Idaho Needs Teachers and Teachers Should Need and Want Idaho
Schools across America are struggling to find teachers, especially good teachers. It has long been stated that teachers are not paid enough, and that is true. They sadly never will be for the responsibilities that they have. These are the people trusted to teach the next generation, and do so while often putting up with different cultures, races, genders, and multiple kids all at one time, without any help. Teachers are role models and can affect a child's life in a way that other adults can't. These people put up with plenty through a school year, and it isn't surprising that so many places are struggling to hire. Where a person teaches can dictate their experience and influence, but when it comes to being a teacher, what is the best state to teach in, which is the worst, and how does Idaho compare to other states?
The Best and Worst States for Teachers
Teaching is a tough profession which is why where you teach is so valuable. It can determine the students you get and how much you enjoy doing it at times. WalletHub recently released a list of the best and worst states for teachers and determined the list by using categories such as opportunity and competition, and academic and work environment. Using these criteria, it was determined that Virginia is the best state to be a teacher, with New York being second, and Utah rounding out the top three. The worst state to be a teacher is New Hampshire, with Washington DC being the second worst, and Hawaii rounding out the bottom three.
Is Idaho a Good or Bad State to be a Teacher?
It is no secret that we could use more teachers in Idaho, and the Gem State is a great place to be if you are in the teaching profession. Idaho comes in on the list 18, ranking 7 in opportunity and competition, but is 42 in academic work and environment. Idaho spends the least amount of money of any state on public school spending per student. Teachers don't have to worry about getting hired here, but they do have to worry about what they are teaching, funding, and the school environment.
While it is unlikely teachers will flock to Idaho the way we wish they would, for anyone looking to start their teaching career or find a good job, the competition here isn't as fierce as in other states. There is tons of opportunity to impact the kids of Idaho and help them on their educational journey. To see the full list broken down, make sure to click the link above.