American society often does not hold the PK-12 teaching profession in high prestige, particularly for STEM college graduates whose knowledge and skills are in high demand. As a result, few STEM college majors are encouraged to pursue STEM teaching as a top career choice. To improve this, universities and other institutions can recognize the accomplishments and work of STEM teachers to the same extent as STEM leaders in other professions, and the starting salaries and long-term earning potential for STEM-trained college graduates can be made more competitive.