ROCKWOOD TEACHERS STRUGGLE TO MAKE ENDS MEET WITH PAY THAT RANKS NEAR THE BOTTOM AMONG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTS
According to a recent survey, here's what teachers are saying about their pay:
"I have a Master's Degree and 18 years experience and my children are on free and reduced lunch."
"I have worked in the district for 29 years and still must work a side hustle to make ends meet."
"We are struggling for sure. I pick up extra tutoring on top of coaching two seasons. Current salary is forcing me to look at other districts whose teaching and coaching salaries far exceed ours."
PAY RANK NEAR THE BOTTOM
Rockwood's current teacher pay rate ranks near the bottom, compared to local school districts. In some pay levels, Rockwood is 20th, 21st, and 22nd out of 23 districts.
The chart below, and the survey, are part of the information Rockwood's teachers union is making available to illustrate teacher concerns, as they are currently negotiating their next contract with the district.
EXTRA JOBS
According to the teacher survey mentioned above, more than half (58.53%) said they currently coach a sport, sponsor an activity, do an extra duty, or work an additional job in order to augment their salary. You can see the full survey summary at the bottom of this post.
The low pay concerns come at a time when additional district expectations are placed on teachers, too, such as cleaning their own classrooms due to custodian shortages. And, all of this is in addition to more recent school safety concerns. Teachers today go through regular intruder drills.
ADMIN HEAVY?
People are asking in online discussions whether expenses could somehow be reduced elsewhere to help fund teacher raises.
Currently, Rockwood's annual budget shows the district has 119 administrators. They are paid an average of $128,048.00, according to Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
That means one administrator salary, on average, is enough to almost cover three first-year teacher salaries with a bachelor's degree, according to Rockwood's current teacher pay scale.
BETTER ELSEWHERE?
Rockwood teachers are worried. On social media, some are so frustrated, they're considering leaving Rockwood for a district that pays better.
20 districts in or near St. Louis County do that.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
"I have a Master's Degree and 18 years experience and my children are on free and reduced lunch."
"I have worked in the district for 29 years and still must work a side hustle to make ends meet."
"We are struggling for sure. I pick up extra tutoring on top of coaching two seasons. Current salary is forcing me to look at other districts whose teaching and coaching salaries far exceed ours."
PAY RANK NEAR THE BOTTOM
Rockwood's current teacher pay rate ranks near the bottom, compared to local school districts. In some pay levels, Rockwood is 20th, 21st, and 22nd out of 23 districts.
The chart below, and the survey, are part of the information Rockwood's teachers union is making available to illustrate teacher concerns, as they are currently negotiating their next contract with the district.
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| Source: RNEA (Rockwood's teachers union) |
Teachers are hoping to rally support from the community. Below is a chart showing there are some teacher pay levels that are below a living wage:
According to the teacher survey mentioned above, more than half (58.53%) said they currently coach a sport, sponsor an activity, do an extra duty, or work an additional job in order to augment their salary. You can see the full survey summary at the bottom of this post.
The low pay concerns come at a time when additional district expectations are placed on teachers, too, such as cleaning their own classrooms due to custodian shortages. And, all of this is in addition to more recent school safety concerns. Teachers today go through regular intruder drills.
ADMIN HEAVY?
People are asking in online discussions whether expenses could somehow be reduced elsewhere to help fund teacher raises.
Currently, Rockwood's annual budget shows the district has 119 administrators. They are paid an average of $128,048.00, according to Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
That means one administrator salary, on average, is enough to almost cover three first-year teacher salaries with a bachelor's degree, according to Rockwood's current teacher pay scale.
BETTER ELSEWHERE?
Rockwood teachers are worried. On social media, some are so frustrated, they're considering leaving Rockwood for a district that pays better.
20 districts in or near St. Louis County do that.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
If you agree that Rockwood teachers need a raise, let the district's school board know TODAY. The board ultimately approves or rejects any contract with the teachers' union.
You can email the board and Superintendent Dr. Cain at:
You can email the board and Superintendent Dr. Cain at:
board-of-education@rsdmo.org
caincurtis@rsdmo.org
caincurtis@rsdmo.org
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TEACHER SURVEY SUMMARY:
Annual Budget for 2024-2025 school year
TEACHER SURVEY SUMMARY:
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| Source: Rockwood teacher Note: RNEA = Rockwood National Education Association |
Annual Budget for 2024-2025 school year