PHOENIX, AZ– Arizona public school teachers are looking to the community for help as they continuously earn less than other states.
The average Arizona public school teacher salary was about $62,714 in the 2023-24 school year according to the state survey, way below the national average and roughly in the bottom third of state teachers’ pay. The gap appears to be tied to persistent underappreciation and underpay, according to state reports.
Researchers and teachers like Dr. David Garcia have continuously voiced concerns about these shortcomings.
“We tend to see teachers only staying for three to five years,” Garcia said. “It’s like the districts treat them as short term employees that do not need as much respect.”
Teachers in Arizona are not only systematically underpaid, with the salaries decreasing each year, but they are also overworked and under appreciated. Garcia explained how the problem isn’t new, it’s just getting worse.
“Being a teacher doesn’t mean clocking out after the school day ends.” Garcia said. “It is a constant effort of preparation after hours. Teachers deserve a little bit of respect for all they do behind the scenes.”
Garcia pushed that it is because teachers are seen as ‘missionaries’ who would do anything for their students, no matter the conditions, leads to why they are seemingly pushed under the rug.
“The state knows these teachers will work for their kids under any circumstances, so their pay and appreciation have never been the fore-front of conversation,” Garcia said.
The average starting salary for an Arizona public school teacher is $46,128 according to district reports. Teacher Sarah Brown explained how living off this wage has impacted her life.
“The pay is obviously not great, inflation goes up and my pay seems to go down,” said Brown.
Non-profit organizations like the Million Dollar Teacher Project aim to combat these challenges with donations, events, and community support. Klarissa Parker, MDTP project management intern explained their mission.
“MDTP exists to elevate the teaching profession through increased recognition, compensation and support,” Parker said. “We are a community-centered program that provides teachers direct support when the state falls short.”
According to the National Education Association, Arizona teacher pay has not kept up with the rising cost of living and has not for over a decade. State reports and national compilations show periodic raises but long-term pay erosion in real time. Due to these inadequacies, teacher retention rates are very low.
“Pay is one of the top reasons teachers consider leaving, along with workload, lack of support, and underappreciation.” Parker said. “Our community needs to step up and end this cycle.”
The Arizona Department of Education findings show that teachers are considering exiting the profession entirely or moving to non-classroom roles because the compensation does not match the stress of the career. The state’s 2024 shortage reports show many vacancies with difficulty fulfilling those needed positions, and advocacy members like Parker question the real cause.
Arizona teachers are quietly seeking help from their community. Advocates are demanding that these professionals get compensated for all that they do. These hard-working individuals deserve respect, appreciation and adequate wages.
“Administration just needs to let teachers teach. Just give them a chance to be creative and you’ll see the benefit,” Garcia said.
Edited by Shi Bradley
