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In Illinois, Some Teachers Earn Six-Figure Salaries

Though some schools' teachers make over $100k, the average compensation in Illinois is about $69,000.

More than half of the teachers in Illinois' District 113 earn at least $100,000 in total compensation because, as the district's school board president said, "You get what you pay for."

The last year has seen the issue of teacher compensation and pensions rise in public debate as school budgets are constrained by a poor economy and politicians looking to reform funding models.

$100k+ isn't the norm, writes the Chicago Sun-Times:

Statewide, 11.25 percent of high school teachers and 2.26 percent of elementary-grade teachers hit that mark. Statewide, the average elementary teacher made $61,140 - including all benefits, summer school pay, after-school stipends and retirement payouts. The average high school teacher took home $69,366.

About 1% of teachers in Chicago reach $100k in compensation.

District 113 isn't the only one with impressive compensation packages:

Dolton 149's average teacher salary topped that of No. 26 Northbrook/Glenview District 30, No. 28 Lincolnshire-Prairieview District 103; and No. 45 Winnetka District 36 - even though Dolton 149's average teacher experience of 12.5 years was less than each of those highly affluent districts.

District 149 officials and teachers alike make no apologies for their teacher salaries.

In contrast to 113, District 149 serves many low-income families and argues that paying for highly-skilled teachers is a necessary investment.

District 149's union head echoes that sentiment:

"...I don't believe that people should be comfortable having their children taught by low-paid teachers," Pedroni said. "I'm union president. I'm going to tell you - this is something that's important. You pay people what they are worth and you attract highly qualified people."