Math, science teachers get paid less, report says

Researchers at the University of Washington have found that despite the spoken commitment of state officials and lawmakers, math and science teachers earn less than other high-school instructors.

In a report released Wednesday, the Center on Reinventing Public Education found that 19 of the state's 30 largest school districts pay math or science teachers less than they spend on teachers in other subjects.

The way Washington and many other states pay teachers — with more money going to those with more years of experience and graduate degrees — has led to the uneven salaries.

Jobs that pay better at nearby high-tech companies may also be a contributing factor, because math and science teachers may be recruited away before they have a chance to reach the higher rungs on the pay ladder, said Jim Simpkins, a researcher on the report, with Marguerite Roza and Cristina Sepe.

The researchers found a lot of variety among school districts, and Simpkins said he noticed that several districts near Microsoft, including the state's largest in Seattle, have science and math teachers with at least 20 percent less teaching experience than those in other subjects.

More than a third of Seattle's math and science teachers have less than five years of teaching experience. This indicates greater turnover and likely competition from private industry.

Some districts pay high-school math and science teachers up to 8 percent more than other teachers, including Tacoma, Central Kitsap and Bellevue.

The report suggests a salary schedule tied to labor market value might result in math and science teachers being paid more than peers.