Catherwood LibraryILR School

A recent report from the National Education Association places Mississippi last in the nation for average teacher pay, with salaries falling below both the national average and the state’s own minimum living wage estimate. While lawmakers point to the state's overall lower cost of living and highlight past pay raises, advocates argue more action is needed to retain and attract educators. Local supplements and incentives like National Board Certification can boost earnings, but significant disparities remain across districts. State officials maintain that future teacher pay increases are still on the table, even as the current budget lacks new raises.