The 2002-03 average teacher salary was $45,771, up 3.3 percent from the previous year, according to the report. The 2002-03 average beginning teacher salary was $29,564, up 3.2 percent from the year before. The AFT estimates that the average beginning salary for the most recent school year, 2003-04, was $30,496. But while teacher salaries rose an average 3.3 percent, health insurance benefits spiked an average 13 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
"Exorbitant health insurance costs are taking an intolerable bite out of already inadequate teacher salaries. Even as teachers are being asked to do more, compensation packages are nothing short of insulting and fail to take account of growing health care and other out-of-pocket costs to teachers," said AFT Secretary-Treasurer Edward J. McElroy.
Furthermore, the AFT noted, superintendents’ average salaries are as much as four times higher than teachers’ average pay, according to the Educational Research Service.
"States and school districts are crying poverty when it comes to teachers’ pay, yet somehow find money for extravagant administrator salaries. Strong leadership without a quality teaching force won't improve education," McElroy said.
more at:
aft.org
I agree that part of the problem with education funding is the high paid administrators...and the rising cost of health care.
Orca |
