New Madrid County teachers' salaries lag behind state average
New Madrid County teachers' salaries are slightly below the state average, according to a report by the Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA). The 2015-2016 Salary Schedule and Benefits Report was released last week and shows that a beginning teacher with a bachelor's degree in the four county districts makes $31,000 on average. That is $240 less than the state average. On the other end of the pay scale, the maximum salary for a teacher with a master's degree is $49,449. The state average is $48,779.
The following is the salary for a new teacher with a bachelor's degree in New Madrid County school districts. The number in parentheses is the rank of the district among 118 listed in MSTA's Southeast Region. Gideon $32,600 (22); Risco 28,800 (58); New Madrid County Central 33,200 (18); and Portageville 30,000 (49).
The minimum salary average statewide for a teacher with a master's degree is $34,056. The New Madrid County Central district is the only one above that average: 36,520 (22). The other districts are in order: Gideon 33,600 (45); Risco $30,450 (94); and Portageville $33,300 (56).
Another way of looking at teacher salaries is by enrollment. The average salary for a new teacher with a bachelor's degree for districts between 300-699 enrollment is $30,070. Risco and Gideon are below that mark, while Portageville and New Madrid County Central are above it.
For enrollment between 700-999, the salary for a beginning teacher is $31,079 statewide. Portagville, the only district in New Madrid County that falls in this category, is above that number.
New Madrid County Central fall between 1,000-3,999 enrollment, where the beginning salary averages $33,355 in Missouri.
The minimum salary for a teacher with a master's degree in a district with 300-699 enrollment is $32,766. Risco is below that average, Gideon salaries are more.
Portageville is also below the average of district's with 700-999 enrollment, which is $33,300.
Finally, New Madrid County Central, the minimum master's degree salary is below the state average between 1,000-3,999 enrollment of $36,604.
MSTA reports that for the first time in several years, all 518 school districts responded to the annual survey. Districts were asked to complete salary questionnaires and supply a copy of their salary schedule.
"For yet another year, Missouri still lags behind when it comes to teachers' salaries," said MSTA Executive Director Bruce Moe. "Missouri ranks 42nd nationwide for average classroom teacher salary. That translates to $8,896 less than the national average."
State law requires school districts to pay teachers with a bachelor's degree a minimum of $25,000 and teachers with a master's degree and 10 years experience a minimum of $33,000.