Local Teachers react to pay increase

Lawmakers have passed the largest teacher pay raise in Mississippi History.

Teachers and upcoming Teachers in Mississippi have something to be excited about. Months after deliberating the State Senators and Representatives agreed on a proposal that would raise Teachers’ salaries. We hear from some local Teachers on how it feels to finally get a pay increase.

Brian Jordan, Principal of Clarkdale High School had this to say, “This pay raise is I think it's the biggest pay raise that the state of. Mississippi has ever given to teachers at one time. For a lot of them. I mean, this means. A chance for them. To go back and continue their education, move up to a higher. Degree and really just compensate them. For the work that they do.”

8th Grade Language Arts Teacher Katie Moffett says she is excited about the raise and thinks this will encourage more people to become teachers as well as retain the current ones.

“We currently have a huge teacher shortage and people have a passion for the children of Mississippi. But if the pay isn't what they feel like they can afford to live with, then they go a different route. So, I think it's really important for those people who are coming up into college, they want to help the children of Mississippi. This is going to be more of an encouragement for them to go ahead and pursue education,” said Moffett.

One teacher says the pay raise is long overdue and knows firsthand the struggles that come with a lack of pay for teachers because his mom was also a teacher.

“Just watching her as I was growing up and some of the struggles that we went through because of the lack of pay for teachers and now that we're able to get this, it's been good and good to see it passed through so quickly. And I’m thankful I know all the teachers here are thankful for the leaders of our state to finally put the effort in to get this done. So, we're very excited around here, “said Luke Smith.

Lawmakers signed off on the start act deal that will give Teachers in the magnolia state a base salary raise of about $5,000. It raises the average salary from $37,000 to $42,000 a year.

Each chamber will still need to vote on this latest report before it can be sent to the Governor.