In response to an increase in teacher salaries during a time when most state budgets are being cut, the Texas State Teachers Association demanded better raises next year and threatened to campaign against any state leader who doesn’t comply. | Pixabay
After educators across the state recently received pay raises in the midst of the state’s budget problems from the economic crisis created by COVID-19 restrictions, the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) issued a statement to remind that the state is behind the national average.
Ovidia Molina, TSTA president, issued the statement, which noted that the state did not increase its contribution to teacher healthcare premiums, which has stayed at $75 a month for nearly two decades.
She also noted that, even with the recent pay raises done in a time when most government expenditures are being slashed rather than increased, the national average for teacher pay is not only higher, but new teachers are disproportionately affected.
According to the TSTA, experienced teachers in Texas with five or more years in make $4,300 less than the national average for teachers of similar experience. Yet, teachers with fewer than five years in actually make $5,700 less than the national average for their peers.
Molina indicated that if state leaders don’t give more raises next year, the TSTA and its members will make sure they lose their seats in the next election.
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