Recent legislation enabled Texas educators to receive an average raise of $3,800 for those with five or fewer years as educators and $5,200 for those with more than five years. | pixbay
A new report from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) showing that House Bill 3 has led to significant pay increases for teachers around the state.
The average pay increases for teachers who have been working in their districts for five years or less was $3,800 annually, while the average raise for teachers with greater than five years working in their districts was $5,200 annually, according to a release from the office of Gov. Greg Abbott.
"Thanks to the historic legislation we passed last session, Texas teachers are already seeing a significant increase in their pay. When Texas students graduate, we want them to receive more than a diploma – but also the knowledge and skills they need to excel in college or a career," Abbott was quoted as saying in the release. "Thank you to Chairman Larry Taylor and Chairman Dan Huberty for leading the way on this critical issue, and thank you to Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dennis Bonnen, and members of the Legislature who supported this bill.
Abbott said that the pay increases will help with retaining and recruiting quality educators and in ensuring a good education for students across the state, according to the release.
"The State of Texas will continue to enhance our education system and provide a quality education for every Texas student, regardless of zip code," Abbott was quoted as saying in the release.
Texas House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) credited the dedication of his fellow legislators to ensuring the state's educators are paid what they deserve.
"On day one of 86th Legislature, I declared school finance reform to be the top priority for Texas House members because our education system deserved serious, meaningful changes that would transform the lives of students and teachers," Bonnen was quoted as saying in the release. "House Bill 3 put those objectives into action by finally compensating Texas educators like the professionals they are and by equipping school districts across the state with the resources to attract and retain the best and brightest teachers in our schools. This report is proof that it’s working."
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