they don’t have babies early, like we’re all at a fertility garage sale, discounting our best years. But guess what? Your 20s and 30s are prime years for self-exploration, building careers, and doing what you want to do—not what society expects. My 20s weren’t about bedtime routines and diaper duty. They were about certifications, trying new hobbies, and, yes, late-night taco runs (because who says I can’t enjoy my time?).

The message to girls should be clear: your youth isn’t on sale. Use it to discover your passions, find your strengths, and create the life you want, whether that includes babies or not. Studies even show that women who wait to have kids—or who never do—can still lead incredibly satisfying lives³. Educators can add value here by emphasizing personal development in school. Imagine if instead of pushing prom and proposals, we encouraged mentorships and side hustles. Let girls know that it’s perfectly okay to figure themselves out before making lifelong commitments (to kids, or anything else).

Redefining Success: Valuing Choices Equally

We need to talk about how we define success. Right now, society still places a lot of emphasis on traditional roles, like becoming a wife or mother. But success is so much broader than that. Why not celebrate all the choices women can make? We should applaud women for their contributions to society, personal fulfillment, and professional achievements, whether they choose to have kids or not. Let’s stop measuring female success by how many baby booties are in their house and start recognizing the impact they’re making in the world.

At home, parents can do a lot to change this narrative. Throw parties for everything. Instead of just baby showers, why not have a party when your daughter graduates, starts a new job, or gets a promotion? I mean, let’s be honest: a promotion pays better than parenthood. If I had a dollar for every kid-related gift I’ve bought for others… oh wait, I dohave that dollar—I spent it on yoga classes and wine.

Conclusion: A New Story for the Next Generation

Teaching girls that it’s okay not to want children isn’t about discouraging motherhood—it’s about showing them that they have choices. By normalizing child-free paths and highlighting diverse role models, we give the next generation of women the freedom to decide for themselves what role, if any, motherhood will play in their lives.

So let’s raise a glass (of mocktails, wine, or kombucha—your choice) to a future where girls know they can be anything they want to be: CEOs, travelers, educators, or taco enthusiasts—without the expectation that they’ll also be mothers.

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References:

1. Parker, K. (2015). Oprah Winfrey on Not Having Children and How She Sees Her Legacy. O, The OprahMagazine.
2. Ginsburg, R. B. (2020). RBG's Legacy: Balancing Motherhood and Supreme Court Justice. The New YorkTimes.
3. Schmidt, L., & Sobotka, T. (2022). Fertility Trends and Delayed Childbearing: A Global Perspective. Demographic Research.

Philosophy? More Like Life’s Survival Guide: How I Became the Ultimate Multi-Hat-Wearing, Plate-Spinning, Never-Sleeping Human

Let me just start by saying this: I have no idea how I got here. You ever sit down and look at your resume and think, “How am I even still standing?” That’s me. But instead of freaking out about all the roles I juggle, I just laugh—and keep on doing it. Because what else are you going to do when your life is basically an unpaid internship in multitasking?

I like to think my life’s philosophy is something like survival of the fittest, but more like survival of the busiest. You see, I’ve dabbled (okay, more like deep-dived) into everything. Media production? Check. Fitness instruction? You bet. Public relations? Yup, that too. Let’s not even start on my obsession with spreadsheets, deadlines, and planning things down to the second. Trust me, it’s a superpower, though sometimes it feels like a curse.

The Art of Being “Dynamic”

Here’s the thing about the word dynamic. It sounds cool, right? Like I’m out here living my best life, effortlessly switching between jobs like an action hero in a business suit. Reality? I’m just really good at putting out fires while looking calm. One minute I’m editing a video or organizing a community event, and the next, I’m leading a high-intensity fitness class (you know, the kind that makes you question if you’ll ever walk again). It’s all about balance—or maybe it’s just getting really good at pretending you’re balancing it all while low-key losing it on the inside.

