The curriculum of the public school system in the U.S. is determined by local authorities under district or state control. Each state selects course texts and curriculum literature that reflect its learning standards. Different educational methods between states have their effects on how teaching and learning take place, resulting in inconsistencies nationwide. Thus, teachers play an important role in the overall quality of education. According to 2019 data, the number of teachers in elementary schools has been on a steady upward trajectory in the recent years, having a positive impact on the teacher to pupil ratio.
For those wishing to enter the teacher's profession, various benefits and a constantly improving work environment are offered. As of 2019, the average teachers' salary in the United States was one of the highest in the world. Teachers working in a public elementary school had an average salary of 85,889 U.S. dollars in the state of New York. Another positive aspect was the increasing expenditure on public and private elementary schools. As of 2017, expenditure per pupil had nearly doubled since 1998.
