In recent weeks, teachers have been actively fighting for a pay raise, and rightfully so. Teachers are undoubtedly some of the people who shape us the most in growing up. Most obviously, they are the ones who give us the education we need, but beyond this, every teacher I have ever had from 1st grade up until I walked the stage from my high school graduation has taught me something more than just reading, writing or government. They work so hard and do so wholeheartedly, they show what it is like to work selflessly, many are the most patient people I have had the privilege of knowing.

I truly believe being a teacher is one of the most under-respected and underpaid jobs out there. Teachers should be paid as much as doctors because none of us would be anywhere without these lovely people.

For one, nobody should have to spend their own money on supplies for their job. That is simply outrageous. Nobody ever asked me to bring plates and cups to my waitressing jobs.

Many people try to bring out the argument that, "Teachers only work from 8-3 and have summer breaks." Well from watching my mom teach for some years, I know most days teachers are arriving at school at 6 a.m. before students are even awake and sometimes leaving sports practices in high-school at 6 p.m. I saw my teachers doing the same. On top of that, so many teachers work other jobs during summer and even a second job during the school year.

Aside from needing a pay raise because they deserve it, underpaying teachers affects the mentality we have about education as a society. By underpaying teachers, we are not making education seem like a high priority which will have long-term effects.

And the biggest reason we should all stand behind teachers is that we want and need them.

Teachers obviously did not pick teaching for the money. They chose it because they care about children, they care about all of our futures, and they care about giving us the tools we need to succeed. If we do not begin to show support for these individuals, we are going to lose quality people to educate future generations.

If you have ever been impacted positively by a teacher at any point, this is a cause you need to stand behind and show your support for, which I can confidently say that every person has been. If you want to continue to have quality educators for years and years to come, this is something that needs your support.

#RedForEd