The Link Between School Funding and Teacher Quality

5 July 2025

Education is the backbone of society—without it, progress stagnates. But have you ever wondered why some schools thrive while others struggle to keep the lights on? It often comes down to one thing: funding. And when schools lack funding, teacher quality is one of the first things to suffer.

Teachers are the heart of the education system. They inspire, empower, and shape the future leaders of the world. But without proper support, even the most passionate educators can only do so much. So, how does school funding impact teacher quality? Let’s break it down.

Why Does School Funding Matter?

Funding determines almost everything in a school—class sizes, resources, technology, extracurricular activities, and, most importantly, teacher salaries and training. When schools receive adequate funding, they can attract and retain high-quality teachers, provide professional development, and create better learning environments for students.

On the flip side, underfunded schools struggle with outdated textbooks, overcrowded classrooms, and burnt-out teachers who are stretched too thin. Unfortunately, this directly impacts student performance and future opportunities.

How Does School Funding Affect Teacher Quality?

1. Competitive Salaries Attract Better Teachers

Let’s be real—no one becomes a teacher to strike it rich. But fair compensation matters. When teachers are paid well, schools can recruit the best candidates and keep experienced educators in the classroom.

In wealthier school districts, teachers often earn higher salaries and receive better benefits, making teaching a more attractive long-term career. Meanwhile, underfunded schools frequently lose talented educators to better-paying opportunities, leading to high turnover rates and inexperienced teachers stepping in to fill the gaps.

2. Professional Development Improves Teaching Skills

Imagine trying to do your job without any training or opportunities to improve. Sounds frustrating, right? That’s exactly what many teachers experience in underfunded schools.

Ongoing professional development is key to keeping teachers up to date with new teaching methods, technology, and strategies for engaging students. Schools with more funding can invest in workshops, training programs, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring teachers grow in their roles and provide the best possible education.

Without these resources, teachers are often left to figure things out on their own, leading to burnout and frustration.

3. Better Resources Lead to Better Teaching

A teacher can be brilliant, but if they don’t have the right tools, their students will struggle. Picture a chef without proper ingredients—it doesn’t matter how skilled they are; the dish just won’t turn out right.

Well-funded schools can afford modern textbooks, smart boards, science lab equipment, updated computers, and more. These resources allow teachers to create engaging lessons that keep students interested and motivated.

In contrast, teachers in low-income schools often have to rely on outdated materials, making it harder to provide a quality education. Some even spend their own money—which they don’t have much of—to buy essential supplies for their students. That’s how dedicated they are, but it shouldn’t have to be this way.

4. Smaller Class Sizes Improve Student Outcomes

Ever tried to have a meaningful conversation in a crowded room? It’s nearly impossible. That’s what teaching feels like in an overcrowded classroom.

When schools don’t have enough funding, they can’t hire enough teachers, leading to larger class sizes. This makes it harder for teachers to give students individual attention, identify struggling learners, or offer tailored support.

Smaller class sizes, on the other hand, allow for more one-on-one time, better classroom management, and stronger student-teacher relationships. That’s a game-changer when it comes to learning.

5. Teacher Retention Ensures Stability

A school with constant teacher turnover is like a house built on sand—unstable and unpredictable. Students thrive when they have familiar, experienced teachers guiding them year after year.

Unfortunately, many teachers in underfunded schools leave after just a few years due to low pay, lack of support, and overwhelming workloads. This creates a revolving door of inexperienced teachers, making it difficult to maintain a consistent quality of education.

On the other hand, schools with stable funding can provide better salaries, professional support, and manageable workloads—leading to higher teacher retention rates and a more reliable learning environment for students.

The Harsh Reality: The Funding Gap

Now, you might be wondering—why don’t all schools have enough funding? The truth is, school funding is often tied to local property taxes, meaning wealthier areas get better-funded schools, while lower-income communities struggle to provide even the basics.

This creates a vicious cycle where students in underfunded schools—many of whom are from marginalized communities—don’t receive the same opportunities as those in affluent areas. And since education is one of the biggest factors in economic mobility, this funding gap perpetuates inequality for generations.

How Can We Solve This?

So, what’s the solution? While there's no quick fix, here are a few critical steps:

- Increase state and federal funding for under-resourced schools – Relying on local property taxes only widens the gap. More equitable funding policies can make a big difference.
- Advocate for teacher salary increases – Paying teachers fairly helps schools attract and retain the best educators.
- Invest in professional development – Better training leads to better teaching, which directly benefits students.
- Support policies that promote equal education opportunities – Voting for leaders and policies that prioritize education funding can spark real change.
- Encourage community involvement – Parents, businesses, and local organizations can help provide additional resources and support where needed.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, education shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a right. Every child, no matter where they live or how much money their parents make, deserves access to high-quality teachers and a strong education system.

Investing in schools means investing in the future. When we adequately fund education, we empower teachers, uplift students, and build a better, more equitable society for everyone.