At nearly $20,000, it is the eighth lowest of all states. There is plenty of room for improvement. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Does the state provide special reciprocity for out-of-state teachers with advanced credentials? At minimum, most states need a completed application form, college transcripts, and a copy of requisite exam scores. The state has plenty of sprawling cities and national landmarks, like the Grand Canyon. It's the fastest, most affordable way to get certified. This may be partially due to the fairly stricter rules to collect benefits. What is the best state to be a teacher? Small classroom sizes have been shown to be beneficial to both the learning experience of students and working conditions for teachers. Technical education and special education teachers may have additional salary incentives that will boost earnings. Certification through the NBPTS demonstrates teaching excellence and boosts earning potential for practicing teachers. Teachers in D.C. enjoy competitive salaries, coming in fifth with an average wage of $80,659. Salary.com states that teachers in Montana earn a median salary of $50,788, with top earners bringing in over $72,084 annually. Projectionscentral.org reports on average growth for teachers in Montana between 2018-2028. Discover each state's qualifications and requirements for K-12 teacher certification by selecting a state above. Per KTNV, CCSD continues to face shortages heading into the 2022-2023 school year, despite significant pay raises for new hires and relocation bonuses of $4,000 for teachers who accepted a position from more than 100 miles away., Nevadas teacher shortage spans all grade levels and subjects. Requirements for K-12 teachers vary by state. Teachers working in Arizona are not very well paid at all. Partial reciprocity comes with additional jurisdiction specific requirements. You'll probably have to take a test anywhere you go though, that seems pretty universal. While obtaining initial certification is relatively straightforward, Hawaiis tier system is somewhat complex. Additionally, huge class sizes with 43 students per every teacher, the highest teacher-student ratio in the country only make teachers' job harder and worsen both the learning experience and their working environment. But her record wasn't quite good enough to meet New York state's stringent licensure requirements. Each state has a wide variety of teaching statistics and information on: Alabama. The state's average teacher salary, which was adjusted to the cost of living, is the ninth highest in the country. Teaching is arguably harder now than ever before for many reasons, including student behavior, rapidly changing technology, and low pay. February 10, 2023 by Sarah Harris Reviewed by Matt Cates. Average teacher pay: $52,357 (8th lowest), Student-teacher ratio: 31 to 1 (11th highest), High school graduation rate: 79.1% (6th lowest). To earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited program, students should explore degrees that meet the standards established by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the accrediting body for educator preparation programs throughout the U.S. Aspiring teachers can earn bachelor's degrees in education in areas such as: Additional areas of study include curriculum and design, instructional technology, and education administration. Average teacher pay: $46,456 (the lowest), Student-teacher ratio: 29 to 1 (14th highest), New teachers expected to qualify for a pension: 44.0% (25th lowest), High school graduation rate: 82.6% (14th lowest). Salary.com reports an average salary of $62,318 in 2023 for D.C. teachers in public elementary and secondary schools. Teachers can also take advantage of D.C.s career advancement opportunities, including the public school teacher LEAP program. Planning a summer road trip? The 100% online education course is asynchronous and can be done in under a year. What makes for bad working conditions for teachers also makes them unable to carry out their duties to the fullest of their capacities. Aspiring teachers in Montana must hold at least a bachelors degree from an accredited university or college. Check out the table below to find out more. Virginia teachers can also receive up to $5,000 for exemplary performance and up to $3,000 in federal grants for the 2021-2022 school year for those teaching at one of the 25 high-need schools in the state. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Compensations and Pensions with no guarantee for job security, new teachers are less likely to put effort into properly dispensing their duties. 2023Education Commission of the States. FAQif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'howigotjob_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',195,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-howigotjob_com-banner-1-0'); The best state in 2022 to be a teacher in is Rhode Island. Average teacher pay: $57,543 (16th lowest), Student-teacher ratio: 25 to 1 (14th lowest), New teachers expected to qualify for a pension: 57.0% (10th highest), High school graduation rate: 88.0% (14th highest). Our list isnt limited to states with teacher shortages. Thats about 920 annual openings. In general, a bachelor's degree is required to become a licensed teacher. Despite these favorable policies, Louisiana's public school teachers are paid exceptionally low salaries compared to other states on this list. Full reciprocity means the teacher certification transfers over with no issue or additional requirements. Learners who do not meet these requirements may have options to complete a supplemental sanctioned teacher-preparation program. When discussing the states with teacher shortages, it can also be helpful to identify some of the states that offer the best pay for educators. By creating an online account for the Connecticut Educator Certification System (C.E.C.S. Arizona the graduation rate for high schoolers in this state is about 78% while the student-teacher ratio is 43 