Debating if public school teachers are over- or under-paid is a hot topic whenever cuts to education funding loom or student test scores are released.
Statewide, the average teacher salary declined slightly during the 2011-12 academic year to $68,531, the Bakersfield Californian reported.
A new online comparison tool lets the public compare average teacher salaries by school district, revealing that Coastside teachers salaries lag behind the average teacher pay in California.
Overall, Santa Mateo County educators are on-par with the state average.
But the California Teachers Association doesn't put much stock in the comparison tool. Teacher salary scales are configured with formulas that take into account years of experience and education level, but many young and early-career teachers have been laid off due to budget cuts in recent years.
Teacher Salaries 2011-12School District Average Pay Student Enrollment Cabrillo USD
$64,944 3,317 La Honda-Pescadero USD
$56,087 324 Pacifica SD
$56,924 3,218 Source: Ed-Data
California public school teachers make 16.1 percent less than other college graduates, according to the California Teachers Association. The disparity increases for those with master's degrees.
How much do you think local teachers should be paid? Tell us in the comment section below.
and compared to other districts around the bay? and other professions requiring a a degree plus graduate work?