Mississippi teachers remain the lowest paid in the United States, and their salaries have actually decreased when adjusted for inflation, according to a report from State Auditor Shad White.
The audit highlights that teachers today earn less than they did in 2008, despite rising living costs. White suggested that the state could address this issue by cutting administrative spending in the education budget and redirecting funds toward teacher salaries.
White emphasized that reducing administrative costs could free up resources to better support educators. He called this a simple solution to improve teacher compensation in the state.
Education officials and advocates have called for increased investment in teacher pay, citing the importance of competitive salaries to attract and retain qualified educators.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