to 1. As we head back to school we are already seeing massive shortages in Texas, Nevada, Florida, and Arizona. Average teacher pay: $59,088 (24th lowest), Student-teacher ratio: 37 to 1 (4th highest), High school graduation rate: 80.9% (11th lowest). Those who earn a teacher certification the traditional way earn their bachelor's degree in some aspect of education. Another 47% were filled by teachers with limited or improper certifications.14. You can also partake in one of many sports programs or tutoring sessions to boost your earnings. The relatively low student to teacher ratio in the state and the strong teacher quality assessments contribute to Massachusetts' rank as one of the best states to be a teacher. Washingtons career growth projections are slightly lower than some other states. Another factor that has increased the number and scope of education careers is the recent focus on mental health services. To reapply, teachers submit portfolios documenting their work and pay a renewal fee by the designated deadline. With demands including smaller class sizes, more staffing, and an end to charter school expansion, the strikes and other actions of teachers in the state led to a 5% pay raise in legislation passed last year. Average teacher pay: $51,550 (4th lowest), Student-teacher ratio: 28 to 1 (19th highest), High school graduation rate: 82.7% (17th lowest). There are plenty of unique cities and hospitable small towns if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. The FCC's robocall offensive: Text messages and international 'spoofed' calls targeted, Home Depot boycott? There may be non-licensure opportunities with an associate degree, though. The study reports that Mississippi has the lowest salary for teachers at just more than $45k per year but that is still 8.6% higher than the average salary in the state. ETS alone offers more than 90 subject assessments. Earning additional certifications can advance your teaching career. According to Zippia, California offers the fourth-highest average annual salary for teachers. on What is the hardest state to become a teacher? You can also check out their Start Here guide for future teachers. Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia differentiate requirements for experienced and inexperienced teachers, limiting licensure barriers for candidates meeting established experience requirements. https://www.universities.com/learn/author/sharris/, Master's in Higher Education | Salary & Programs 2022, Top 10 Schools with the Best Football Teams, Counseling Psychology Masters Degree Guide 2022. Gas prices may creep back to $3 a gallon, Average teacher pay: $67,318 (10th highest), Student-teacher ratio: 26 to 1 (21st lowest), New teachers expected to qualify for a pension: 36.0% (17th lowest), High school graduation rate: 86.6% (22nd highest). Montana is home to world-class fly-fishing and expansive, unpopulated areas full of mountains, glaciers, and valleys for exploration. The hardest part of teaching is striking the balance between engaging students, inspiring a love of learning, and managing the expectations from school boards, administrators and parents. Each exam consists of objective response questions and essay sections. Washington has no shortage of teaching opportunities. Average teacher pay: $66,561 (11th highest), Student-teacher ratio: 28 to 1 (18th highest), High school graduation rate: 87.0% (18th highest). These are commonly found at the graduate level. A medievalist by training, she has published on outlawry in medieval England with additional publications on outlaws in popular culture and across geographic and historical boundaries. Educators earn over $66,000 a year, the 12th highest adjusted to cost of living average pay in the country. Required fields are marked *. When teachers retire in Nebraska, they receive a pension with lifetime retirement benefits. Alaska is a great state to work in as a teacher as there is a need for teachers, especially in rural areas. Many teachers prefer elementary to middle school, where they don't have to deal with students entering puberty who can be moodier, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and therefore perhaps more difficult to discipline. Like most states where teaching is a relatively difficult profession, teachers in Colorado are paid relatively lower wages. Does the state have different requirements based on candidate experience or effectiveness? For one, the state's pension system does not appear to be serving its beneficiaries particularly well due at least in part to high turnover of teachers. West Virginia public school teachers were at the forefront of a wave of teacher strikes that swept the nation last year. Let us know about the hardest state to become a teacher. Maine one would consider the low student-teacher ratio in the State of Maine to be a redeeming factor. Graduates of teacher-training programs need to pass standardized tests before they can get hired. 7. In addition to these four measures used for ranking the states, we reviewed a range of other related statistics. As a result, teacher shortages in 2023 could persist. Having a portfolio to supplement teaching demonstrations at interviews provides insight into your teaching process and presentation. On the high end, you can expect to earn around $78,619. The job outlook for teachers in D.C. looks bright despite the ongoing shortages and pandemic. Compared to the average pay of teachers nationwide of $63,000 a year, educators in Illinois are fairly well compensated. The top 10% of earners make about $79,042 per year. Or, choose to view a specific states approach by visiting the individual state profiles page. While you can do the work independently, your course advisor will help you along the way. In anticipation of renewal, teachers should complete continuing education and professional development hours. Nevada has many great offerings to workers, such as no state income tax and a low cost of living. If you intend to teach high school or middle school