Educators deserve our support

By Kristin Dassler-Alfheim

As kids and teachers alike head back to classrooms, we need to talk about the importance of Wisconsin’s educators and what we need to do to address teacher shortages and low long-term retention rates. 

One of the main causes of the teacher shortage is a lethal combination of low wages and burnout. A report released by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction shows that in inflation-adjusted dollars, the median teacher compensation in the state in 2024 had fallen by over $22,000 since 2010. The report also shows that although teachers are college-educated, their salaries have dipped below those of other college graduates. It’s no wonder half of them have left the classroom by their eighth year. 

Educator compensation and benefits are one of the biggest expenses for schools. Part of the problem is that the state has consistently been shortchanging public schools, forcing them to cut costs where they can. That means cutting programs and, as a last resort, cancelling pay raises and layoffs, which result in larger class sizes and overworked, underpaid teachers. To take care of the people taking care of our kids, we should start with ensuring proper state funding for our public schools. 

The majority of students are served by public schools, and the role that teachers play in these kids’ lives cannot be overstated. Wisconsin’s educators and kids deserve better – that’s why we must continue to fight for legislation that boosts funding for public schools and improves teacher retention rates. 

Dassler-Alfheim is the State Senator from District 18