Low Teacher Salaries in Texas Might be Affecting Quality of Education

By Hope Gillette, Voxxi

There are 32 states in the nation with higher pay scales for teachers when compared to Texas, and that low rate of teacher salaries may be why the state seems to be suffering from a lack of quality educators.  The state sees a low rate of teacher retention, that for some, is related to low compensation.

According to professor Jacob Vigdor, expert economist from Duke University, during a public school finance trial, teacher salaries in Texas are 30 percent lower for new graduates when compared to other states. In fact, Texas has not kept up with inflation when it comes to teacher salaries since the year 2000.

“The situation in Texas has declined over the past several years at a fairly rapid pace,” Vigdor said to the Associated Press. “It behooves the state to think carefully about whether they are investing in the teacher labor market at a level that is consistent with the goals that they have espoused.”

With an average annual salary of approximately $47,311, Texas teachers are well below the national average of $54,965. Experts indicate the pay is historically low, and at one time in the state, teachers earned 50 percent more than a registered nurse. The pay rates have now flip-flopped, with nurses making at least 50 percent more than teachers.While Vidgor cited the low wages as a reason for pushing quality teachers out of Texas into other states with higher teacher salary scales, he also indicated he did not take into account the number of teachers who simply decided to move on intohigher-paying careers, nor did he factor in the cost of living in Texas compared to states with higher teacher salaries.

Retaining quality teachers is more complicated than just offering higher salaries, however, especially with so many teachers nearing retirement age. According to Inside the School, money is not the only factor which drives teacher retention.

“Many studies have pointed out that teaching is ‘not about the money.’ Teachers want to feel that they are making a difference, that their work is appreciated, and that they have personalized administrative support,” stated Inside the School. “While administrators are very busy people in today’s schools, there is a need for them to carve out some time to talk with, and to listen to, the new hires.”

This article was first published in Voxxi.

Hope Gillette is an award winning author and novelist. She has been active in the veterinary industry for over 10 years, and her experience extends from exotic animal care to equine sports massage. She shares her home with four cats, a dog, a horse, and her tolerant husband.