© 2024 KGOU
News and Music for Oklahoma
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Bill Would Give Nearly 30 Percent Bump To Oklahoma Teacher Salaries

Mark Twain Elementary second grade teacher Elizabeth Clarke staples together work from two of her second-grade students in this 2013 photo.
Chase Cook
/
Oklahoma Watch
Mark Twain Elementary second grade teacher Elizabeth Clarke staples together work from two of her second-grade students in this 2013 photo.

State Sen. Patrick Andersonhas a grand vision for the future of education in Oklahoma. That vision, he said, starts with increased teacher pay.

Anderson, R-Enid, authored SB0004, which would establish a new minimum teacher salary scale in the state. Anderson said his plan would increase pay for teachers with at least an undergraduate degree by about $10,000, a master’s degree by about $20,000 and a doctorate by about $30,000.

“I’m dreaming big,” Anderson said. “My numbers may not be reachable, but I think the overall concept there will be some support for.”

More money paid to teachers would also mean more money budgeted toward teacher salaries. Anderson acknowledged the difficulty of rearranging an already tight common education budget, but said a teacher pay increase could be possible if the state found a way to decrease its high administrative costs.

Oklahoma is home to more than 500 school districts and superintendents, among the most per capita in the nation.

---------------------------------------------

KGOU produces journalism in the public interest, essential to an informed electorate. Help support informative, in-depth journalism with a donation online, or contact our Membership department.

An Oklahoma-based company with corporate headquarters located in Oklahoma City, eCapitol launched as an online capitol news and information business in the early 1990's. eCapitol provides on-the-ground, politically-neutral reporting of capitol activity.
More News
Support nonprofit, public service journalism you trust. Give now.