Teaching has historically been underpaid - likely directly because it was seen as a profession for women. However, in the past, there was at least some respect afforded educators. Now, that, too has been eroded. Imagine a starting salary for teachers of at least $60,000 (about $18,000 more than the current rate in TN) - and salaries that reached into six figures without going into administration - Certainly, the promise of a job that started at a decent rate and promised six figures would lead to an increase in college majors. It's why a lot of people want to give law school a try, for example - or, nursing.