Understanding Teacher Salary & Benefits

By Chadwick Brewer

​Understanding Teacher Salary & Benefits

Teacher "Benefits"

​Definition of "teacher benefits"

• comprehensive compensation packages provided to educators that are a significant part of job satisfaction

• includes salary, insurance options, retirement/investment options, & paid time off

  
  

Teacher Salary

​Definition of "teacher salary"

• fixed amount of compensation that an employer pays an employee for the work/job they complete

• $$$ provides financial stability

• covers your daily living costs

• salary "steps" increase as you gain years of experience

• salary also increases when "degrees" are acquired (Master's, EDS, Doctorate)

  
  

Multiple Choice

What is the starting pay for a certified teacher in Georgia at the T-4 level (bachelor's degree) in Whitfield County Schools?

• $35,000
• $45,000
• $50,000
• $48,090 yearly OR $4,007 monthly!

Teacher Benefits - Health Insurance

​What is "health insurance"?

• type of payment that provides financial protection against high cost for personal and/or family events

• access to high quality medical care

• teachers generally have great access to health insurance!

• State Health Benefit Plans! Can pick plan you need!

  
  

Multiple Choice

Which one of the following choices best describe the need to have "health insurance" coverage?

• To protect against high medical costs and ensure access to healthcare.
• To reduce the need for regular check-ups and preventive care.

2025 Average Medical Costs

• CT Scan - $280 up to $5,000

• MRI - $380 up to $4,000

• Child Birth - normal $2,500 up to $3,500

• Child Birth - C Section $3,000 up to $5,000

• Knee Replacement - $15,000 up to $75,000

• ER Visit - $50 up to $500

• Primary Care Doctor Visit - $100 up to $200 (copay)

  
  

Multiple Choice

What would the average adult pay in medical expenses out of pocket in 2025 without medical insurance?

• $3,000 to $3,500
• $8,000 to $9,000
• $5,500 to $6,000

Teacher Benefits - Dental Insurance

​Dental Insurance

• coverage that helps pay for routine dental care

• teeth cleanings & oral exams

• covers fillings & simple extractions (wisdom teeth)

• covers percentage of MAJOR care

  • root canal, crown, bridge, braces

    
    

Multiple Choice

What is the biggest reason to carry dental insurance for yourself and/or your family?

• To increase the cost of dental care for families.
• To reduce financial burden and ensure access to necessary dental care.

Teacher Benefits - Vision Insurance

​Vision Insurance

• compensation plan that helps cover routine eye exams, eyeglasses, & contact lenses

• some plans help with LASIK surgery

• separate from health insurance!

  • eye diseases & injuries under health insurance

    
    

Multiple Choice

What is "LASIK" surgery?

• LASIK is a laser eye surgery that corrects vision by reshaping the cornea.
• LASIK is a type of dental surgery.
• LASIK is a surgery to repair broken bones.
• LASIK is a procedure for weight loss.

Teacher Benefits - Flex Spending Account

​Definition of "flex spending account"

• FSA account allows employees to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars

• reduces your taxable income

• copayments, deductibles, prescriptions, some over the counter meds

• Issue - "Use It or Lose It!" No carry over to the next year!

  
  

Multiple Choice

What is the best benefit of opening a "flex spending account" after you become a teacher?

• Tax savings on eligible medical expenses.
• Increased salary for teachers.

Teacher Benefits - Life Insurance

​Definition of "Life Insurance"

• a contract between a person and an insurance company to pay out a financial payout to a designated beneficiary AFTER the insured person's death.

• pay a "premium" each month

• covers funeral cost, medical costs, income replacement...

  
  

Multiple Choice

What are some benefits of having a "life insurance" policy?

• Benefits of having a life insurance policy include financial protection for loved ones, debt coverage, funeral expense assistance, and potential cash value accumulation.
• Guaranteed income for retirement

Teacher Benefits - Retirement/Investment Accounts

​Explanation of "Retirement/Investment" Accounts

• special financial account (403B) used to save & invest money over time for future retirement income

• long term savings

• have investment options (mutual funds, stocks, bonds)

• contribute from your salary (your personal retirement account)

  
  

Multiple Choice

What are the benefits of contributing to a "retirement" account each month as an employee?

• Increased monthly expenses due to mandatory contributions
• The benefits include tax advantages, compound interest growth, employer matching contributions, and building a financial safety net for retirement.

Teacher Benefits - Georgia Teacher Retirement System

​Explanation of "TRSGA"

• financial pension plan that guarantees a monthly income for life upon retirement

• not dependent on stock market!

• funded directly from employees & employer school systems!

• established in 1943 to provide financial security for Georgia teachers!

  
  

Multiple Choice

What is the main reason the "Teacher Retirement System of Georgia" was created?

• To increase salaries for teachers in Georgia.
• To provide retirement benefits for educators in Georgia.

Teacher Benefits - Identity Theft Protection

​Definition of "Identity Theft Protection"

• provides protection from fraudulent use of your personal information

• monitors credit, dark web activity, & financial accounts

• secures your personal data, financial statements, & public records

• provides assistance to help resolve issues with financial institutions

• alerts you immediately if something is wrong!
  

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to have "identity theft protection" in 2025?

• It is important to have identity theft protection in 2025 due to increased risks from digital transactions and online data exposure.
• Identity theft protection is unnecessary in 2025 due to improved security measures.