from $14,000 to $21,000. That’s $7,000 a year that would, other things equal, be showing up in teacher paychecks.
Addressing this tangle of issues requires a good-faith bargain—one Harris doesn’t attempt. There are win-win opportunities here. But they require a willingness to rethink how teachers are paid and school dollars are spent. Keep in mind that after-inflation, K–12 spending has grown by 400 percent over the past 50 years—yet few would argue that it has delivered satisfactory teacher pay, much less the results we would hope to see in schools.
As Harris accurately notes, teachers in many states deserve a raise. For instance, in one-third of states, the average teacher earns less than $50,000 a year. Terrific teachers are woefully underpaid and, certainly in those states, average pay should be higher. The argument that teachers in such states deserve a major pay bump—something like 15 to 20% over the next few years—has gained currency even with Republican legislators who might normally be skeptical.
One problem is that schools right now don’t have a track record of using new funds to make the teaching profession more professional. In fact, and not by choice, many terrific teachers will spend this summer bartending or painting houses.
While taxpayers will need to do their share, it’s equally necessary to overhaul anachronistic, hugely expensive pension systems. Former Obama administration education official Chad Aldemanthat, as a share of total compensation, teacher retirement benefits cost twice as much as those for other workers. Bringing teacher retirement costs into line with those of other workers would translate to a five percent salary increase.
If this was based on performance outcomes of students, go for it! Wait! That would never happen because of the NEA and state / local unions!
Forbes is really taking a negative stance and belittling Kamala Harris for her plan to raise teachers salaries. My question is why didn’t Forbes take the time to vett Donald Trump and point out that he’s a White Supremacist when he announced his presidential candidacy.
Increasing teachers pay will not help our education system but it will attract freeloaders just looking for a paycheck.
Have you seen the pension benefits they receive?Huge
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