This varies wildly based on state. In my case, its more local based - its not even true state-wide, much less a general rule (and also minimum wage here is $7.25/hr). Teacher unions here are quite limited. But there’s a few districts with relatively academically demanding communities (aka: wealthier districts), and I’m guessing the areas around it basically are forced to compete for hiring.

where their minimum wage is still $7.25/hour so that’s less significant

Doesn’t change the comparison to adjuncts who don’t even make that due to all of the unpaid hours needed to do a good job.

That doesn’t make it good or acceptable pay. Especially given the training and everything that goes into it, like dealing with classrooms full of kids who often don’t want to be there.