If you throw enough hats at me, I’ll figure out a way to wear them all. In fact, throw a few more. I dare you. But please make sure they’re stylish and match my outfit—I have standards.

Learning New Technologies: A Comedy in 3 Acts

My life could be a three-part series titled Learning New Technologies: The Jeanicia Chronicles. I’m not saying I’m a tech genius, but I’ve picked up a few things along the way. Whether it’s mastering the latest media tools or figuring out which camera angle makes you look less like you’ve been awake for 48 hours, I’m your girl. I’ve navigated software programs like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, and a bunch of others that sound fancy but really just mean I’ve spent hours staring at loading screens.

There’s nothing more humbling than trying to teach yourself new technology while muttering, “Why does this button even exist?” But hey, you do what you gotta do. And you know what? When it works, you feel like the biggest boss around. When it doesn’t? Well, you learn to laugh—after you’ve calmed down from screaming at your computer, of course.

The Zen of Chaos

People always ask how I stay calm under pressure. Spoiler alert: I don’t. I’ve just mastered the art of looking like I’m totally at peace while internally, my brain is doing jumping jacks. It’s a skill, really.

Here’s a trick: deadlines are your friends. They keep you on your toes, stop you from spending 14 hours binging a streaming series (which, trust me, has been tempting), and force you to get stuff done. So yeah, I’m deadline-driven. But let’s be honest, if it weren’t for deadlines, I’d probably still be contemplating my to-do list from 2016.

Self-Reliance or How to Be Your Own Cheerleader

People love to say, “I’m here if you need me,” and bless their hearts, but when you’ve been figuring out your life solo for this long, you’re kind of like, “Yeah, sure, thanks, but I got this.” I don’t just wait around for people to show up, I keep things moving. I've learned to rely on myself, because when life throws curveballs, you’re often the only one holding the bat. Whether it’s figuring out how to make deadlines work, sending birthday cards (on time, mind you), or showing up to parties like a social butterfly, I’m the queen of being there—for others and for myself.

Community Engagement: Where “Fun” Meets “Why Am I Doing This Again?”

I’ve spent a lot of time working with and for communities. Whether it’s organizing events, tutoring kids, or mentoring students, I’ve been the go-to person for lifting others up. It sounds noble, but sometimes it feels more like, “Wait, did I just sign up for this?” But, in the end, it’s always worth it. Even if I leave with a few more grey hairs.

And don’t get me started on fitness! Leading group classes is basically like herding cats—but the cats are doing squats and asking you if the workout will “really hurt tomorrow.” Spoiler: It will.

The Moral of the Story?

Here’s the takeaway, friends: life is messy, it’s full of surprises (most of which you didn’t ask for), and you’re probably busier than you ever imagined you’d be. But that’s okay. Whether you’re switching between job roles like a superhero or trying to fit in your fifth Zoom call of the day, as long as you’re still laughing through it all, you’re winning.

So yeah, I may not have everything figured out—but I’ve got enough of it down to keep on going. Plus, if there’s one thing I know, it’s that juggling a thousand things at once? That’s just a Tuesday for me.

Welcome to "Running Through Society: Jeanicia’s Lens"!

Welcome to "Running Through Society: Jeanicia’s Lens," where I, Jeanicia Elder, a fitness-loving, mass-communication-wielding, social commentator, take you on a hilariously bumpy jog through the wild world of societal issues!

As a certified personal trainer who spends my days sweating it out in group fitness classes, you could say I’m well-acquainted with running—both on the treadmill and from societal norms. With an M.S. in Mass Communication and a knack for media strategy, I’ve got the background to tackle tough topics, but I promise to keep it lighthearted.

Join me as I trip over trends, dodge awkward conversations, and occasionally pause to catch my breath (and maybe a snack). Whether you’re here for the laughs, the insights, or just to see what I’ll say next, I’m thrilled to have you along for the ride! Let’s hit the ground running!