Why We Must Increase Teacher Salaries

Capitol Considerations 

by Senator Micheal Bergstrom

           

       We must raise teacher salaries.

Last session I filed a bill to provide Oklahoma’s teachers with a $5,000 pay raise that would have been phased in over three years. One of the reasons I sponsored the bill was that during my campaign for office one question I was asked repeatedly was: what would I do about improving things for our teachers?

Needless to say, the bill never came to a vote on the floor and despite my efforts and those of others there was no pay raise. The largest reason for that was the budget deficit which just seemed to keep getting worse.

Most I speak with today on the subject tell me this is still a serious concern, but then there are the few who disagree. I have heard things like, “Well if they don’t like what they’re getting paid here, let them go somewhere else.”

Admittedly, there are some in the teaching profession whose primary interest is the money and the kids are just an afterthought, but that’s not the norm. There are those in any profession who would be better off doing something else or going to a different employer.

Here, though, are reasons why we must pass a pay increase.

We are in a nationwide teacher shortage and we must be reasonably competitive to retain and recruit quality teachers into our classrooms. I was talking with a superintendent the other day who had lost several teachers over Christmas break, some to other schools across the state line, others to significantly better paying jobs outside of education.

This brings me to my next point.

Teachers are leaving the classroom to pursue better paying careers. That bachelor’s degree that teachers must possess (and many attain higher degrees, not counting the continuing professional development requirements) will often open the door to far more lucrative careers, and many teachers, especially with families to provide for, choose to step through that door out of financial necessity.

It has been a decade since Oklahoma teachers received a pay raise. Back then, the legislature was trying to play catch-up as it is today.

Business is opting to NOT relocate in Oklahoma.  Economic development is one of my primary areas of concern as a legislator. When I talk with business leaders, CEOs, and others about bringing business to and helping businesses grow in my district and the state as a whole, education is a major concern. A well educated work force is critical, and our state’s ranking in education compared to other states, and our inability to pay a competitive wage to our teachers is something that negatively impacts us.

Increasing teacher pay will not solve all our education issues, but it will let those who daily pour themselves into instructing our children and grandchildren know they are valued.  It will also help us retain and recruit classroom teachers, while showing businesses that are considering moving to Oklahoma that we are serious about education in our state.

      I welcome your questions and concerns, so please feel free to contact my office at the State Capitol if you would like to discuss a particular issue or problem.  Our office can be reached by phone at 405-521-5561 or by email at bergstrom@oksenate.gov.   If you visit the Capitol, we are located in Room 428B.