Fact Check: Teacher Salaries in the U.S. Have Declined When Adjusted for Inflation Since 2011
What We Know
The claim that teacher salaries in the U.S. have declined when adjusted for inflation since 2011 is supported by multiple sources. According to a report from the National Education Association (NEA), while the average salary for teachers has increased nominally, it has actually decreased by approximately 5% when adjusted for inflation over the past decade (K12 Dive). Specifically, the average salary for teachers was reported at $72,030 for the 2023-24 school year, which represents a significant increase from $58,454 in the 2015-16 school year. However, when adjusted for inflation, teachers are earning less than they did a decade ago (NEA).
Additionally, a separate analysis indicated that the average weekly wages of public school teachers decreased by $128 from 2021 to 2022 when adjusted for inflation (EPI). This trend suggests that despite nominal increases in salary, the purchasing power of teachers' earnings has diminished over time.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, coming from reputable organizations such as the NEA and the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). The NEA's report is particularly significant as it aggregates data from various state departments of education and the National Center for Education Statistics, making it a credible source for understanding teacher salary trends (K12 Dive).
However, it is important to note that while the NEA's statistics provide a comprehensive overview, they do not account for additional compensation such as bonuses or stipends, which could potentially skew the perception of overall teacher compensation (K12 Dive). This limitation is acknowledged by experts like Marguerite Roza from Georgetown University, who emphasizes the need for better tracking of teacher salaries to understand the full picture of educator compensation (K12 Dive).
Despite these nuances, the overall trend of declining real wages for teachers is corroborated by multiple sources, including the NEA and EPI, which strengthens the reliability of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that teacher salaries in the U.S. have declined when adjusted for inflation since 2011 is substantiated by credible data from the NEA and EPI. While nominal salaries have increased, the real purchasing power of these salaries has decreased, confirming the assertion made in the claim.
