You sound like somebody who's never personally known a teacher. You will never find a teacher that got into the profession for the money. It is a calling, and they do it because they believe they can make a positive impact on society. That level of dedication is hard to find in any field, and giving them a decent wage is the least we can do. Even with union support, teachers are suffering the draconian cuts of the Legislature and the slings and arrows of "commentators" who think they understand the economics of education. The return on investment of paying attractive wages to teachers is enormous and benefits us all, even those without children.