For the third consecutive year, Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states narrowed the gap between national average teacher salaries and the region's average. The regional average for 1998-99 was 88.2 percent of the national average. A year earlier, it was 87.3 percent of the national average. The average increase for SREB states was 4 percent between 1997-98 and 1998-99, compared with a national increase of 2.9 percent. Support for states' salary goals significantly influences this trend. In the mid-1990s, Georgia set the goal of raising its average teacher salary to the national average by 1998-99. Georgia's 5-year increase of 29 percent was the largest increase nationwide. North Carolina continued its efforts to raise average teacher salary to the national average by increasing the minimum salary schedule and providing funds for mentor teachers, advanced or national certified teachers, and teachers and schools meeting or exceeding student performance goals. South Carolina continued supporting its longtime goal of maintaining salaries at the southeastern average. In 1998-99, Louisiana increased its average teacher salary by 8 percent; a combination of state funds earmarked for pay raises and locally approved increases. A chart presents estimated average teacher salaries in 1998-99 and state actions for 1999-2000. (SM)