In the 2022 press release by the Ohio Education Association, one of the recommendations is to make minimum teacher salary in Ohio to $50,000. 

As we all know, there is a growing teacher shortage in America (via. the Economic Policy Institute,) which disproportionately affects lower income schools and, in turn, marginalized and already oppressed youth. The starting salary for teachers can commonly be seen as low as $34,216 (source). 

Educators are, undeniably, one of the most important and crucial careers in the United States. Teachers are the ones who shape society and the members who inhabit it. Without teachers of quality, and especially having to rely on long-term subs in some schools (which has less requirements to meet as compared to a full-time teacher,) we are putting the fundamental makeup of this country, and the youth that is a part of it, in danger. Without a higher standard of education, we cannot expect quality from our schools.

Raising the minimum teacher salary in Ohio to $50,000 is not an unreasonable request. This is a fair living wage, especially when you consider that teachers are expected to provide their own supplies, materials, and sometimes, even books. 

Setting the minimum teacher salary to be $50,000 is what is best for the youth, and the future of our society.