Teaching is definitely one of the most important jobs there is, and while it may be rewarding, teachers are often overworked and underpaid. Teachers also tend to be under-appreciated, but they’re more fairly compensated and protected in some parts of the country than others and a new report highlights where those are.
- WalletHub has just released their annual list of the Best and Worst States for Teachers.
- All 50 states and Washington, D.C. were ranked on 24 key indicators of teacher-friendliness in two main categories - opportunity & competition and academic & work environment.
- The states were rated on factors like starting salary, income growth potential, student-to-teacher ratio, teacher security and quality of school systems.
- The best state for teachers in 2024 is New York, which comes in second for academic & work environment and ninth for opportunity & competition.
- Maryland, fifth overall, is first for academic & work environment, while California, ninth overall, is number one for opportunity & competition.
- At the bottom of the list is Maine, making it the worst state for teachers. It comes in dead last for opportunity & competition and 20th for academic & work environment.
The Top 10 Best States for Teachers
(Check out where your state lands on the list here)
- New York
- Washington
- Virginia
- Utah
- Maryland
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Florida
- California
- Indiana
The 10 Worst States for Teachers
- Maine
- Hawaii
- New Hampshire
- Nevada
- Tennessee
- Washington, D.C.
- South Dakota
- Alaska
- Oklahoma
- Louisiana
Source: WalletHub
Scott's Thoughts:
- Are you a teacher? Do you love or hate your job? What is the best part about being a teacher? What is the worst?
- Do you think teachers are treated fairly in your state? Why or why not?
- Do you have a teacher who played an important role in your life growing up? Who was it and how?