students, you will need a single subject teaching credential. The best states to be a teacher do not necessarily report the best outcomes for students the picture is often mixed. Bachelor degree students can specialize in earth science, physical science, and chemistry. Like in many other states where it is relatively difficult to be a teacher, public school teachers working in Alabama are not especially well paid compared to their peers nationwide. Many districts are upping the ante by providing hefty signing bonuses as well. As reported by DCist in late 2022, D.C. In addition to relatively good pay, retirement benefits are also relatively high. Not surprisingly, New York is the highest-paying state overall. While all new teachers in Arizona are expected to stay in the profession long enough to qualify for retirement benefits, the average annual retirement benefit is low. D.C. is home to many great academic institutions, including highly-ranked high schools like McKinley Technology High School, Bellevue High School, and Benjamin Banneker Academy High School. /2017/12/15/8-states-that-made-it-easier-to-become-a-teacher-1513305313 We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Even before the pandemic, the state of California began experiencing mass teacher shortages. Rhode Island public school teachers also benefit from relatively small classroom sizes, and they are supported by one of the nation's more coherent and generous retirement systems. Individuals who want to teach specific subjects like science, language, or physical education may need to complete subject area competence exams. Have you ever wanted to work in a tropical paradise? Average teacher pay: $54,759 (11th lowest), Student-teacher ratio: 22 to 1 (4th lowest), New teachers expected to qualify for a pension: 14.0% (2nd lowest). Teaching is an important and rewarding career, but it can also be draining and exhausting. Critical areas with vacancies include special education, elementary PreK-6, middle school grades 6-8, and math teachers for grades 6-12. Despite being so highly valued, teaching professions are among the lowest paying jobs for college graduates. Complete a preparation program and pass the appropriate exam(s). Average teacher pay: $69,617 (7th highest), Student-teacher ratio: 30 to 1 (13th highest), New teachers expected to qualify for a pension: 34.0% (14th lowest), High school graduation rate: 84.2% (23rd lowest). Moreover, residents in Virginia can benefit from living near or visiting scenic locations, from Shenandoah National Park to numerous oceanside and beach getaways. The low share of new teachers expected to teach for enough years to qualify for retirement benefits of just 31.0% further lowers New Hampshire's ranking on this list. Additional requirements may include evidence of first aid and CPR training, a recommendation form, fingerprint and background check waivers, and a copy of your driver's license. For years, the public education system has dealt with sweeping teacher shortages. Mississippi has the nation's lowest cost of living, with prices on average 14% lower than across the nation as a whole. Average teacher pay: $52,119 (7th lowest), Student-teacher ratio: 25 to 1 (15th lowest), New teachers expected to qualify for a pension: 25.0% (5th lowest), High school graduation rate: 89.4% (6th highest). In Nevada, the student to teacher ratio of almost 37 to 1 is the fourth worst of all states. San Diego, California, United States. You may not be surprised to find Nevada on the list, as much of the state is extremely rural. Teaching requirements by state differ depending on: Grade level (elementary, middle, high school) Subject matter (English, science, mathematics, social studies) Specializations (special education) To secure a job, teachers traditionally need to complete college coursework, take a certification exam, and provide references and comparable . The 2022-23 teacher Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program incentive program provides forgivable loans to undergraduate and graduate students preparing for teaching careers. Its also one of two high-paying states that are also on our list for teacher shortages. Renting or buying an affordable home is also an option for many workers who might not have the opportunity in more expensive states. For example, state policies promote teacher quality by requiring middle school teachers to pass a rigorous single-subject content test. Education Commission of the States is the trusted source for comprehensive knowledge and unbiased resources on education policy issues ranging from early learning through postsecondary education. Numerous states mandate that K-12 teachers complete basic skills exams as part of the licensure process. Alaska. These vacancies are also documented by the DOE. Spread the love. Middle school teachers in the state can expect a 7.7% increase in available positions between 2020-2030. Based on information submitted to the U.S. DOE, many of these vacancies are in special education classes for grades K-12. But the very low student to teacher ratio and the relatively high share of new teachers who are expected to stay in the profession long enough to retire and collect benefits bumps its rank among the states where it's best to be an educator. This means they could earn more but should not be below the minimum wage. If you opt to move to the western part of the state, you are just a days drive away from Las Vegas and California. Rhode Island is the best state for public school teachers. By Zippia Expert - Sep. 6, 2022. However, the state student-to-teacher ratio of 41 students per one teacher is the third highest of all states. San Diego City College. Nancy Isenson. California provides several different avenues for obtaining licensure. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY. For more information on the states less likely to be good for teachers, check out the rest of this article.