Research Highlights Arkansas as National Leader in Teacher Satisfaction; Early Evidence Links Rising Salary to Retention

Arkansas teachers report some of the highest levels of job satisfaction in the country, according to multiple recent surveys. The survey findings come as new evidence suggests that salary increases under the LEARNS Act are helping strengthen the state’s teacher workforce.

Across several national and state surveys, Arkansas teachers report high levels of satisfaction, positive workplace experiences and feelings of success:

• Arkansas ranked highest nationally on the Teacher Morale Index conducted by the EdWeek Research Center;
• 76% of Arkansas teachers say they are satisfied with their school as a place to work, compared to 69% nationally, according to Gallup; and
• 89% of teachers report being satisfied with their job, and 90% say they feel successful in their work, based on the Arkansas Teacher Working Conditions and Well-Being Survey conducted by the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas.

“These results show that Arkansas teachers report nation-leading levels of job satisfaction,” said Josh McGee, associate professor and Endowed Chair in Education Accountability and Transparency at the U of A. “While challenges like job-related stress remain, the survey points to the importance of strong school environments in shaping teachers’ experiences. To sustain and build on this progress, the state will need to continue investing in what matters most for teachers — from competitive pay to supportive school environments.”

The results come as Arkansas continues to implement major education reforms under the LEARNS Act, including significant increases in teacher pay.

Passed in 2023, the LEARNS Act raised the statewide minimum teacher salary from $36,000 to $50,000, guaranteed at least a $2,000 raise for all teachers and gave districts greater flexibility to structure compensation. Early evidence suggests these changes have meaningfully improved the state’s ability to recruit and retain teachers.

New research finds that the salary increases significantly boosted pay competitiveness — especially in rural and high-poverty districts — and improved teacher retention, particularly among those receiving the largest raises. At the same time, the research suggests these effects may be strongest in the short term and could diminish if salary gains are not sustained over time.

Importantly, the state’s high levels of teacher satisfaction and strong intent to stay in the profession are consistent with these improvements in retention. In the statewide survey, 91% of teachers said they plan to remain at their current school next year, and 89% said they are glad they chose teaching as a profession.

“Taken together, this research suggests that Arkansas is making meaningful progress in strengthening the teaching profession,” said Gema Zamarro, professor and Endowed Chair in Teacher Quality in the Department of Education Reform. “Improving compensation is an important part of that effort, but so are the day-to-day working conditions teachers experience in their schools. Continued investment across both areas will be key to sustaining this momentum.”