U.S. Secretary of Education, John King Jr., recently visited Clifton Early Learner Academy, drawing national attention to the critical issue of early childhood education and teacher compensation. During his visit, King engaged with 4- and 5-year-old students, participating in activities like drawing and singing, yet the underlying purpose was deeply rooted in educational policy and equity.
King’s visit coincided with the release of a federal report highlighting a significant wage gap between K-12 and preschool teachers. Clifton Early Learner Academy stands out as a noteworthy public preschool program where educators are compensated on par with elementary school teachers, directly addressing this disparity.
“This commitment to equitable salaries is not just about fair wages; it’s a strategic investment in retaining talented educators and ensuring that early learning education is a viable and respected career path,” King stated, emphasizing the importance of valuing preschool teachers as much as their K-12 counterparts.
Across the United States, preschool teachers’ median wage is significantly lower, averaging $28,570 annually. This figure is approximately 55 percent of kindergarten teachers’ wages ($51,640) and 52 percent of elementary school teachers’ earnings ($54,890), according to the Department of Education’s data. This wage disparity places preschool teachers among the lowest-paid professions, even when compared to roles with less demanding educational requirements.
In New Jersey, the situation mirrors the national trend, with preschool teachers earning a median salary of $35,160, considerably less than kindergarten teachers ($61,350) and elementary school teachers ($63,960). However, Clifton Early Learning Academy offers a contrasting model. Thanks to federal grant funding aimed at enhancing and expanding high-quality preschool education, teachers at Clifton Early Learner Academy receive salaries equivalent to those of teachers in the broader school district.
Racquel Lima, a preschool teacher at Clifton Early Learner Academy and former middle school educator, believes that fair compensation is crucial for attracting and retaining qualified professionals in early childhood education. “Investing in early childhood education is the most impactful way to allocate resources. Fair salaries can empower more educators to dedicate their careers to shaping the youngest minds,” Lima commented during King’s visit.
New Jersey’s commitment to public preschool is evident through its substantial investment of over $600 million, supporting programs for more than 45,000 three- and four-year-olds in lower-income communities. A federal grant, providing $17.5 million annually for up to four years, further bolsters preschool initiatives in Clifton and other communities throughout New Jersey.
Public preschool teachers in New Jersey are required to hold state certifications, aligning their qualifications with teachers in other grades. This requirement, however, does not extend to preschool teachers in private institutions. Clifton Early Learner Academy’s approach to teacher compensation and qualification serves as an exemplary model for valuing and investing in early childhood education, highlighting the critical role preschool educators play in the educational ecosystem.
