Teacher pay worldwide.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS

Recent studies highlight the important role of good teachers in improving student achievement. A study by McKinsey and Co. argues that good teacher salaries are important in attracting the right people to the profession. The United States, however, lags behind other countries in teacher compensation as a percentage of per capita GDP. Recent work by the Economic Policy Institute also finds that teacher pay in the United States has been losing ground compared to other professions.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

STARTING TEACHER SALARIES...