Compare Teacher Salaries in Santa Cruz

Debating if public school teachers are over- or under-paid is a hot topic whenever cuts to education funding loom or student test scores are released.

Statewide, the average teacher salary declined slightly during the 2011-12 academic year to $68,531, the Bakersfield Californian reported.

A new online comparison tool lets the public compare average teacher salaries by school district, revealing that Santa Cruz teacher salaries lag behind the average teacher pay in California.

Overall, Santa Cruz County educators are below the state average.

But the California Teachers Association doesn't put much stock in the comparison tool. Teacher salary scales are configured with formulas that take into account years of experience and education level, but many young and early-career teachers have been laid off due to budget cuts in recent years.

California public school teachers make 16.1 percent less than other college graduates, according to the California Teachers Association. The disparity increases for those with master's degrees.

How much do you think teachers should be paid in Santa Cruz? Tell us in the comment section below.