A recent story on America’s growing teacher shortage indicates a real problem – nearly half a million teaching positions unfilled or filled with temporary hires/subs/uncertified staff.
There are lots of ways this problem can be addressed – but one that matters a lot is paying teachers more.
A lot more.
Teacher pay matters. Investing in the people who have direct contact with students is a direct investment in student success.
When teachers get paid more, students do better. In one study, a 10% increase in teacher pay was estimated to produce a 5 to 10% increase in student performance. Teacher pay also has long-term benefits for students. A 10% increase in per-pupil spending for each of the 12 years of education results in students completing more education, having 7% higher wages, and having a reduced rate of adult poverty. These benefits are even greater for families who are in poverty.
