I ask this question and request your comments on my thoughts in order to understand what seems to be a fundamental contradiction between what we "need" and what we merely "want."
The elementary rule driving our free-market economy tells us that demand drives price. Less demand and buyers pay less. More demand and they pay more.
So, what is a plumber worth? Simple answer; everything when you really need one but considerably less when you only want one.
If so, what is a teacher worth? Complicated answer; everything when you really want one and considerably less when you only need one.
I have an outstanding plumber whom I gladly recommend to you. His name is Mike, with Lakeside Plumbing. I wouldn't have another plumber work in my home for free. I say he is an outstanding plumber because he exhibits all the best qualities of a man working for you and taking your money. He arrives on time or calls ahead to tell you he will be late and with a good reason and then offers to work around your schedule rather than his. When he is at your home he will be in either "fast walk" or "outright run" mode, depending on the need. You will never see him in your home on the phone other to order your parts. He won't be sitting in his truck scratching his head, smoking a cigarette, while he waits for someone more capable to tell him what to do. He is respectful of your property and never leaves it damaged.
This past January 2011, while we were out of town, during the worst freeze in Dallas history. We, along with probably hundreds if not thousands of others arrived home only to deal with water gushing through our ceiling. Mike wasn't working the day of our need. His son, also a plumber, was working and had is work vehicle. Mike, got up, went to work, dressed in cold-weather gear and came to our house in his private vehicle and repaired our plumbing at a cost less than that for watching a show in Las Vegas, which is where we were when our pipes were freezing. He makes a really good living I expect, based on his hourly rates, and earns every dollar of it. I would have paid twice what he charged me because I had a "need" and not a want.
Alternately, when I wanted my hot water heater relocated to my garage from my pantry, but didn't need it moved, he was worth a lot less. In fact, he was worth zero. I put off the work until the balance between my "want" and "need" met his standard hourly rate. He wasn't offended in the least. You see, he has a solid understanding of the difference between what one merely wants and what one absolutely needs. He was every bit the professional he always has been when I finally asked him to move the water heater, at a time and price that suited me.
Sadly, this is not the case with teachers. I know several teachers. Two among them are Mark Dawson and Lauren Tims. I don't think they will be upset I mention their names. You should, if possible, seek them out and use them if possible and your child's education means anything at all to you.
I expect that neither Mark nor Lauren will ever earn what Mike does. Is that fair? I don't know and there are other "up" and "down" sides to both sides of the equation. I won't argue it either way. We all travel the road we find best suits us.
What explains the difference behind that which drives demand for teachers as opposed to plumbers though? It is this. The demand driving the need for teachers is constrained by the amount of funds we have to fund our need. The demand driving my need for Mike's emergency repairs was not constrained by what I wanted to pay.
But with teachers, demand is made to fit the "public" wallet. School districts have, can and always will limit their demand for teachers by adjusting the ratio of students to teachers to fit their budgets. Other side of the coin; when they "want" teachers to meet particular educational standards or specialties, they will make the budget fit the want; most often at the cost of those teachers who are only "needed" rather than wanted.
My partner and I live in and own (along with the bank) a home in Lake Highlands, within the Richardson school district. We pay extraordinary taxes to support the schools in Richardson without complaint, despite the fact we have never had children to use these schools and never will. Further, we have without exception supported every property tax increase or bond issue supporting these schools. We see value in a good, even outstanding, public education to the common good. We hope that, in some small measure, that is a help to teachers like Mark and Lauren.
There is little chance reader that you will find this a convincing explanation of the side by side comparison of plumber vs. teacher. Less still, that you will begin to understand that your vote, particularly those which send your representatives to Austin where school budgets are largely set, directly impacts the quality of education available to your children. The people some of you sent to Austin are the very same individuals who reduced educational funding to those schools from which you are now withdrawing your children because their reduced budgets now provided reduced educational benefits to your children.
Think about those children who you affect through your votes, even if you don't have children in school. Remember, if you will, the old adage that "you can't fix stupid." You only get one chance to properly educate a child. Don't miss it.
Or, maybe locate an educator renowned for their efforts, or a school renowned for its need and contribute your time, some of your expendable income, or some simple encouragement through word or deed and let the teachers and schools know that you understand that in the case of Plumber vs. Teacher, the exception proves the rule by demonstrating "need" is not the same as the "demand" that drives general economics.
People will think you are smart because now you know the difference between a "public" vs. "private" good.
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