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U.S. Flunks Teacher Pay
Jill Hare
We often hear how students in the U.S. lag behind students in other countries. This topic is rather different- it seems that teacher pay doesn’t come close to measuring up either. Are the two issues related?
With the struggling economy, making a steady salary has never been more important. The more attractive the salary, the more a career attracts job seekers. The starting salary for teachers varies from $23,000 to $37,000 across the U.S. How does this compare with other countries? Apparently not so well.
A study by McKinsey and Co. compared starting teaching salaries as percentage of per capita GDP (gross domestic product.) Out of the 30 countries from the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development) that were studied, the U.S. came in 10th. It found that U.S. teachers make 81% per capita of GDP. The others in the top ten are as follows:
1. South Korea 141%
2. Germany 141%
3. Netherlands 99%
4. Hong Kong 97%
5. England 95%
6. Australia 95%
7. Finland 95%
8. Singapore 95%
9. Belgium 92%
10. United States 81%
Source: McKinsey & Company
Why do people decide to become teachers in the U.S.? It most certainly isn’t the illusion of a high paying salary based on merit. But with teachers salaries not gaining ground against other professions, it leaves the teaching profession struggling to attract high-quality teachers.
In an earlier study done by the same company a correlation was drawn between school quality and spending. I don’t think that conclusion comes as a shock to any teacher- but those in the classroom are left to make the best of what they were dealt. The earlier study, titled “Worlds School Systems” made two obvious conclusions:
“The quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers.” “The only way to improve outcomes is to improve instruction.”
I would add two conclusions of my own.
The way to improve instruction is to attract high quality teachers. The best way to attract more high quality teachers is with a competitive salary.
patomin
6 months ago
56 comments
I see alot of anger over the term "high quality" teachers. This term originates from the impression that because students are failing, "the teacher must be at fault". The fact that schools are filled with kids who don't care because their parents are too busy to get involved never seems to be noticed.
patomin
6 months ago
56 comments
Amen! I am getting my MASTER'S DEGREE to teach High School and I am looking forward to a whopping $35,000 a year at best in my school district! I can make at least twice that working in the IT field I currently work in...I am on the fence as to whether I want to make the transition because of the pay gap teachers face.
raiushajsr
7 months ago
44 comments
Teachers salary should be commrnsurable infact higher to that of any other industry. Teacher's end product is an educated, ethical living human being whom all other industries use but no industry produces.
suzidot
7 months ago
2 comments
I am one of those high quality teachers, who after six years of struggling to pay my bills and student loans quit teaching. I was the only faculty member who did not live in a dual income household. The reaction of the families and children was gratifying in the sense that there was an outpouring of people asking me to reconsider and I felt bad, but I have to make a living too.
johnslat
7 months ago
1592 comments
"High quality teachers? What is that? Explain."
My definition of a "high-quality teacher" would be one who is committed and dedicated to doing the best possible job, one who has a thorough grasp of the subject matter, one who is able to communicate well and inspires enthusiasm in learners, one who is caring and empathetic, one who is flexible, industrious and has a good sense of humor, one who in intrinsically motivated and one who can command discipline by force of personality.
Pretty long shopping list, isn't it? And I probably left out some essentials, to boot.
Jill
7 months ago
742 comments
The education profession has MANY high quality teachers already. However, the low salary offered to teachers may deter future high quality teachers from entering (and staying) in the profession.
teacher123
7 months ago
4 comments
Does this mean that the teachers who are dealing with low salaries, undisciplined kids, non-involved parents from divorced families, political supervisors, etc.... are NOT high quality?
teacher123
7 months ago
4 comments
High quality teachers? What is that? Explain.
Olenma
7 months ago
16 comments
This is very sad currently I have two sons who are considering Teaching with articles such as this one well, one wonders if to push them in another direction. Sure, it has been said that you should do something you love, but we can not purchase health insurance, homes, cars or food with love. We need money and alot of it to live these days. Will we have teachers in the future? If the rate of pay is not increased to make it more attractive to join the profession I see teaching on a decline. Also, I believe that starting teachers should get more money too, not base it soley on experience.
anon100
7 months ago
6 comments
I wonder if the study compared hours worked also? In these other countries, there is a year-round schedule with a summer much shorter than the US standard, but with 2 weeks off for fall, Xmas, and Easter (a system I wish the states would incorporate). But I don't know how the hours and days work out in comparison.
Also, it would be interesting to know if the other countries have a salary barrier to entry for older workers who might wish to quit their jobs and go into teaching. For instance, there are qualified military retirees who would want to teach, but to enter a field at the starting salary of a 22 year old, with no consideration of experience to warrant a higher entry salary, isn't feasible for most. Or, for instance, if a college teacher of remedial English to freshman wanted to teach high school, the teacher would have to start at the bottom of the salary scale. This barrier keeps out potential teachers who could help our over-extended school systems.
Overall though, I definitely agree that the pay is too low for teachers in the US. I wonder then, does that mean schools aren't getting the best applicants available? Logically, most of the best college students tend to steer toward better paying jobs (which are in other career fields) and not choose education as a major and a career (not all obviously). One could make the argument that schools are then left with less of a qualified group to choose from. There would be quite a rumbling in the teacher applicant pool if salaries were raised and new, possibly better qualified, applicants entered the pool.
atmee2
7 months ago
6 comments
The teaching profession in the U.S. is simply being spat upon! We are not respected... 10 to 20 years ago was a different story... we had parents working WITH us to educate their children... we had children who respected us and WANTED TO LEARN. Now it's all backwards... we are disrespected and severly under paid. Heck... if I were just a little taller, I would be able to throw a round ball threw a basket and get paid millions... I would be able to read and understand football plays and throw some pig skin around and make millions! But wait!... how are these individuals able to read all those plays and understand the concepts?? OH... from a teacher! The U.S. has its priorities all messed up...Sports and entertainment are far more important that getting a sound EDUCATION... didn't you know??!!?
sobrien
7 months ago
12 comments
A starting teacher in my county makes 30K, but the QB of the local NFL team just got a 10 Million a year contract. Interesting priority structure.
Kano
7 months ago
2 comments
Though a new comer to the USA from Africa, I am currently a Biology teacher at a high school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I am dismayed to witness how "disgracefully" the teachers are treated by the very students they are trying to enlighten. The democratic and God given rights of a street cleaner, baker, bus driver, construction worker and many other professions are respected and not grossly violated. Why should the rights of a teacher be donwtrodden by the students? Don't the teachers have the right to stand up for their rights? Don't you think that many teachers quit, because they get burnt out and cannot cope up with the misbehavior in schools?
johnslat
7 months ago
1592 comments
Here's a site for Toronto, Calgary and Winnipeg;
http://www.livingin-canada.com/wages-for-social-education-jobs-canada.html
and another, more inclusive, site;
http://resource.educationcanada.com/salaries.html
Dmabrown
7 months ago
2 comments
So, would any one here say that If I am in the USA and can go to Canada to teach. should I go? would you think thats the best this seems to be way better than here for sure.