By Vernon Elliott

Republican presidential candidate New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has called for a reduction in teachers’ wages.

“Teachers are paid too much, that’s what’s bankrupting the system,” Christie said. “Some teachers make six-figure salaries and that’s not including retirement benefits.”

However, the teachers’ union points out only senior administrators make six figures and most of those jobs require doctorates. Most teachers make mid-level salaries.

Christie suggested a new teacher pay structure. He proposed teachers get paid minimum wage and a bonus for every student that passes standardized tests.

“Teacher pay should be determined by how well their students are doing,” Christie said. “They need to be held accountable. If students are failing, teachers are nothing more than glorified baby sitters.”

Republicans have long been hostile to educators who mainly vote Democratic. Recently Christie said he wanted to punch the teacher’s union in the face. And Republican presidential candidate Ohio Gov. John Kasich recently said that he wanted to eliminate teachers’ lounges, so they wouldn’t have a place to complain.