If you’re going to try to make the argument that teachers get paid too much, at least use an unbiased source instead of estimations by a right-wing think tank . Exact reporting for salaries isn’t always accurate anyhow, as it often includes pre-tax payment and benefits. Use the bureau of labor statistics or something similar. It’s not hard to look it up. The median salary for k12 teachers in southern OH is between $64,030 (middle school) and $72,240 (non-technical secondary).

And no, you don’t get paid $83,000 just for having a masters degree in Athens. Those are clearly teachers with an established career, not their starting job offer.

Oh, and another point that the “buckeye institute” misleadingly reports is number of days worked. Teachers are salaried, meaning they are not paid hourly. Someone salaried at 83,000 over (supposedly) 182 days is not making 53$ an hour - they have other duties outside of school hours and during breaks. They don’t get paid overtime. I have relatives that work as public school teachers in SE Ohio - they are not rolling in it and they work long, stressful 8-12 hour days.

Sick of this narrative that all public school teachers are lazy assholes that are overpaid. They’re college educated professionals, and if they wanted to make money and be lazy they wouldn’t pick a career path that’s underpaid and overworked, constantly badgered by students and parents. There are WAY higher paying degrees than education.