Weekly Address — June 20, 2019

From the historic hallways of the most beautiful state Capitol in our nation, this is Senator Keith Ingram.

The state Board of Education has approved a range of salary increases for teachers, beginning in the fall.

Over the next four years, minimum salaries for teachers will increase by about $1,000 a year.

By the school year of 2022-2023, all public school teachers with a bachelor’s degree will earn at least $36,000 a year.

For comparison, the current minimum salary for teachers is $31,400 a year.

Raising teacher pay was one of the priorities of the legislature during this year’s regular session.

Legislators approved a $60 million distribution of state aid to school districts that will have to raise minimum salaries.

Districts that already pay teachers at least $36,000 will not receive any of the $60 million. Others will receive half a million dollars, or as little as a few thousand dollars. It depends on what their current minimum teacher salaries are.

Teachers who have a master’s degree will also benefit. Right now, their minimum salary is $36,050 per year. Over the next four years, it will climb to $40,650.

Keep in mind that the minimum salaries I’ve mentioned are for beginning teachers with no experience.

Teachers with experience will also benefit from the increase. For example, a teacher with a bachelor’s degree who has five years’ experience now earns at least $33,650. Over the next four years, that minimum salary will go up to $38,250.

Paying our teachers is an investment in the future. Good teachers make good schools, and good schools make good communities.

From the Capitol, it is always my great honor and sincere privilege to serve you as your state Senator. This is Keith Ingram.