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Research Paper In the United States, starting salaries for teachers who have completed a four-year degree are far lower compared to many other professions, which also require a four-year degree. In most states, teachers must undergo testing and other rigorous certification requirements, but they are given the same consideration or status as beginning professionals in other areas. Although attractive incentives are offered, the compensation does not compare to the long hours of work and schooling required for a teaching career. A four-year degree is a requirement in most various professions although the salaries show a significant range in the pay scale. In order to become a teacher in any state a Bachelor’s Degree must be completed from a four-year program at one’s college. Each state has its own set of requirements for its students to complete in order to teach therefore the degree earned is not compatible from state to state (ERIC, 2000, par. 6). Teachers are also limited in the degree earned because they are only able to teach in certain levels (early, elementary, secondary, etc.) and are not able to move around. A paralegal is able to enter their field with just a two-year degree and earn almost $10,000 more then a beginning teacher. With comparison to a computer programmer, a Bachelor’s Degree is required in any computer related field, not limiting the students to a specific program. Also, since computer programmers are in such high demand, companies will higher people with Associates Degrees or provide incentives for non-computer degree people in return for schooling them while they work for their computer degree (Lincoln University). This is unfair and limits teachers to only having one specific career choice... ...stock of options trend. (2000, February 21). Electronic Engineering Times. Retrieved April 7, 2003, from http://www.eetasia.com Greenhouse, S. (2002, October 21). Teachers’ pay: The impact of raising salaries? The New York Times. Retrieved April 5, 2003, from http://walkingbear.com Litke, G. (2002, October 21). Teacher shortage sets stage for salary increase. WCBD-TV Charleston, South Carolina. Retrieved April 5, 2003, from http://www.wcbd.com/education NEA debate demonstrates complexity of teacher pay issue. (2000, July 5). National Education Association. Retrieved April 29, 2003, from http://www.nea.org Social workers. (n.d.). U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved April 21, 2003, from http://www.stats.bls.gov So you want to be a teacher. (2000). ERIC Digest #282860. Retrieved April 12, 2003, from http://www.ericfacility.net/ericdigests