Well one could argue that all salaries have decreased.. The states are out of money. That leave 2 choices, Cut salaries or let teachers go. I don't know how long you have been teaching but if you are new your the low person on the totem pole then your the first to go. This is a failing of the union. Its good to get further education. That's something that is a great thing. The solution of testing the students and that effecting your pay. It depends on more then just the teacher. The parents are a huge part of a student succeeding. That being said why do we not test the teachers? If they fail give them a year to catch up with the rest of teachers and if not, boot them.
Ok, it all sucks. Something has to be done but neither candidate has vowed to boost taxes. Romney says he wants to give a 20% tax cut across the board and wants to build 15 new warships a year, something the military is not asking for. Obama has promised not to raise taxes. Both are bad. Things aren't going to magically fix themselves. We have a huge deficit brought on by years of government spending, Do we fail to pay back China when they could impose serious sanctions that would effect us all and so the teachers suffer pay cuts. I'm making about 15000 less then I made 10 years ago. Nature of the beast. The only solution that could possibly help would be the most unwanted solution, Raise taxes, boost education, something I believe in. Otherwise the deficit will continue to go. 1.6 trillion this year alone was added to the deficit. Raise the taxes, Close the deduction loopholes. It's our country and its flailing to stay afloat.