Teaching in the States: Salary and beyond Rankings

This report investigates factors relevant to choosing locations conducive to both attainment and maintenance of a teaching career. In addition to salary and cost of living, the investigators compiled and ranked variables related to family, such as parental income and education, and differences in political structures that affect careers in education. Also considered were the number and size of schools, class size, and variables related to charter schools. Systems of evaluation at the level of school, principal, and teacher were also considered, as was the degree to which beliefs and standards related to science were conducive to teaching. States are ranked in each of these categories as well as across the categories. Future directions and limitations are discussed.