Texas lawmakers on Thursday are expected to debate an across-the-board raise for the state’s experienced educators.
Teacher Joshua Castille’s Advanced Placement African American Studies class at KIPP Oak Cliff Academy in Dallas on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. KIPP Oak Cliff Academy is one of only 60 schools in the country currently piloting the course.
Texas lawmakers on Thursday are expected to debate an across-the-board raise for the state’s experienced educators. A Senate hearing will delve into a proposal from Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, to pay thousands of extra dollars to teachers who put in time inside the classroom – especially in small districts. Creighton’s bill would give $10,000 to educators with five or more years experience who work in districts of fewer than 5,000 students. Experienced teachers in larger districts would get $5,500.“Texas educators dedicate their lives to shaping the next generation by showing up every day, ready to make a difference,” CreightonHis proposal also would expand the state’s teacher merit pay system and ensure districts provide teachers access to free pre-K for their children. Creighton promised additional bills to address classroom safety, educator training and contract protections. Together, he’s calling this package of legislation a Teacher Bill of Rights.To some teacher advocates, his plan doesn’t go far enough. They worry about the long-term sustainability of the funds and the narrow target for who gets raises.“We should not even be talking about merit pay until we raise the pay significantly for every teacher in the state,” said Clay Robison, spokesman for the Texas State Teachers Association. “Every teacher deserves – needs and deserves – more pay, not just a select few.” Gov. Greg Abbott named raising teacher pay one of seven emergency items for this legislative session. Abbott said he is in favor of growing Texas’ Teacher Incentive Allotment, the pay-for-performance system that’s also a cornerstone of Creighton’s plan. “This session, Governor Abbott will work with the legislature to increase teacher pay and invest $750 million to expand the Teacher Incentive Allotment, bringing more teachers into the merit pay program,” spokesman Andrew Mahaleris said in a statement.Both Republicans have touted the program as a pathway for teachers to earn six-figures. The incentive system — which is largely modeled on Dallas’ pay-for-performance program — rewards teachers who prove effective based on classroom observations and how well students improve on state tests. Just under half of Texas’ roughly 1,200 districts participate in the Texas Incentive Allotment. Less than 10% of the state’s more than 380,000 teachers were designated for bonuses through the program last year, according to state data. Of those, roughly 1,400 Texas teachers earned $100,000 or more. That’s less than 0.5% of educators in the state.Education Commissioner Mike Morath praised the outcomes of the state’s pay-for-performance model on Wednesday during a legislative hearing. He said the system boosted retention for skilled teachers, who can take home major bonuses. “You will have them in the classroom longer if you can increase the raises that they are given. That is the crux of a strategic change in compensation,” Morath said. As it stands, many school districts move educators up the salary ladder based on tenure and degrees. Teacher pay varies widely based on location, too.The average base pay for teachers was about $62,500 statewide last year. Those in rural districts often earned less than their counterparts in urban and suburban schools. Teachers continue to leave Texas classrooms at a higher rate than before the pandemic. The attrition rate last school year was roughly 12%. Creighton’s approach to teacher raises does not include a boost to the base amount of money per-student the state provides districts. This per-student allocation has sat at $6,160 since 2019. Public school leaders are pushing for an increase to this figure, which would allow them to raise salaries for teachers and support staff, as well as address other rising costs.The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas. The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Ron and Phyllis Steinhart, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks and the University of Texas at Dallas. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.Talia is a reporter for The Dallas Morning News Education Lab. A Dallas native, she attended Richardson High School and graduated from the University of Maryland. She previously covered schools and City Hall for The Baltimore Sun.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Texas Science & Natural History Museum Celebrates Wildlife at Texas Wildlife DayJoin the Texas Science & Natural History Museum for a day of fun and learning dedicated to the diverse wildlife of Texas, past and present. Explore engaging activities, meet fascinating creatures, and discover the wonders of Texas nature.
Read more »
Tramon Mark's buzzer-beating layup lifts Texas over Texas A&MTexas guard Tramon Mark scored a layup with four seconds left to secure a 70-69 victory over Texas A&M. The Longhorns overcame an 18-point halftime deficit, outscoring the Aggies in the second half. Tre Johnson led Texas with 30 points, while Wade Taylor IV paced A&M with 15.
Read more »
Tre Johnson Leads Texas Longhorns to Thrilling Comeback Win Over Texas A&MTexas Longhorns freshman guard Tre Johnson scored a career-high 30 points, leading the team to a 70-69 victory over the No. 13 Texas A&M Aggies. Johnson's performance, which included hitting all 10 of his free throws, made him the first Texas freshman to score 30+ points in a game since Kevin Durant in 2006-07. Coach Rodney Terry praised Johnson's ability to meet the high expectations he brought to Austin.
Read more »
Texas A&M's Heartbreaking Loss to Texas: Defensive Breakdown and Free Throw Woes Doom AggiesThe Texas A&M Aggies suffered a devastating loss to the Texas Longhorns in Austin, despite an impressive three-point shooting performance. The Aggies' defensive collapse and struggles at the free-throw line proved to be their undoing, allowing Texas to mount a remarkable 22-point comeback.
Read more »
New Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair to Discuss Priorities with The Texas TribuneTexas House Democratic Caucus chair, Rep. Wu, will join The Texas Tribune for a discussion on his party's priorities for 2025 and navigating a legislative session dominated by hardline Republicans.
Read more »
North Texas prepares for a hard freeze Thursday morningNorth Texas is preparing for a hard freeze after storms brought heavy rain and hail overnight Tuesday.
Read more »