by Ashleigh Crocker
Virginia loves to brag about being the best state for business. But while corporations are cashing in, teachers—the people shaping the future of our communities—are getting left behind.
Did you know Virginia pays its teachers below the national average? Yep, we rank 24th in the nation for educator pay, with an average salary of $63,103, while the national average is $69,544. When adjusted for inflation, teacher pay has actually gone down in recent years.
That’s embarrassing. It’s time to step up and pay teachers what they’re worth. Here are three reasons why raising teacher salaries isn’t just about fairness—it’s about our future.
1. Happy Teachers = Thriving Classrooms
Some people might say that teaching isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. But let’s be real—passion doesn’t pay the bills. Teachers are buying classroom supplies out of pocket, working second jobs, and stretching every penny, just so they can spend all their time with your kids instead of their own. When teachers are underpaid, burnout skyrockets, and turnover follows. This can be seen in the rising teacher shortages we have in Virginia. Our teacher vacancy rate is currently 4.74% statewide, and is higher in schools with mostly Black students and in high-poverty districts. Raising salaries would help retain experienced educators, creating stable, thriving classrooms for our kids.
2. Better Teacher Pay Boosts Local Economies
When teachers earn more, it’s not just good for them—it’s great for our economy, small businesses, and our communities. Teachers are essential members of their communities, and when they have more spending power, that money flows back into local shops, restaurants, and services. Imagine the impact: better-paid teachers could mean more diners at your favorite local restaurant, more customers at the local hardware store, and more growth for Virginia’s small businesses. By raising teacher salaries, we’re not just investing in educators; we’re helping to build vibrant, economically resilient communities across the state.
3. Strong Schools = Strong Communities
Great teachers attract families to communities, raise property values, and prepare students to contribute to society. But when Virginia lowballs teacher salaries, we risk losing talented educators to other states or professions. By prioritizing teacher pay, we signal that we value education and are committed to building a stronger, smarter Virginia. And let’s be honest—we won’t be the best state for business for long when we can’t even support the people educating the next generation of workers.
Time to Make the Grade
If Virginia wants to stay competitive, we can’t keep skimping on teacher pay. It’s not just about fairness; it’s about ensuring that every student gets the quality education they deserve. Let’s stop handing out apples and start writing checks. After all, great teachers build great futures—and that benefits all of us.
The question isn’t if we can afford to pay teachers more—it’s whether we can afford not to. During the upcoming legislative session, be sure to call your legislators and tell them you support increasing teacher salaries to at least match the national average!