After reading the latest WalletHub study on teachers, I have even more respect and admiration for our teachers here in South Dakota and what they accomplish. This new study uncovered a multitude of jaw-dropping statistics not the least of which is that South Dakota ranks 42nd in the country (or 10th worst state) for teachers.

They researched pupil-to-teacher ratios, school system ratings, public school spending per student, job opportunities & competition, starting salaries, teachers' income growth potential, academic & work environment and more.

Some of the surprising and disappointing findings: The NEA (National Education Association) has determined that fully 20% of new public school teachers completely leave the profession by the end of their first year and 50% leave within five years. Currently the NEA is promoting an initiative that advocates for a $40,000 starting salary for all pre-K-12 teachers.

What is the average starting salary for a South Dakota teacher? $29,851. Again, according to the NEA there is only one state (Montana) where starting teachers make less. The ASCD (Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development) indicates that some of the reasons teachers leave their schools and the profession are; feeling overwhelmed, ineffective and unsupported by their school districts.

All this being said, remarkably South Dakota students perform remarkably well on their SATs, ranking fourth in the nation in this year's most recent study. So what can be taken away from this latest study on education? I think the conclusion drawn by the WalletHub study sums it up perfectly:

Without good teachers who are not only paid reasonably but also treated fairly, the quality of American education is bound to suffer."

And when education suffers, so does society and we're seeing that every single day.

 

 

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