Public and Elite Perceptions of Teacher Compensation in Michigan

• In Event: Politics of Teacher Preparation, Employment, and Retention

Abstract

This study examines public and policy elite opinions on teacher compensation in Michigan. Using data from two surveys, we investigate support for increasing teacher salaries and various policies to do so. Preliminary findings reveal strong support for raising teacher salaries, particularly for new teachers. Using data that will be collected in fall 2024 we explore support for different policies to increase teacher salaries to understand the political viability of different policies. Our research contributes to research on this topic by focusing on state-level opinions, crucial in Michigan where state policy significantly influences teacher salaries, to provide policymakers with insights into politically viable strategies around teacher compensation and help researchers understand the success/failure of different policy proposals in this area.

Authors

• Jason Burns, Education Policy Innovation Collaborative

• Madeline Mavrogordato, Michigan State University

• Shane Turnage, Michigan State University