A study of all 50 states and Washington D.C. shows Oklahoma has a long way to go to reach the top ten in education. A new WalletHub report ranks the Sooner State as the 7th worst for teachers. In nearly all categories, Oklahoma ranks below average, and is 48th in spending on students. Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association President Patti Ferguson-Palmer says while educator salary hikes have helped some, spending on students is well below what is needed, and it must be a focus in the next legislature.
Even with the recent raises for teachers, Oklahoma still ranks 40th in average starting salary for educators and 38th in average teacher salaries.