China's teachers are not receiving appropriate pay and esteem, suggests a poll on teachers' satisfaction level of their jobs, reported qq.com on Sept 10, Teacher's Day in China.

The poll surveyed 400,000 teachers at universities, secondary schools, primary schools and kindergartens across the country from August 11 to September 4.

According to its findings, more than 80 percent of teachers, a profession honored as the "architect of soul" in China, feel stressful or very stressful.

The survey also shows a worrying level of salary for teachers: more than 60 percent of teachers make 1,000 yuan to 3,000 yuan ($163-$489) a month, lower than the national average of more than $600 per month, and no less than 90 percent of respondents voiced complaints about their income.

Poor social status adds to the woe of the teaching profession - almost seven out of 10 respondents thought they did not receive due respect. 

As a result of the reasons mentioned above, only five percent of respondents said they would choose to teach if they could choose their career again.