Governor Greg Abbott today announced that his call for increasing teacher pay and allowing for greater flexibility in recruitment and retention practices is generating growing support across Texas. Teacher pay, recruitment, and retention is part of the Governor’s 20-item agenda for the ongoing special legislative session.
“Teachers have a profound impact on a student’s life. Day in and day out, they form the minds and souls of young Texans, and we strongly affirm that the future of our state is in their classrooms. We are encouraged by Gov. Abbott’s choice to seek an increase to teacher pay, and hope that the legislature will enact this increase.” – Michael Barba, Associate Director of Public Policy, Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops
“The Texas Business Leadership Council applauds Governor Abbott’s commitment to improving educational outcomes in Texas. Addressing issues like school effectiveness and teacher compensation will have a real effect on student success.” – Justin Yancy, President, Texas Business Leadership Council
“Workforce needs and public education are interconnected. We need better paid teachers and the flexibility for school districts to retain the best educators. Teachers should not have to become administrators to support their families.” – Jon Fisher, President, Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas
“Dedicated and effective teachers deserve the opportunity to earn salaries that reflect their hard work, and Governor Abbott’s teacher pay plan gives them that opportunity. Moreover, the significant resources for school districts included in the proposal are a vital investment in a brighter future for our children. We wholeheartedly support this effort and applaud Governor Abbott and Representative Clardy for championing this important issue.” – Courtney Boswell, Executive Director, Texas Aspires
“Between 1992 and 2014, when inflation-adjusted education spending grew 17 percent, teacher salaries increased only one percent. It is time we get more education for our money, not simply put more money into education. At TPPF, we want spending reprioritized toward students and toward attracting and retaining the best teachers in the classroom.” – Stephanie Matthews, Director, TPPF’s Center for Education Freedom