Missouri teacher salaries slip
further in national ranking

The average teacher salary in Missouri fell one notch, to 45th in the nation for 2003-04, according to a state-by-state report released recently by the National Education Association. The 2003-04 average Missouri teacher salary of $38,006 falls more than $8,700 below the national average, according to Rankings and Estimates: Rankings of the States 2004 and Estimates of School Statistics 2005.

“The spot we held the last two years—44th in the nation—was embarrassing enough,” says Greg Jung, president of the Missouri National Education Association. “Now, falling to 45th is one more indication that Missouri is not adequately investing in public schools.”

Teachers in 43 states and the District of Columbia earn average salaries above those of Missouri teachers. Oklahoma is the only neighboring state with a lower average teacher salary. Teachers in Louisiana, Mississippi, North and South Dakota and Montana also earn less, on average, than do Missouri teachers.

In terms of constant dollars, Missouri teacher salaries actually lost ground over the last 10 years, according to the NEA report. Nationwide, the average teacher salary increased 2.9 percent over the past decade when adjusted for inflation. However, Missouri’s average teacher salary did not keep up with inflation and shows a decline of 1.4 percent in constant dollars.

“Missouri students deserve better than some of the lowest paid teachers in the nation. It’s time our elected officials—from local school board members to the governor’s office—recognize the seriousness of this situation and address it in a systemic way,” adds the MNEA president.

“Every student in every classroom deserves a highly qualified teacher. In order to attract such teachers, we need to compete with school districts in neighboring states and with other professions. That requires a competitive salary and supportive work environment,” says Jung, a fifth grade teacher in the Ritenour School District. “Salaries that rank 45th in the nation are simply not good enough to attract and retain the teachers we need.”

Research shows that more than one third of all new teachers leave the profession within three years, and almost one half leave within five years due to poor working conditions and low salaries. The percentages are even higher for minority teachers, male teachers and teachers under 30.

The 32,000-member MNEA represents teachers, education support professionals, students studying to be teachers and those retired from teaching in public schools and on college campuses across the state. It is the Missouri affiliate of the 2.7 million-member NEA, the largest education organization in the nation.

For further information:
Carol K. Schmoock
573-634-3202

July 5, 2005