Public school teachers don&#x27;t seem terribly underpaid to me.  In Seattle the 2015 starting salary is $44,372[1], which is about $60k when adjusted for a 12 month calendar.  That&#x27;s a solid middle class job that favorably compares with other similar career options.  There is another 30% in benefits&#x2F;hidden comp (health care and pension) on top of that[2].  And there is significant upside for ambitious teachers who want to focus on increasing their earnings.<p>[1] <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.seattletimes.com&#x2F;seattle-news&#x2F;education&#x2F;pay-varies-widely-for-seattle-teachers&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.seattletimes.com&#x2F;seattle-news&#x2F;education&#x2F;pay-varie...</a><p>[2] <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.wsj.com&#x2F;articles&#x2F;SB10001424052970203687504576655352353046120" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.wsj.com&#x2F;articles&#x2F;SB100014240529702036875045766553...</a>