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Lawmakers: New Mexico's Low Teacher Pay Hurts Recruiting

A New Mexico committee says the state's relatively low salary for teachers is hurting efforts to recruit and retain educators.

The New Mexican reports that an expert also told lawmakers on the Legislative Education Study Committee that teacher salaries nationwide are failing to keep pace with other professions, driving prospective teachers to look at other careers.

A report released by the committee Wednesday notes that New Mexico ranks 43rd in the nation for teacher pay levels. It says the national average pay for teachers is $58,064, while the average compensation in New Mexico is $47,163.

National Education Association chief economist Richard Sims told lawmakers that paying off student debt is a concern for teachers, who face lower starting salaries than most professions.

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