Assigning a dollar amount to where, who, and what you teach.

By Lawrence Ross

Today's educational field is booming. Public schools are receiving more funding. Charter schools are on the rise, and private schools are expanding to meet a newly increased demand.

Teachers are in demand and, unlike the old days, salaries from $45,000 to $75,000 are not uncommon. A career as a teacher is increasingly tied to greater resources, better options, and the satisfaction of molding and inspiring the next generation.

But not all teaching salaries are created equal.

A teacher's salary is based on a number of factors. For example, inner city and rural schools are hiring teachers, but generally pay less and have fewer resources. And oftentimes, special education teachers receive higher pay, yet face greater challenges.

Here are some things to consider when determining where, who, and what you want to teach.

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Public Schools

Teachers who choose to teach in public schools tend to have higher salaries than their private school peers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average salary is $47,000.

Teaching in a public school also offers a number of benefits, like a more diverse student body. And there are plenty of job opportunities, particularly in the inner city and rural communities, although expect the pay in those areas to lag behind that of a suburban school.

Keep in mind that public school teachers must be certified, and have received a bachelor's degree.

If you're transitioning into teaching from a different field, there are likely many teaching certification programs available near you and also online.

Private Schools

Private school teachers often earn less than their public school counterparts, usually around $10,000 less, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

However, private school teachers do enjoy a greater control over what they teach their students and how they teach them. And also, private school teachers don't have to be certified.

A private school teacher should expect a smaller classroom, newer books, and better facilities. Also, private school students typically test to be admitted, so you'll teach students who generally achieve at a higher and more consistent level.

Charter Schools

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently of the public school system.

Many charter schools are free to try new educational methods in order to improve their student's learning, and they look for teachers who are of the same mindset. Each school has a charter, or an educational mission, which guides their efforts.

Teacher salaries can vary, depending on the charter school. Some schools follow the local school district guidelines, while other schools adjust their salaries according to their charter. That said, a typical charter school teacher's salary was $41,000 in 2007, according to the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). And just as the salaries vary, so do the certification requirements.

Location, Location, Location

With an increase in immigrant children entering the public schools, the South and West are experiencing the greatest need for licensed teachers, particularly bilingual ones.

States like Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Georgia will experience the largest enrollment increases, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, while the Midwest will remain steady and the Northeast will decline.

Because of overcrowding in inner city schools, and the retirement of teachers in rural schools, some school districts are offering bonuses. Still, rural states like South Dakota, Utah, North Dakota, and Mississippi have salaries that average around $40,000, according to AFT.

Large urban cities like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. have the highest average salaries, typically around $60,000.

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