The bill would also expand an existing program that offers raises to teachers based on how their students perform.
AUSTIN, Texas — Teachers in Texas could soon get a pay raise.
Thursday afternoon, a Texas senate committee advanced a bill that would give teachers long term raises.
If passed, teachers in smaller districts (fewer than 5,000 students) would earn raises between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on their level of experience, and teachers in larger districts (more than 5,000 students) would earn raises between $2,500 and $5,500, also depending on experience.
Republican Senator Brandon Creighton wrote the bill.
“The future of Texas begins in the classroom, as I’ve said very often,” he said during the committee hearing. “We want the best for our students, and by setting that as a goal, we have to deliver the best for our teachers.”
Additionally, the bill would expand an existing program that offers raises to teachers based on how their students perform. It would also allow teachers to enroll their children in pre-K for free.
During public comment, some speakers argued other school staff, like counselors and bus drivers should be included too, while others took issue with performance-based raises.
The bill will now head to the full senate.
