Hear Our Stories

Where is Your Pay Plan Heading?
If your salary system isn't facing change, it soon will be.

My Debt, My Life
NEA members are struggling with student loan debt of unprecedented proportions. Here's why it matters, even if your college days (and bills) are a thing of the past.

Why Money Matters
Some educators live in shelters.
Others work five jobs to make ends meet.
And for all of us, a lack of professional pay shortchanges our schools.

A Fortunate Move ( PDF)
A Nebraska college graduate moves across the river to teach in Iowa, lured by a significantly higher salary. This article from the Nebraska State Education Association Voice  details how Nebraska's newly minted and veteran teachers are heading to Wyoming and Iowa, where professional pay for teachers is more of a priority.

The Bill's Come Due
Because of low pay, increasing numbers of teachers and support professionals are moonlighting or just struggling to get by—and many are leaving public schools altogether. Time for a change? Educators say you bet.

Professional Pay for Professionals: A Cause Worth Fighting For
The facts speak for themselves. Teacher salaries are falling further and further behind the salaries of non-teacher professionals.

A Teacher’s Worth
A study reveals that teacher pay lags behind that of comparable occupations—even though professional skills and responsibilities are remarkably similar.

Who We Are, Why We Teach
A portrait of the American teacher.

Salary Squeeze
NEA member Christopher Johnson rises every morning at 5:30 a.m. At 6:15, he climbs into the yellow school bus parked outside and starts the diesel engine. Then, after picking up 60 teenagers, Johnson pulls up in front of West Mill-brook Middle School and the kids troop off to class. Johnson parks the bus--and follows them in. By 7:30, Johnson is teaching.

The Wages of Teaching
Newsweek columnist Anna Quindlen speaks out for higher teacher pay.

• Read stories from Education Support Professionals (ESPs)

Send your NEA local affiliate's success story, the salary numbers we need to know, and (if you've got time) a brief explanation of how it happened to collectivebargaining@nea.org.