HD58 - Public School Teacher Compensation


Executive Summary:
Beginning Teacher Salaries

In the 1998-1999 school year, the average entry-level salary for Virginia public school teachers was $25,813. Comparable entry level salaries in the private sector were 11.99% higher during that same time. However, when adjusted to reflect the actual number of days worked annually (200 for teachers and 234 for private sector employees), the entry level salary for Virginia public school teachers is 4.47% above that of private industry.

Entry level salaries for teachers are 2.38% higher than salaries for comparable state positions. When adjusted to reflect the actual number of days worked annually (200 for teachers, 234 for state employees), the entry level salary for Virginia public school teachers is 19.78% above that of comparable state employees. Virginia ranks twentieth out of the fifty states and the District of Columbia in average salaries for beginning teachers.

Average Teacher Salaries

Virginia's average salary for public school teachers was $36,527 in 1997/1998, and this ranked Virginia as 26/50 for that year. The average public school teacher salary in Virginia, when adjusted for the cost of living, is $37,172. Virginia ranks above the national average, 23/50, by this measure.

Final decisions on increases to teacher salaries are made by localities. Average salaries (1998/1999) ranged from a high of $52,331 in Arlington to a low of $27,417 in Highland.

Actions Taken to Improve Teacher Salaries

Local school boards engaged in a variety of initiatives aimed at increasing teacher pay. In 1998/1999, these ranged from no action taken in Bath and Richmond County to an 8% increase for all teachers in Botetourt County.

In the 1999 Appropriation Act, Chapter 935 of the 1999 Virginia Acts of Assembly, the General Assembly proposed and the Governor approved a budget appropriating state tax funds sufficient to provide each classroom teacher with a 6% pay raise. It should be noted that each school division may choose to implement all or part of the 6% salary increase.

In 1998 the Governor proposed and the 1999 General Assembly passed a plan to return lottery proceeds to localities for education. The General Assembly inserted a requirement that half of the funding be expended on projects related to school construction and renovation. The other half is designated for educational priorities chosen by each locality, which may include teacher salary raises or supplements.

As yet, there is no information on the use of lottery funds for supplementing teacher salaries.