IEA members have long said that the best way to keep talented educators in the classroom is to show them simple respect. Valuing their training, expertise and profession. Providing them with proper resources and support. Paying them an appropriate wage for their challenging, crucial work.
The result is many educators are still uncertain about their future in education. Inadequate resources, political vitriol, misinformation, outright lies, comparatively low pay and even personal attacks continue to make being an educator a difficult, if noble, career choice.
Why It Matters
According to the 2024 State of the American Teacher Survey, "teachers reported working nine hours per week more than comparable working adults (53 hours per week compared with 44 hours), but they reported earning about $18,000 less in base pay, on average (roughly $70,000 compared with roughly $88,000)."
Fair compensation is not only about valuing their dedication; it is about ensuring Idaho can recruit and retain the talented, committed teachers our students deserve.
Doan, S., Steiner, E. D., & Pandey, R. (2024). Teacher well-being and intentions to leave in 2024: Findings from the 2024 State of the American Teacher Survey. RAND Corporation. https://doi.org/10.7249/RRA1108-12
A major education study shows what happens when schools lose experienced teachers: student learning declines. When turnover rises, schools end up with more teachers who are new, without full licensure, or teaching outside their expertise. The result is clear drops in learning and test scores.
Idaho cannot afford that.
When educators are underpaid or disrespected, they leave the profession, and students pay the price. Fair compensation and real respect help keep skilled, certified teachers in Idaho classrooms, where they support student success every day.
Sorensen, L. C., & Ladd, H. F. (2020). The hidden costs of teacher turnover. AERA Open, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2332858420905812
The 2024 State of the American Teacher Survey found that, "compared with comparable working adults, about twice as many teachers reported experiencing frequent job-related stress or burnout and roughly three times as many teachers reported difficulty coping with job-related stress."
This is not sustainable for the professionals responsible for educating Idaho’s students. When stress drives teachers out of the classroom, students lose experienced mentors and communities suffer.
Doan, S., Steiner, E. D., & Pandey, R. (2024). Teacher well-being and intentions to leave in 2024: Findings from the 2024 State of the American Teacher Survey. RAND Corporation. https://doi.org/10.7249/RRA1108-12
Why We Care
Idaho educators are asking for simple respect and the same sort of consideration given to highly trained employees in countless other professions. They want, and need, the tools and resources they require to do their jobs and to receive fair and competitive compensation.
The increased vitriol around the politics of education, fueled and supported by dark-money interests eager to profit off public education’s decline, have exposed educators to personal and professional attacks. Educator retention is critical. High-quality educators matter.
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