Every profession fulfills a specific role in society. Bankers handle our money, engineers design, doctors heal, and so on and so forth. Teachers, however, contribute to the lives of individuals in several different ways.
In the preliminary stages of our lives, teachers help in the development of decision-making and communication faculties. Even when people encounter any problems later in life, they often turn to teachers for advice.
It’s amply evident that the role of teachers in society is both valuable and significant. Teaching can be an extremely rewarding profession, as it gives one an opportunity to encourage creative thought and kindle inspiration in young minds. But there are many additional benefits and perks of going into this profession.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the benefits of teaching that will hopefully convince the Alabama teachers of tomorrow to take up this profession.
Why You Should Consider Teaching in Alabama
Alabama Teachers’ Salaries and Other Benefits
When it comes to the typical perks of teaching, people usually talk about:
- The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people.
- Training the next generation of leaders.
- Ample vacation time, and more.
While these perks are important, there are numerous other benefits of teaching in Alabama too. The state of Alabama is known to place a high value on the contributions of teachers. It believes in providing them with all the safety nets and assurances they need to stay in the system.
Taking up the teaching profession in Alabama will allow one to enter into a government program that will help them in preparing for their future.
Average Salary of Teachers in Alabama
As of June 2022, the average salary of a teacher in a public school in Alabama is around $51,525. It usually starts at around $43,038 and can range up to $62,826. However, the salary range can also differ from one city to another. The Alabama teachers’ salary is also dependent on a host of other factors like certifications, education, additional skills, and years of experience in the profession.
Affordable Health Insurance for Teachers in Alabama
If one gets employment as a teacher in any of Alabama’s school districts, they will be eligible for the PEEHIP or Public Education Employees Health Insurance Plan. Administered by the Blue Shield and Blue Cross of Alabama, the PEEHIP covers both individuals and their families. The overall deductible for major medical services for individuals is around $300, while it is around $900 for families. These medical services include everything besides:
- Physician Appointments
- Preventative Care
- Balanced-bill charges
- Most types of co-pays
PEEHIP also helps in making prescription drugs more affordable for teachers. For a 30-day supply of generic drugs, teachers only end up incurring a $6 co-pay. It extends to $12 for a 90-day supply.
As for the preferred brand drugs, the cost will be around $40 for a 30-day supply and $80 for a 90-day supply. Some of the medical benefits and procedures that are not covered by PEEHIP are:
- Acupuncture
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Glasses for Children
- Dental Care
- Hearing Aids
- Routine Eye Care
- Long-term Care
- Weight Loss Problems.
While basic plans do not cover these services, teachers are given the option of certain additional add-on plans for cancer, vision, and dental.
Retirement Benefits for Teachers in Alabama
Retirement benefits are very important for securing your future. When one gets employment as a teacher in Alabama, they are automatically enrolled in the Alabama Teachers Retirement System (TRS). This statewide retirement plan is designed specifically for teachers, and using this; teachers can contribute a part of their monthly earnings into a fund. This fund will then pay for their retirement income.
Since 2012, this program became mandatory for teachers, and it requires them to pay around 7.5 percent of their pay to the program each month. Once the teacher’s employment is terminated and they are eligible for employment, the TRS starts paying the retirement funds in monthly increments.
Alabama states the following conditions for retirement eligibility: 62 years or older, with around 10 years of service. Or 25 years of service or more at any age.
Conclusion
Teaching is a profession that will always be in high demand. This means that if one ends up taking this career route, they would not have to struggle to find jobs. The teaching profession also provides individuals more room to develop, progress, and earn more. In fact, there are many teachers who go on to take counseling, social work, and several other respectable roles later in their lives.