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'howigotjob_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',191,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-howigotjob_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The following states are listed not in a particular order of ranking but they are by far the hardest state to be a teacher in the United States.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'howigotjob_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',192,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-howigotjob_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Why some states are considered bad working environments for teachers. Elementary school teachers: $71,880 per year. According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, the market for teachers is projected to increase by 2.09% by 2028. Mississippi a high student-teacher ratio of 27 to 1 and an expected qualification for a pension of new teachers being 22% also qualifies this state as one of the worst. When combined with existing openings, you will have plenty of opportunities to find a rewarding teaching position in Arizona. Per the Hawaii State Teachers Association, More than 60,000 keiki are not taught by a Hawaii Qualified Teacher (HQT) each year.. A career in teaching means having an impact on the next generation providing young people with the tools to succeed as members of society and engaging students in learning every day. You will still need to pass a state licensure exam and renew every few years. All rights reserved. The percentage of fourth and eighth graders who scored "proficient" on the NAEP standardized tests, at 24.8% and 20.3%, are the 50th and 49th lowest in the nation. The teachers are overworked, probably to compensate for how much they earn. Some states allow temporary options for teaching without a teaching certificate, but becoming a teacher requires certification. Further, teachers in Maine are not permitted to take their benefits to other states, are extremely unlikely to receive in retirement payments that are equal to their total contributions, and an estimated 74% of teacher pension contributions go to debts created by poor state management. However, they reported the most shortages in specialty middle and high-school subjects, such as science and technical education.6. Nevada - with an average pay of about $59,000, the state ranks as the 24th lowest for pay. School districts around the nation are seeking to offer their students easier access to mental health professionals. Teachers working in Arizona are not very well paid at all. What we offer teachers: Oakland Unified has received substantial funding to support pathway programs including tuition and debt relief for selected middle school teachers, Special Education teachers, and for pathway programs, including Classified-to-Teacher, Maestr@s, and the After-School-to-Teacher programs. National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) test results for each states public fourth and eighth graders were obtained from news organization and research center Education Weeks 2019 Chance for Success report. New York's public school teachers and students alike benefit from manageable classroom sizes, which tend to improve working conditions and support academic achievement. Finding the right job requires networking and research. Even after adjusting for cost of living, however, the state's average annual salary for teachers of $52,575 is the ninth lowest of all states. Many of the states listed above are experiencing shortages in other education careers as well. Teachers are expected to do more with less time and less financial support. Does the state have full reciprocity by statute for out-of-state teachers? The state's cost of living adjusted average teacher pay is $55,177, the 12th lowest in the nation. If your state requires an exam for teacher certification or licensure, determine when you can take it. Current teachers and administrators in D.C. are feeling the weight of staff vacancies. In addition to the higher salaries, secondary school teachers and those in special education may choose to work in the Keystone State because it has stricter requirements for licencing teachers, which makes them better prepared for teaching. This will also contribute to the number of dropouts or failures. In addition to the positive career outlook, Washington is home to several major cities like Seattle. While there may be many causes for the Arizona teacher shortage in 2023, salary is not one of them. Individuals may need to take an exam offered by a state regulatory body or an assessment such as the Praxis. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Some of the weaknesses the report has identified include lack of support for leadership opportunities and no additional compensation for more experienced teachers. Subject area tests, much like basic skills exams, are designed by state regulatory bodies or by ETS. Does the state provide special reciprocity (or other supports) for military spouses? Header Image Credit: Maskot | Getty Images. To carry out their duties effectively teachers should have basic things like good working conditions. Records and research have shown that the more time a teacher has to interact personally with students, the better it is for the students to assimilate what they are being thought. After adjusting for New Mexico's relatively low cost of living, the typical public school teacher's salary is estimated at $58,598 by no means the worst pay in the nation. 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Montana earn a teacher do not necessarily report the best states to be a teacher as there is great..., Nevada, the market for teachers also makes them unable to carry out their duties tier is... Lowest cost of living average pay in the state 's qualifications and requirements experienced. Need a single subject teaching credential excellence to teaching program incentive program provides forgivable loans to undergraduate and students! Exams as part of the state has plenty of opportunities to find out....