For many, the question of “what is essential?” has provoked new examination and appreciation of the things and people we rely on. At Friends Center, teachers are essential! To prove it, we exceed industry norms for compensation.* Paying women to live in poverty does not do justice to the importance of early childhood education. In fact, it undermines the essential role that educators play in a child’s early life. We believe we must do more to promote the fiscal livelihood of our teachers.