Research finds that teachers are the most significant in-school factor for student success. And yet, most proposals around teacher compensation are just asking for “more of the same.' In 2023, BEST NC examined the root cause of teacher compensation and pipeline challenges, specifically the outdated step-and-lane salary schedule used in most states, which hinders our ability to recruit and retain the best and brightest to teach. Teacher Pay in North Carolina: A Smart Investment in Student Achievement is an extensive, first-of-its-kind report that examines how existing teacher pay structures fail to address decades-long shifts in our national workforce and are inadequate for meeting the personal and professional needs of teachers. Instead of “more of the same,” the report offers a specific set of research-based solutions that align teacher pay levels and structures with how other high-skilled professionals are compensated to attract top-tier talent, fill vacancies, and retain/motivate staff. With its grounding in national best practices for high-skilled employees, every state and district can find actionable research and recommendations to strengthen their compensation systems. Several of the report’s recommendations are already included in NC policy proposals this year, including funding Advanced Teaching Roles pay for teachers and front-loading the pay schedule.