According to a recent study by WalletHub, South Dakota ranks near the bottom in terms of teacher friendliness, coming in at 45th place.
The study compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on 24 key indicators that reflect both “Opportunity & Competition” and “Academic & Work Environment.” The metrics, ranging from teacher income growth to the pupil-teacher ratio and public school spending per student, were used to assess which states offer the most favorable conditions for educators.
WalletHub’s analysis stated, once inflation is factored in, teachers across the nation earn 5% less than they did a decade ago. The decline in real wages has occurred even as educators’ expectations and standards have continued to rise.
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The study outlines the uneven compensation and protections teachers receive across the U.S., saying that states with higher rankings tend to offer more competitive salaries and robust job security, critical factors for a balanced professional and personal life.
Despite its low ranking, the South Dakota Department of Education insisted the state is taking steps to improve teacher conditions.
“South Dakota has excellent teachers who choose to teach here for many reasons,” the DOE said in a statement to the Journal Wednesday. “We continuously work to make teaching a valuable and fulfilling profession. We frequently host professional development summits for teachers to hone their craft and network with other educators. We have also increased teacher compensation thanks to Governor Noem and the legislature.”
The DOE said all teachers in South Dakota now have a base salary of $45,000, and future pay increases are tied to state funding to help offset inflation. The department also cited South Dakota’s low cost of living, supportive communities, and high quality of life as additional factors that make teaching in the state rewarding.
Despite the efforts, the WalletHub report shows that South Dakota still faces significant challenges in providing competitive wages and favorable working conditions for its educators compared to other states.
Contact Catherine at cmaher@rapidcityjournal.com
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Publish date : 2024-09-19 03:04:00
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