CT's Ranking For Teachers May Surprise You

Connecticut ranks fifth in a recent study by WalletHub, "The Best and Worst States for Teachers." The study also noted that Connecticut's school systems rank third in the country.

North Dakota ranked as the best state for teachers followed by New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming. At the bottom of the list were Arizona, New Hampshire, and Hawaii.

Each state's ranking is influenced by two categories: "Opportunity and Competition," including salary, pensions, and tenure, and "Academic and Work Environment," including pupil-teacher ratio, quality of school systems, and teacher union strength.

Connecticut ranked third in Academic and Work Environment but 32nd in Opportunity and Competition.

The study notes that America's teachers are "overworked and underpaid," with teaching being one of the lowest-paying jobs that requires a bachelor's degree. A combination of job pressures, low pay, and lack of mobility means many leave education altogether.

"According to the National Education Association, about a fifth of all public-school teachers leave their positions within three years. Nearly half last fewer than five," the study reads.

However, the situation for educators differs widely depending on what state they're working in.

"In some states, however, teachers are more fairly paid and treated than in others," the study notes. "Those states are less likely to face a revolving door of teacher turnover."

Connecticut had two high schools in the top 200 in the country in this year's U.S. News & World Report rankings. The state also has eight other high schools in the top 500. The publication also ranked all 163 high schools in the state.

Overall, Connecticut's schools graduate 96.5 percent of students, which is one of the best percentages in the U.S.

Connecticut also has some of the best public colleges in the country. A recent study placed the University of Connecticut, Eastern Connecticut State University, and Central Connecticut State University in the top 200.