The article from the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) discussed teacher salaries as they vary from state to state. It was written in response to the comparisons that are made by public officials and teacher unions, regarding salaries in a particular city or region against the national average or other U.S. cities. As a result, legislators in states where teacher pay is considered to be low, are under extreme pressure to increase salaries.
However, when examining teacher salaries (or any occupation salaries for that matter..) we must consider the cost of living for that particular area. This is determined by the price of housing, groceries, utilities, health care, and other expenses. When adjustments are made for the cost of living, what a teacher actually brings home can drastically change, depending on where they teach.
According to the 2010 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Metropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates report, New York is the highest paying state for a middle school teacher. Initially, that sounds very appealing until one considers the HIGH cost of living associated with being a New York resident.
As a future teacher, this information is very relevant and useful. It is awesome to know that because of reciprocity, it is easier to become licensed in other areas if I decide to relocate. The article further emphasized how important the cost of living is when comparing teacher salaries. The data from the Department of Labor could be a really helpful resource for any teacher wanting to move.
However, when examining teacher salaries (or any occupation salaries for that matter..) we must consider the cost of living for that particular area. This is determined by the price of housing, groceries, utilities, health care, and other expenses. When adjustments are made for the cost of living, what a teacher actually brings home can drastically change, depending on where they teach.
According to the 2010 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Metropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates report, New York is the highest paying state for a middle school teacher. Initially, that sounds very appealing until one considers the HIGH cost of living associated with being a New York resident.
As a future teacher, this information is very relevant and useful. It is awesome to know that because of reciprocity, it is easier to become licensed in other areas if I decide to relocate. The article further emphasized how important the cost of living is when comparing teacher salaries. The data from the Department of Labor could be a really helpful resource for any teacher wanting to move.
I feel as if it would be an interesting challenge to teach children in different areas. The way I communicate and interact with my students could be different depending on my geographical location. I feel really comfortable teaching in Tennessee but I would definitely consider a move under the right conditions. Which means, I will be steering clear of teaching anywhere with a really high cost of living. I should be able to enjoy the fruits of my labor too...
References:
Danielle Georgiou, Pamela Villarreal , and Matt Moore. (2005, October 24). National Center for Policy Analysis. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133317United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2010. Retrieved from: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252022.htm
Webb, L., Metha, A., Forbis Jordan, K. (2010). Foundations of American Education (6th ed.). New Jersey: Merrill.
