I don’t know where is Missouri she is, but where I am in Springfield, she would be doing very well.
According to 2009 statistics, the median household income in Springfield was $30,831.
If fact, at $44,000 she wouldn’t be doing too bad in all of Missouri since the State median household income was $45,229.
I find that teachers don’t like to talk about their pay when you point out what others make.
I can only wish I made what they quote. There is a vast discrepancy in amounts teachers make. I am in the deep South and make 35K after 10 years. My degree is in the subject I teach not a basket weaving education degree. I agree a degree in education means nothing. I was in the private sector making 40k 15 years ago. My wife makes a very good private sector income so I could go into teaching.
No union. Pay for all benefits.