Today, House Education Chairman Richard Bennett introduced HB 530, the House version of the teacher pay plan, or START Act. The bill, which increases substantially starting teacher pay and teacher pay overall, was taken up and passed in the Appropriations Committee. Chairman Bennett lauded the progress that Mississippi teachers have made in improving student achievement […]
House Teacher Pay Plan Brings More Good News Read More »
Today, Senate Education Chairman Dennis DeBar announced the Senate’s teacher pay raise plan. Making the announcement at the Stennis Capitol Press Forum, the chairman explained that the proposal reflects the concerns and priorities that teachers expressed in listening sessions he held around the state, as well as feedback provided to the Education Committee in its
Senate Announces Teacher Pay Raise Plan Read More »
Yesterday, the Mississippi Legislature convened the 2022 Legislative Session, one of the most important for public education in recent history. The leadership in both chambers has said that a teacher pay raise will be forthcoming. The size of that pay raise is critical. Do lawmakers have the political will to do whatever it takes to pass
2022 Legislative Session Has Begun Read More »
Mississippi teacher salaries are the lowest in the nation, causing teachers to work two or more jobs to pay their bills and contributing to a teacher shortage crisis. What do teachers themselves say about their low pay and its ripple effects on education in our state? Click here to see quotes from teachers across Mississippi.
What Do Teachers Themselves Say About Their Low Salaries? Read More »
Tonight will be teachers’ last chance to participate in the listening sessions being hosted by Senate Education Chairman Dennis DeBar. Chairman DeBar is asking educators to share their stories about how low teacher pay affects their lives and public education in Mississippi and any ideas they have about specific ways the compensation system can be improved.
Teachers: Last Listening Session with Chairman DeBar Tonight Read More »
Today, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) announced its budget recommendation for Fiscal Year 2023, the budget to be crafted in the legislative session that begins January 4, 2022. The JLBC is made up of six each Mississippi Senators and Representatives and led by the Lt. Governor and House Speaker. The committee’s budget recommendation is not
Legislative Budget Recommendation Snubs Teachers Read More »
As we look toward the 2022 Legislative Session, there is reason to be hopeful. And there is reason to be vigilant! The Senate is pushing for a significant teacher pay raise, but the House tax shift plan threatens to derail it. With your help, we can win the day for Mississippi teachers and children. That
We have so many reasons to be thankful! We are exceedingly thankful for the tireless teachers who, day in and day out, do whatever it takes to ensure that our children develop the skills they need to be successful – even when the world turns upside down. Our teachers’ jobs are exceptionally difficult and monumentally
First-year teachers in Mississippi are eligible to have a portion of their college loans repaid by the state. The Winter-Reed Loan Repayment Program was passed by the Mississippi Legislature earlier this year as part of an effort to recruit our best and brightest into the teaching profession. Teachers under contract in a school district designated as a
College Loan Repayment Program for First-year Teachers Read More »
The testimony at today’s Senate hearing on teacher pay provided legislators lots to think about as they consider how to adjust state law – including teacher compensation levels – to better recruit and retain teachers in Mississippi. You can watch the recording of the hearing at your convenience. Here are some takeaways from today:• Mississippi’s starting
Teacher Compensation Hearing Provides Food for Thought Read More »
