Why I May Demand Salary Increase

The staffroom buzzed with the end-of-day lull as I slumped into my chair. "Guess what?" I said to Sarah, my confidante and fellow teacher.

She glanced up, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Headteacher sprung a new surprise?"

I nodded, deflating further. "They want me to mentor the new teachers. Apparently, I'm 'passionate,' 'intelligent,' and the whole 'dedicated teacher' spiel." My voice tinged with sarcasm.

"That's great news, Em! Recognition at last."

"Except," I interjected, "the pay isn't changing. It's already a constant struggle, and now they're adding more work?"

Sarah's smile softened. "I hear you. But don't they value what you bring to the table?"

"They say they do," I sighed, "but appreciation doesn't pay the bills." My gaze met hers. "I need to talk to the headteacher about a raise. This extra responsibility deserves recognition, wouldn't you agree?"

Sarah squeezed my shoulder. "Absolutely. You deserve to be fairly compensated for your skills and effort. Let me know how it goes, alright?"

"Thanks, Sarah. Having you in my corner means the world."

I stared at my cooling coffee, a newfound resolve settling within me. It was time to stand up for myself, for what I was worth. Perhaps mentoring could be the key to unlocking the value the school truly placed on their "passionate, intelligent, and determined teacher."