A Teacher-Friendly Maryland

Maryland Is 2023’s 6th Best State For Teachers

With World Teachers’ Day around the corner but teachers making an average of $3,644 less per year than they did 10 years ago when adjusted for inflation, the personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on 2023’s Best & Worst States for Teachers, as well as expert commentary.

In order to help educators find the best opportunities and teaching environments in the U.S., WalletHub analyzed the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 24 key metrics, ranging from teachers’ income growth potential to the pupil-teacher ratio to public school spending per student. The existence of a digital learning plan was the highest-ranked feature of Maryland schools, with the overall quality of the school system coming in close with a rank of 8.

Unfortunately, income isn’t as high a rank with average teacher salary coming in at 18 and potential growth of their salaries coming at 11. Several experts also chimed in with their own commentary on these issues surrounding school systems.

“I think some of the biggest issues facing teachers today center around the idea that they must do more with fewer resources,” said Ramon Goings, Associate Professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. “For example, it has been discussed heavily in recent years how teachers remain underpaid despite the most important role they have in developing our next cadre of leaders, doctors, lawyers, and scientists.”

Also voicing his opinion on these issues was Mark T. Haynal, Professor and Chair of the Teacher Education and Mathematics Division at Lewis-Clark State College. “When I chat with college students about why they do not want to become a teacher, the top reasons they give me are actually quite similar to what I hear from practicing teachers. Teacher pay…has historically been low and has not kept up with inflation…The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the work ethic of an entire generation of K-12 students.”

Goings and Haynal also offered tips for anyone considering a teacher job.

“If possible, talk to the parents whose children attend the school (or district) you are looking to apply to so you can understand their experiences with the schools,” said Goings. “Parents have a lot of great insight that could help prospective teachers. Don’t base your decision on a particular school solely based on hearsay/reputation of the school or district.”

“Do not settle for the first place that offers you a job,” said Haynal. “There is a teacher shortage. Be picky. Read WalletHub’s article Best & Worst States for Teachers. I assign that to my students each semester. Make sure you work for a school that has an outstanding principal and sufficient support staff. Work in a community that, as much as possible, mirrors your social/political/cultural values. Work in a community that has a history of supporting school levies, etc.”

To see the full rankings for Maryland and read more commentary from educational experts, please visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-for-teachers/7159.

Report can also be viewed below: