In a bold move, Arizona school teacher Elisabeth Coate Milich posted her salary online, shedding light on the harsh realities of teacher pay in the United States. Her decision sparked a heated debate, with many expressing outrage and solidarity.
Milich, a second-grade teacher at Whispering Wind Academy in Phoenix, shared her pay stub on social media to illustrate the meager salary she receives despite her extensive education and experience. The post revealed a mere $131 raise, bringing her annual salary to $35,621. This amount is significantly lower than the national average of $58,353 and even the state average of $47,218.
Milich’s decision to share her salary was motivated by a desire to expose the inadequate compensation teachers receive. She emphasized that despite her passion for teaching, the salary is unsustainable, forcing many teachers to take on multiple jobs to make ends meet. Milich’s own situation is more stable due to her husband’s income, but she acknowledged that many of her colleagues are not as fortunate.
The response to Milich’s post was overwhelming, with many expressing support and sharing similar experiences. The issue of teacher pay has long been a contentious topic, with numerous strikes and protests across the country. Studies have shown that teacher recruitment and retention levels are at crisis levels, with 42% of Arizona teachers hired in 2013 leaving the profession after just three years.
Milich’s courageous revelation has sparked a national conversation about the value and compensation of teachers. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: something needs to change to ensure that educators like Milich receive the fair compensation they deserve.
