(The Center Square) – Wisconsin teachers are making less in inflation-adjusted dollars and only 26.1% of teachers remained at the same school for their first seven years of teaching, according to a new report from the state’s Department of Public Instruction.
The average total compensation for teachers in the state is down $22,000 per year since 2010 in inflation-adjusted dollars.
In response to the report, DPI Superintendent Jill Underly called for more funding for teacher pay In the upcoming biennial budget.
“This report is a stark reminder of the critical need to invest in strategies that recruit and retain Wisconsin teachers,” Underly said. “The strength of our schools depends on the dedication and expertise of our educators. We cannot afford to lose our best and brightest. To address the root causes driving teacher turnover, our state legislature must pass the governor’s proposed biennial budget. Investing in our teachers is an investment in our students, in our local communities, and in the future of our state.”
The data showed that there were 3,334 educators who completed the preparation program in the state while there were 2,187 retirements in 2022-23. Of those who competed the program, 79.3% were certified as teachers and 66.6% went on to teach in Wisconsin public schools.
That meant there were more educators produced that those leaving the professional, but DPI said that retention was the issue.
There were 55.6% of those teachers who were still teaching in Wisconsin public schools after seven years while just 46% of special education teachers remained in the profession.
“Teachers are shouldering more responsibility than ever, yet they are significantly underpaid,” Dr. Underly said. “They are entrusted with the monumental task of shaping our future leaders, yet their pay does not reflect this incredible responsibility.”
Underly suggested the state adjust the revenue limit for schools and increase the state reimbursement rates for special education to provide more funding for teacher pay.
