The Impact of Teachers: A Global Perspective on the Role and Value of Educators

Why is it that in some countries, teachers are among the highest-paid professionals, while in the United States, they remain significantly undercompensated?

Teachers in the U.S. are among the lowest-paid professionals relative to their level of education. In 2022, educators earned 26.4% less than other professionals with similar educational backgrounds, the widest gap since 1960. This disparity is troubling, given that more than 95% of elementary, middle, and high school teachers hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and many pursue additional certifications and advanced degrees to refine their expertise.

As a society, we must reconsider how we value education. In countries such as Japan, where the education system consistently ranks above that of the United States, teachers are revered as one of the most respected and sacred professions. Finland, known for its exceptional education model, requires teachers to obtain a master’s degree and undergo rigorous training before entering the classroom. Despite these high expectations, teaching is an attractive profession in these countries, as educators receive competitive salaries and widespread societal respect. In stark contrast, only 24.5% of teachers in the United States feel valued (Pennsylvania State University). How can teaching be one of the most prestigious careers in some countries while being underpaid and undervalued in others?

Teachers play a foundational role in shaping the future. They spend an average of seven hours a day with students, fostering creativity, inspiring curiosity, and preparing the next generation of leaders. However, while Finland and Japan experience a surplus of highly trained educators competing for teaching positions, the U.S. faces a critical teacher shortage (Goodill 44). This disparity highlights a deeper issue: American society does not prioritize education in the way that other leading nations do.

To address this issue, the U.S. must make a concerted effort to elevate the teaching profession. This begins with competitive salaries, stronger teacher training programs, and a culture that genuinely values educators. If we expect great students, we need great teachers, and if we expect a great future, we must invest in the people who shape it.

The Role of Teachers: A Nation Divided

Beyond pay and societal recognition, the role of teachers in the U.S. remains a subject of debate. With deep political divisions between Democrats and Republicans, there is little consensus on what the responsibilities of a teacher should be.

Is a teacher’s job solely to deliver subject-specific content? Or should they be responsible for fostering critical and analytical thinking? Should they also focus on students’ social and emotional well-being? Or should their primary goal be preparing students for life beyond high school?

With different teachers employing different teaching philosophies, the lack of uniformity can create challenges for students. While the nation has standardized curricula for certain subjects, there is no universally agreed-upon set of responsibilities that educators must fulfill. This inconsistency can hinder student learning, especially for those who benefit from a structured and cohesive approach.

The U.S. Department of Education’s official mission is “to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.” However, according to the 2016 PDK poll of the Public's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools, there is no clear consensus on the purpose of education. Less than half (45%) of respondents believed that academic achievement should be the primary goal, while roughly 25% cited citizenship and workforce preparation as key objectives. With such a fragmented vision, how can we expect our education system to thrive?

Moving Forward

For the U.S. to build a stronger education system, we must first define and standardize the role of educators. Teachers should not have to navigate ambiguous expectations. Instead, they should receive clear guidelines that balance academic instruction, critical thinking, social-emotional learning, and real-world preparation.

Additionally, elevating the status of teachers, through fair compensation, structured training programs, and national recognition, will attract the best and brightest minds to the profession. Countries that invest in their educators see tangible benefits in student performance, economic growth, and social cohesion. It’s time for the U.S. to follow their lead.

Education is the foundation of progress, and teachers are its architects. If we want a better future, we must first invest in those who shape it.