The Nation - News from Aug. 2, 1987

Educators continued regaining ground they had lost to inflation in the 1970s as the average salary of public schoolteachers reached a record $26,698 in 1986-87, giving them their greatest purchasing power since 1971-72, the American Federation of Teachers reported. Six percent increases expected in the next school year will push the salary figure above $28,000, the union said. The drive to improve education has caused average starting salaries to rise even faster, by 7.1% to $17,800, a salary survey showed. In some states, including California, starting salaries topped $19,000.