"A great teacher can literally change the course of a student's life. They light a lifelong curiosity, a desire to participate in democracy, and instill a thirst for knowledge. It's no surprise that studies repeatedly document that the single biggest influence on student academic growth is the quality of the teacher standing in front of the classroom—not socioeconomic status, not family background, but the quality of the teacher at the head of the class." - Arne Duncan

Important facts to know about teachers

Source:  www.theteachersalaryproject.org

Studies prove that a great teacher can impart a year and a half's worth of learning to a student in one year.

46 percent of teachers in public schools leave the profession within five years.

Teachers make 14 percent less than people in other professions that require similar levels of education.

14 percent of teachers leave the profession each year; in urban districts, the turnover is higher: 20 percent.

Teachers work an average of ten hours per day.

92.4 percent of teachers spent their own money on their students or classrooms during the 2007-2008 school year.

61 percent of adults think teachers are underpaid given their level of training and importance to society.

77 percent of U.S. adults feel teaching is among the most under-appreciated professions in the U.S.

76 percent agree that many of the smartest people in society don't go into teaching because being a teacher doesn't pay enough.

Good teaching over a sustained period can [help students] overcome the disadvantages of poverty.