#48. That’s where S.C. ranks among the Best States for Education (both pre-k-12 + higher ed taken into account) – only coming ahead of Louisiana and New Mexico. With 763,189 students + ~48,000 teachers across 1,262 public schools in S.C., the Palmetto State has the #31 largest school system in the nation.

So why are our education rates so low? And where does the Midlands stand within all this? With 78 total public schools, Columbia actually has the most public schools in state. And Lexington-Richland School District No. 5 is ranked the #2 best district in a list of the 2019 Best Schools Districts in S.C. Fort Mill School District ranked #1.

We asked y’all what teaching was like in Columbia, and here’s what some of you said:

“Working as a professional in education in the midlands is like being part of a giant family where everyone seems to know everyone and you are always greeted with a smile.” –12 year Midlands teacher

“...We are now asked to teach large groups of students, provide multiple sets of data, provide guidance lessons on the classroom level due to the number of kids who are anxious and disruptive, and are asked to spend at least 10 extra hours a week to work. Teaching is tough and I do wish we were compensated. I spend $2,000 of my own money a year for materials, books, and supplies. People don’t understand.” –20 year Midlands teacher

“We could do a lot more to help out those who are just starting out in their career so that they don’t get overwhelmed and burnt out. We generally want to feel more valued and that our time matters.” –local public high school teacher

We also did a little more research of our own, and here’s what we found out:

Show me the money

According to the National Education Association (NEA), a starting teacher’s salary is $33,057 in S.C. (the national average is $38,617). A S.C. teacher with 10+ years of experience and a doctorate degree can make up to $65,000. S.C’s average teacher salary is ~$51,000 (ranking #33 in the nation). To put all of this into perspective, according to Glassdoor.com, a Verizon Store manager makes $56,698+ and the average Chilli’s manager salary is $49,775. New York is #1 in teacher pay ranking – coming in at an average pay of $78,576. And Oklahoma comes in last at $39,306.

Governor McMaster recently released his proposed 2019-2020 state budget, which included a 5% pay raise for teachers (costing about ~$155 millon).

Show me the funding

S.C. public schools are funded by 15 different entities (a combination of both state + local sources) as well as ~36 programs devoted solely to education funding. But even with all this help, funding for S.C. K-12 schools is ~$500 per student less than is required by law (which is $2,959). Nationally, schools spend an average of $11,392 per student every year, while schools in S.C. spend an average of $2,485 per student. According to a report, S.C. schools haven’t been fully funded since 1998.

Also part of McMaster’s proposed budget, he included a $10 increase to spending per student (costing ~$31 million).

As a daughter, sister + best friend to 3 different S.C. teachers, I have a deep appreciation for what they do day-in and day-out. Such a noble job deserves far more credit that it’s given.

One reader even wrote us to say teaching is “...one of the most rewarding careers in the world. Every single day in this profession, we as teachers get to change the world and make a difference in the lives of young people, but those young people also make a difference in our lives as well.” And I couldn’t agree more.

Are you a teacher? If you didn’t get a chance to email us your experience, let us know what it’s like to teach in S.C. by emailing hello@colatoday.com

–Sam