The Heart of America: A Community Like No Other
The Midwest is more than just the heartland of America—it’s a region where communities thrive, traditions run deep, and opportunities for educators are everywhere. With affordable living, strong community ties, and a growing demand for teachers, living here offers a fulfilling career path for those passionate about shaping the next generation and teaching in the Midwest. If you are interested in relocating to the Midwest but wondering what advantages come with living here, we have the tools to help support you through that decision.
Affordability Meets Quality of Life
One of the most compelling reasons to teach in the Midwest is the region’s unmatched affordability, which allows educators to enjoy a high quality of life while pursuing a meaningful career. The Midwest boasts some of the lowest costs of living in the United States, with states like Iowa, Missouri, and Indiana consistently ranking among the most affordable. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), the Midwest’s cost of living index averages below the national standard, with housing, transportation, and healthcare being particularly affordable, making Missouri the sixth most affordable place to live as of 2024.
This affordability translates to greater financial stability for teachers, allowing them to focus on their classrooms without the financial stress often associated with urban or coastal regions. Additionally, cities like Kansas City have been recognized for their family-friendly amenities and vibrant cultural scenes, further enhancing the quality of life for educators. For teachers entering the profession, these benefits make the Midwest an ideal region to live and work.
Teacher Salaries in Missouri
Teacher salaries vary depending on many factors. If you have the flexibility to move, you can review the pay scales of different states and districts. The reality is that teacher pay can vary a lot, so you must take the time to review teachers’ salaries. Once you have decided to be in education, there are many options to choose from when trying to increase your pay while teaching.
- Pursue Advanced Education and Certifications
- Take on Extra Duties at school,like coaching
- Explore Online Teaching and Tutoring
- Advocate for Better Pay and Benefits
These are just some of the areas we highlight as great options for boosting your salary while you are teaching in the Midwest. To read up on our options in detail, check out How to Make More Money as a Teacher in Missouri.
A Growing Need for Educators
It’s no secret that states are taking action to combat the teacher shortage and working to ensure that their education system remains intact and strong. Cities like Chicago and Lincoln are addressing teacher shortages by integrating internationally trained immigrants and refugees into the education system, enhancing diversity and community engagement. In Missouri, programs like the Teach St Louis, LEC, and The Educator Academy are working to recruit, prepare, and retain teachers in the classroom by providing community resources to eliminate barriers. With this growing need for teachers in the region, you’ll be joining an expanding industry of education professionals.
Midwestern states actively implement strategies to combat teacher shortages, including financial incentives, licensure reforms, and professional development opportunities. For example, Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MoDESE) has identified critical certification areas and focuses on recruitment and retention efforts to address these needs.
Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity in Midwestern Classrooms
The Midwest boasts a robust, diverse cultural landscape that is growing every day. The 2020 census shows nearly every midwestern state growing in size. Classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse, reflecting broader demographic shifts across the United States. This ever-increasing diversity presents opportunities and challenges for educators committed to fostering inclusive learning environments.
In Wisconsin, for example, high schools are actively pursuing diversity through equity frameworks, diverse curricula, and inclusive hiring practices, all aimed at creating welcoming learning environments. Rufus King International High School in Milwaukee stands out as one of the most diverse high schools in the state, designed as a magnet school to attract a diverse range of students.
Institutions like the University of Illinois Chicago have launched initiatives such as the Inclusive Classroom Initiative to support educators in this evolving landscape. This program is designed to help faculty intentionally construct classroom environments that encourage the learning and well-being of all students, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in educational settings.
Furthermore, research indicates that students of color taught by teachers from similar racial and ethnic backgrounds experience improved test scores, attendance, high school graduation rates, and social and emotional well-being. This further underlines the need for more teachers from diverse backgrounds in the region.
The Midwest offers a strong balance of urban and rural opportunities, making people from big or small towns feel at home. By embracing cultural diversity and implementing inclusive teaching practices, Midwestern educators can create enriching educational experiences that prepare all students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
Professional Development and Growth Opportunities
Becoming an educator provides limitless opportunities for development and growth. Teachers continue to grow in their craft through various professional development opportunities throughout their careers. Most school districts require that schools participate in professional development days. Most cities also have organizations catering to education and local, state, or national conferences.
In Missouri, two educational conferences in Kansas City are Amplify and The Summit. The Summit, hosted by The Educator Academy, is an annual conference where our programming lifts the good happening in education and empowers educators to make changes for education moving forward. Yearly, educators around Kansas City Metro meet and fill their cups with sessions to restore, rejuvenate, and reignite their passion for teaching in the Midwest.
Making an Impact Where It Matters Most
The Midwest is often called “flyover country,” but it plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation. With over 10 million students enrolled in schools across the region in 2024, the Midwest accounts for 20% of the nation’s youth. This significant percentage underscores the importance of dedicated educators who can positively influence the lives of countless students in the heartland.
Midwestern students come from various backgrounds, with many attending schools in rural or small-town settings. These areas often face unique challenges, such as limited resources and teacher shortages. According to the Learning Policy Institute, rural districts experience some of the highest levels of teacher vacancies in the nation, with Midwestern states like Missouri and Kansas ranking among those with critical shortages. By choosing to teach in the Midwest, educators can make a profound difference where it’s needed most, helping to close resource gaps and provide opportunities for students who might otherwise be underserved.
Additionally, Midwestern schools play a pivotal role in preparing students for a diverse and interconnected world. Teachers in the region often lead the charge in fostering community-focused learning, emphasizing collaboration, and building skills that resonate beyond the classroom. This impact is far-reaching, with Midwestern students contributing to local economies, cultural development, and global innovation as they grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
Teaching in the Midwest is more than just a career; it’s a chance to make a lasting difference for millions of students who will shape the future of their communities and beyond. With its affordability, supportive communities, growing demand for educators, and diverse cultural landscapes, the Midwest is a region where educators can thrive personally and professionally. By choosing to teach here, you’re investing in your future and contributing to the next generation’s success in one of the most impactful regions in the country.
If you’re ready to make a difference, explore how The Educator Academy can help you start or advance your teaching journey in the Midwest. From training and certification programs to ongoing support, we’re here to help you turn your passion for education into a transformative career.