Why should TEACHERS get raises when so many students grow up without learning about finance, American history, writing and tech skills?

Tbh I don't think it's solely the fault of the teachers that students learn nothing. For one, parents and students have to also do their part. It's the same for every job. A teacher's job is to teach, it's up to the parents to guide their kids how to fully learn what the teacher has taught and the responsibility of the students to apply those learning so that they wont forget what they have been taught. The same way you can't blame your financial advisor for losing all your money because you decided not to pull out of an investment, they are there to only give you advise and guidance, the rest is up to you.