Rand Report: Better Pay, Benefits Key to Retaining Teachers in 2024

New Report Highlights Teacher Pay and Retention Issues

WASHINGTON—A recent Rand Corp. report analyzing the 2024 State of the American Teacher Survey has brought to light the significant impact of pay and benefits on teacher retention. According to findings, substantial pay increases and adequate benefits are pivotal in keeping teachers in their roles.

"This report confirms what anyone who knows a teacher knows: Better pay and benefits help retain teachers, and unions make a huge difference in securing better teacher pay and benefits," stated AFT President Randi Weingarten.

The report identifies low compensation as a primary factor driving teachers to consider leaving the profession, with one-third of teachers citing it as a major source of job-related stress. Additionally, the survey revealed that more than 25% of teachers are engaged in unpaid extra work, with Black teachers being disproportionately affected.

Teacher pay remains a pressing issue. AFT's Weingarten remarked, "The fact is, teachers still lag in compensation. Teachers want to make a difference in their students’ lives, but their love for their students alone can’t pay the bills."

The survey also highlighted how states that mandate collective bargaining see teachers receiving higher salaries and more significant pay increases in contrast to states where such bargaining is prohibited.

Weingarten emphasized the importance of public support, noting that "Parents and voters get it. In November’s election, voters approved school funding measures across the country, and they rejected school voucher proposals everywhere they were on the ballot." This reflects a national backing for public education and the educators committed to teaching children.

Beyond teacher pay, Weingarten addressed broader concerns, "But this election also highlighted working families’ anxiety over the cost of living," underscoring the union's commitment to advocating for higher wages, secure retirements, and reduced costs for essentials like healthcare, housing, and groceries.

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) will persist in its efforts to enhance public schools, ensuring they remain safe and inclusive environments for both students and staff, and upholding the rights of Americans to unionize.

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.