The Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy today issued its State of the State of Florida report, which compares Florida’s education, health and human services, and tax fairness with other states. Among the organization’s findings: In 2009-2010, teachers salaries in the Sunshine State ranked 37th in the United States.

The Sun-Sentinel today reported that:

The Broward County School District last year paid about 34 of its painters and 24 of its roofers at least $59,000 – more per day than it paid teachers with 16 years of experience.

Seventeen stock clerks earned $52,000 or more, while 18 grass cutters and three pest-sprayers were paid about $50,000 – each making more per day than most 10-year teachers.

Taxpayers also paid two mail clerks about $49,000, more per day than many 7-year teachers.

A National Education Association December 2010 report (.pdf) shows that teachers’  salaries in Florida ranked 34th in 2008-2009 ($46,921). In 2009-2010,  that salary ranked 37th, dropping to $46,708. The U.S. average public school teacher salary for that same year was $55,202.

The report also indicates that:

• Over the decade from 1999–2000 to 2009–10, in constant dollars, U.S average salaries for public school teachers increased 3.5 percent. That average for Florida public school teachers during that same period was -0.3 percent.

• The U.S. average one-year increase in public school teacher salaries from 2008–09 to 2009–10 was 1.7%. In that same category Florida teachers average was -0.5 percent.