A new teacher salary report from the National Education Association (NEA) shows that while Arizona moved up one rank, our teachers are still $11,890 below the national average and when adjusted for inflation, Arizona teacher salaries have decreased by 9.8 percent from Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 to FY2017.
“Teachers in Arizona are called to this profession because they want to make a difference in the lives of their students,” says AEA President Joe Thomas. “That means the state needs to provide adequate resources and support the success of our students, support staff, and teachers in our public schools.”
Highlights from the NEA report:
• 45th – Arizona’s national ranking in average teacher salaries
• $49,892 – FY2018 estimated average teacher salary in Arizona
• $ 61,782 – FY2018 national estimated average teacher salary
There are nearly 1,700 teacher vacancies in classrooms across Arizona according to the latest report from the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association. “Our state is still facing a teacher shortage crisis, but instead of offering real solutions, lawmakers continue to attack teachers with legislation infringing on their free speech,” says Thomas. “The public supports teachers and the #RedforEd movement. Arizona voters recognize the funding crisis in the classroom and support investing in public education.”
The #RedforEd movement has seen Arizona educators, students, parents, and community members come together to advocate for the schools all students deserve. AEA calls on Governor Ducey and state legislators to set aside bills that disrespect teachers and instead focus on funding three priority areas outlined by AEA as they negotiate the FY2020 state budget. We are committed to advocating for fair pay that will keep and attract great teachers and education support professionals, and for the resources their students and schools need.
