/It’s a first step’ $1,000 teacher pay raise moves forward in Senate

It’s a first step’ $1,000 teacher pay raise moves forward in Senate

A bill was passed by the Senate education committee that would grant a $1,110 raise for teachers during their first three years teaching and $1,000 to all teachers thereafter. Before the bill can be voted on by the Senate floor, it must pass the appropriations committee. Assistant teachers would see their salaries rise to $15,000. Lt. Gov. After the Senate adjourned, Delbert Hosemann, Education Committee chair Senator Dennis DeBar (R-Leakesville), and vice-chair Senator David Blount (D-Jackson) spoke to reporters. The pair were accompanied by teachers and leaders from teacher advocacy groups. They said that the $1,000 increase was only a beginning. Hosemann stated that this is just the first step in a potentially fast journey to get our teachers to a level of compensation in which they don’t have to make an economic choice whether or not to become teachers. DeBar stated that he and Blount plan to meet with teachers over the summer to discuss what the Legislature can do in Mississippi to raise the salaries of teachers to a livable wage. They will also continue working on the issue throughout the four-year legislative term. According to the Mississippi Department of Education, the average salary for a teacher in 2018-19 was $45,105. 35,890 is the average salary for a new teacher who has a bachelor’s degree and does not receive district supplements. This figure would rise to $37,000 if the Senate bill was passed. Last year, Mississippi teachers received a $1500 raise. Many felt that the increase was a rude shock. While pay raises were a major topic in the 2019 state elections and many people criticized the amount, education advocacy groups have acknowledged the Senate bill this year as a starting point. Kelly Riley, executive director, Mississippi Professional Educators, said, “Symbolically, this is a wonderful day for the Mississippi teachers.” “This amount won’t get us where we ultimately need, but it is a crucial first step.” Riley stated that this was the first year in a four-year term. “They are showing their commitment to public school teachers with Senate Bill 2001. Erica Jones, president of Mississippi Association of Educators, stated that many teachers work two or three jobs to make ends meet. This potential raise is at the very least a step in the right direction. Erica Jones, president of Mississippi Association of Educators said that “our educator’s voice during last year’s voting…They really wanted a teacher raise.” Although it is only $1,000 for the first year, the lieutenant governor expressed the need to have a multi-year pay plan. Hosemann stated that raises are possible for all state employees. Hosemann stated that while teachers are a good start, there are other state employees who are inadequately paid. “We will pay them raises from the bottom.”