Teaching In A Blue State
Salary, Certifications & the Reality of Public Education
$53K – $120K+
In this episode we explore what it's really like to teach in a blue-state public school with Amy Brownstein Lum, a literacy specialist in San Francisco, California. Amy explains how she helps struggling readers, what certifications are required, how teacher salaries compare to the high cost of living, and the biggest challenges facing public education today—from staffing shortages to school budgets and politics.
What you'll learn in this episode:
What a literacy specialist actually does — and how it differs from special ed
How Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading certifications work
Why teacher credential programs don't prepare you to teach reading
What California teachers earn at entry level, mid-career, and peak
How much literacy specialists can earn tutoring on the side ($100+/hr)
The teacher shortage in San Francisco and what's behind it
How ICE preparedness affects public schools with undocumented students
The financial mismanagement that has put SFUSD in a state-monitored deficit
What's different about teaching in a blue state vs. a red state
How much can you earn?
Salary in San Francisco Unified is determined by education level (units above a bachelor's degree) and years of experience. Voter-approved add-on propositions can add roughly $7,000 per year on top of base salary.
Entry level (bachelor's + 30 units): ~$53,562 base
With 60+ units above bachelor's (master's or equivalent): ~$81,700
After 14 years: $93,623 (holds for 3 years, then increments every 3 years)
Voter add-on propositions: ~$7,000/year additional
Private tutoring (Orton-Gillingham / Wilson certified): $100+/hr
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FAQ
How much does a literacy specialist make in California?
In San Francisco Unified, a teacher with a bachelor's degree plus 30 units starts at roughly $53,562. With 60 or more units above a bachelor's (usually a master's), the base is $81,700. After 14 years of experience, salary reaches $93,623 and steps every three years from there. Voter-approved add-on propositions can add approximately $7,000 per year on top of base.
Do teachers in San Francisco get paid more than other cities?
Yes, salaries are generally higher due to cost of living, though this is often offset by housing and living expenses.
What are the highest-paying jobs in education?
School administrators, instructional coordinators, and specialized education roles (like special education or STEM teachers) tend to earn the most.
Can teachers earn extra income outside the classroom?
Yes. Many teachers supplement income through tutoring, summer programs, curriculum writing, or consulting.
What qualifications do you need to become a teacher in California?
A bachelor’s degree, a teaching credential, and often student teaching experience are required. Additional certifications can increase earning potential.
What is Orton-Gillingham and who is it for?
Orton-Gillingham is a structured, multi-sensory approach to teaching reading and writing developed about 100 years ago. It was designed for students with dyslexia or phonological learning difficulties and is used worldwide. Many specific reading programs — including Wilson Reading — are built on its philosophy. Certification typically comes through a training program offered by a district or accredited provider.
How much can a literacy specialist earn tutoring?
A literacy specialist certified in Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading can earn $100 or more per hour working with students privately, particularly in high-cost-of-living markets like San Francisco. Rates depend on expertise and clientele. Many teachers tutor after school or during summers to supplement their income.
What is the difference between a literacy specialist and a special education teacher?
A literacy specialist (also called a reading interventionist) works with students who are below grade level in reading and writing or who may be on the dyslexic continuum but have not yet received a formal learning disability diagnosis. They are not special ed teachers — their role is to bridge the gap between general education and special education and help students stay in the general ed setting.
Is there a teacher shortage in San Francisco?
Yes. SFUSD has classrooms without permanent teachers while simultaneously facing budget cuts that are reducing support staff and specialists. The district is also under state financial oversight due to years of budget deficits and mismanagement.
Do public schools in California have to prepare for ICE?
Yes. San Francisco public schools have received training on how to handle immigration enforcement situations on or near campus. Staff have been instructed not to answer ICE questions directly and to refer agents to the school office. Many schools serve undocumented students and families.
How many years does it take to become a literacy specialist?
There is no single path. Amy began as a classroom teacher with a musical theater background, earned a teaching credential, and pursued her literacy certifications — Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading, and Reading Recovery — over 25 years in the field. Most certifications require training programs rather than additional degrees, though Reading Recovery requires college-level coursework.
This show first aired in 2025.