Teacher Income Taxes: A Break Overdue

By Leo Hindery Jr.

As April 15 approaches each year, most of us line up to pay our fair share of the federal tax burden. It is time—in fact, it is way past time—for America’s K-12 teachers to be given federal income-tax relief. And we will all be the beneficiaries when they get it.

I don’t make this call lightly—and here’s why it makes sense.

According to surveys, the public and teachers want an increase in teacher pay. Of course, there are other pressing issues, including better facilities, better curricula, better-trained administrators, and greater parent involvement. But responses to these needs, because they involve overcoming ingrained bureaucratic obstacles or instilling personal motivation, take years to...