A new report from researchers at Michigan State University shows the state's slipping teacher pay is raising red flags for both recruitment and retention.
The report showed Michigan now ranks 44th in starting teacher pay, with new teachers earning just over $41,000 dollars a year, almost $5,000 below the national average.
Jason Burns, research specialist at Michigan State and lead author of the report, said while their data does not directly link low pay to teacher shortages, broader research shows pay is a key factor contributing to the problem.
"Other states that have taken action to raise teacher salaries are reporting earlier on that, in the earlier stages of that, they're seeing reduced vacancies, meaning like in teacher shortage," Burns pointed out. "Also, other states that have raised funding and tried to direct more of that to teacher compensation is also seeing increases in student outcomes."
Burns noted research shows everyone benefits from a stronger education system with quality teachers, leading to better student outcomes, a stronger economy and less reliance on social services. He argued competitive pay is key to attracting and keeping those high-quality educators.
Survey data in the report also show residents want new teachers to make about $13,000 more than they do now and favor higher pay for all educators. Most said the money should come from increased state funding, not larger class sizes or cuts to programs. Burns emphasized the state has an important responsibility when it comes to addressing teacher compensation.
"The money the districts use to buy textbooks and buy copy paper and pay teachers is all money, that's appropriated by the state," Burns emphasized. "It will be difficult for districts to address this on their own without additional state funding."
Burns pointed out just one of several teacher pay proposals has passed in recent years and it only provided a short-term boost of a few hundred dollars. He added another plan in the Legislature could raise salaries but its future is unclear until the state budget is settled.
This story was brought to us by the Public News Service.
