Wisconsin Teacher Salaries Continue to Lag Behind National Average
Teachers' average salaries are continuing to stagnate while out-of-pocket
health care costs skyrocket, according to a report released Thursday
(July 15, 2004) by the American Federation of Teachers.
The state-by-state report ranks Wisconsin teachers' average salaries
27th in the nation. The average Wisconsin teacher made $41,617 during
the 2002-03 school year, well below the national average of $45,771.
Mike McNett, WEAC director of collective bargaining and research, said
low teacher pay, which isn't keeping pace with inflation, makes it hard
for school districts to attract and retain quality teachers. "The
average teacher in Wisconsin has a master's degree and 15 years experience,
so to say they're making $41,617 is no great inducement to stay in the
profession," he said.
The report ranked average salaries for beginning teachers in Wisconsin
35th in the nation, more than $2,000 below the national average.
State teacher pay is falling behind in part because of the Qualified
Economic Offer law, which undermines teachers' collective bargaining
rights. "Since the law was passed in 1993, teachers have experienced
stagnating salaries and high turnover rates, leaving them feeling demoralized,"
he said. "This has a negative impact on children and our future."
Even though salaries increased slightly from 2001-02, teacher pay has
lost more than 7% to inflation and fallen even further behind in per
capita income since the QEO was passed.
Rising health care costs have also contributed to the erosion of teacher
salaries. Many teachers during the bargaining process have agreed to
accept cost-saving measures such as three-tiered drug cards or increased
co-pays.
"Wisconsin teachers are the most qualified teachers in the nation.
Our state needs laws that allow teachers and education support professionals
to negotiate fair compensation and that allow communities to fund their
public schools adequately," WEAC President Stan Johnson said. “They
deserve far better pay and far greater respect than they are getting.”
Resource page on the QEO
Posted July 15, 2004