Teacher Salaries Continue To Lag National Average

Florida moved up in a national teacher salary ranking from 32nd to 29th in the nation, but the state average salary continues to fall below the national average.

Florida teachers made an average of $46,930 in the 2007-2008 school year, which is below the national average of $52,308, according to the most recent research by the National Education Association. California teachers topped the list, making an average salary of $64,424 and South Dakota made the least on average at $26,674.

In the NEA's previous salary study of 2004-05, the national average was $47,674 with Florida public teachers making $41,590 on average.

Highlands County Teachers Union President Steve Picklesimer said among the various studies that come out from time to time, the union recognizes the data from NEA.

"That makes us happy if we are going up" in ranking, he said.

The best thing for Highlands County teacher salaries has been the collapsing of the steps (from 19 to 12) on the salary schedule, which moves educators up the pay scale faster, he said. You could actually go from $34,000 to $54,000 in 12 years.

"But, we still don't think that $54,000 is enough on the top step," Picklesimer said.

Despite state budget cuts, Picklesimer said by examining the budget numbers, money may be found to maintain teacher pay or possibly raise salaries without the proposed schedule change.

The current 18-month contract between the teachers union and the school board will expire in the summer.

Negotiations on a new contract will likely start in June, but Picklesimer said he is already reviewing budget data.

The base pay for a new teacher in Highlands County is $34,000.

The maximum base pay, for a teacher with 18 or more years of experience, is $54,000.

Teachers receive an annual supplement for having an advanced degree or advanced certification: $2,200 for a master's, $2,500 for a specialist and $3,800 for a doctorate.

Teachers also receive supplements for their extracurricular advisor/coaching duties.

According to Florida Department of Education data from 2006-07, the average teacher salary for Highlands County was $41,876 and the state average was $45,307.

Three Florida districts - Collier, Monroe and Sarasota - had an average teacher salary in 2006-07 that was above $50,000.

FAST FACTS

The base pay for a new teacher in Highlands County is $34,000.

The maximum base pay, for a teacher with 18 or more years of experience, is $54,000.

Teachers receive an annual supplement for having an advanced degree or advanced certification: $2,200 for a master's, $2,500 for a specialist and $3,800 for a doctorate.

Teachers also receive supplements for their extracurricular advisor/coaching duties.