One reason for the decline of public education in California is the inability of school districts to find, hire, and retain qualified teachers.
Not so in the 1950s and ’60s, when it was difficult for women to find employment other than in teaching or nursing. The reason public schools were excellent is that teachers were overqualified.
Today those women are lawyers, doctors, scientists, bankers, college professors—making three times a teacher’s salary (often more than their husbands).
Still, teaching is a profession. It’s like acting and sports: After years of training and looking forward to a thrilling career, no actor, athlete, or true teacher turns down an opportunity to exercise his or her craft. Truth be told, they would work for free….