Best States for Teachers
- New Jersey
- Wyoming
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Virginia
Teachers work to educate the future leaders of the world. They often encounter a number of challenges, ranging from poor working environments to political interference and low salaries. Thankfully, teachers have managed to stick it out despite such harsh conditions. While most states do not provide a conducive environment for teachers, there are some states that have at least tried to make teachers feel appreciated and valuable. Here is a list of the top five states for teachers in the US.
1. New Jersey
According to Zippia, New Jersey ranked as the best state to work in as a teacher in 2017. The Northeastern state has a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio, making it one of the lowest ranking states in the country. The state offers some of the best salaries for both inexperienced and experienced teachers. Those who are starting out in the profession earn an average starting salary of $38,383 per year. The median annual salary is $54,489, with a range between $28,456 and $84,896. The public spending per student is $20,925, one of the highest in the country, according to Business Insider. The state also offers some of the best opportunities for career advancement.
2. Wyoming
Wyoming is known for many things. However, a few people know it as one of the best states to work in as a teacher. Wyoming has a low student-teacher ratio and offers good salaries and promising career prospects. The student-to-teacher ratio is 12:1. The median annual salary is $61,661. The average salary for entry-level positions is $56,228. Salaries vary with the level of experience and school. Teachers who work in chartered schools earn more than those in public schools. Professional teachers earn the highest. For example, the lowest-paid professional teacher earns $96,564. Apart from good salaries and a low student-to-teacher ratio, the public school spending in Wyoming is great. Schools receive an average of $16,127 per student.
3. Connecticut
Connecticut has one of the highest child populations in the country. The state has a student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1. The average starting salary for teachers is $33,995 while the median salary is $55,833 per year. The public school spending per student is $12,180. The state also boasts some of the highest numbers of open job positions in the country.
4. Massachusetts
The Bay State boasts the country’s fifth highest salaries for teachers. The average starting salary is $32,874 after an adjustment for cost of living. The median annual salary is $60,571 while the professional salary is $94,854. The student-to-teacher ratio is $13:1. Public schools spending per student is $16,678. The states also offer numerous job positions every year.
Virginia
Virginia has the lowest unemployment rate for teachers in the country. The student-to-teacher ratio is 14:1. Public school spending per student is $10,980. The average starting salary for new teachers is $39,019, and the median annual salary is $52,186.
Related Resource: 5 Great Dual Certifications in Education
If you want to have an easy life as a teacher, you need to be careful when choosing the state you want to work in. Not all states provide decent salaries and good work environment for teachers. The five states discussed above have proven to be the best in regards to salaries, school funding, student-to-teacher ratio and employment prospects.
