Teacher Pay
Professional wages for professional educators. Fair compensation attracts and retains the teachers our students deserve.
The Pay Penalty
Teachers earn significantly less than similarly educated professionals in other fields. This "teacher pay penalty" has grown dramatically over the past decades, making it increasingly difficult to attract talented individuals to the profession and retain experienced educators.
23.5%
Average teacher pay penalty compared to similar professionals
$340/wk
Average weekly wage gap vs comparable professions
44%
Teachers who work second jobs to make ends meet
The Real-World Impact
Low teacher pay isn't just an economic issue—it directly affects the quality of education students receive. When teachers must work multiple jobs or leave the profession for better-paying careers, students lose experienced educators and schools face chronic staffing shortages.
- •Teacher preparation program enrollment has declined by over 35%
- •Nearly half of new teachers leave within five years
- •High-poverty schools have the highest turnover rates
- •STEM and special education face the most severe shortages
Beyond Base Salary
Fair compensation includes more than just salary. Teachers need affordable healthcare, retirement security, and paid leave. Many teachers also spend hundreds of dollars out of pocket each year on classroom supplies—an expense that should be covered by schools.
Competitive starting salaries: Beginning teachers should earn enough to pay off student loans and support a family.
Meaningful salary growth: Experience and advanced training should translate to significant pay increases.
Quality benefits: Affordable healthcare and secure retirement for all educators.
Classroom supply funding: Teachers should never pay out of pocket for student needs.