Childhood memories at St. Helena Secondary School's staff room often come back to me. The green chairs around the two large brown tables, the flow of teachers in and out, and students bursting in with complaints.

Teachers would often share laughs and grumbles in equal measure. Even at my young age, I knew they all sat with one glaring issue: the low pay they receive.

My family has deep roots in education. Both my parents and stepparents were teachers at one point. My dads are still teaching today - one as a university lecturer, and the other is a vice principal at a government-assisted secondary school. My moms have moved on from teaching: one is now a pharmacist and the other is studying.

Wanting to teach, but at what cost?

Even though my parents' lives revolved around schools, they always shared the costs and sacrifices involved in being educators. They are not alone. In 2022, the Economic Policy Institute found that in the United States, teachers earn 26.4% less than other graduates in different professions.

In my country of Sierra Leone, this difference is heightened. Although no research has been done on this, my mom—who taught for 12 years before leaving to pursue a certificate in Pharmacy—had no regrets choosing to become a pharmacist technician for the government rather than staying on as a government schoolteacher.

As a pharmacist technician, she earned 70% more than her teaching salary despite only having a certificate. And with a degree in Pharmacy, she earns double what she did as a teacher, with less experience.

Another case is that my stepdad and elder sister have similar accounting degrees, with my stepdad having a master's degree in education. Yet, my sister earns 22% more than he does, and they both work for the government. However, she works as a procurement officer while he is a vice principal. Teachers in my country are always seeking redress in their salaries, and rightfully so.

Much like a mother or housewife, the role of a teacher requires much sacrifice and the least pay.

The world is rapidly changing and with the rising cost of living, teaching is becoming less sustainable as a profession. When educators are underpaid, the choice shifts from a noble calling to one of survival. This is why dedicated teachers like my mother are leaving the field for better opportunities.

In my country, particularly in urban areas, many highly trained and qualified teachers are abandoning the profession. Teaching has become a fallback for recent graduates struggling to find work, and even they often leave at the first chance they get. The profession is losing talent and it's a crisis that needs urgent attention.

Teaching isn’t a ‘last resort’ profession

We must prioritize better pay for teachers to keep them in their roles. Offering better salaries is a great start, but we must also ensure they receive annual increases that substitute for inflation, and that other benefits are put in place that can help retain great educators and ensure a bright future for students everywhere. Transforming pay and benefits for teachers can transform the lives of everyone.