RICHMOND, Va. — Teachers in Virginia could see an increase in their take-home pay if a new bill in the General Assembly becomes law.
The bill, introduced by Delegate Nadarius Clark, would require the state to pay public school teachers and support staff at or above the national average. That’s about $5,000 higher than what Virginia teachers make now, according to the latest data from the National Education Association (NEA).
It’s something educators hope can help settle the long-standing problem of teacher vacancies.
“During this teacher shortage nationally, as well as statewide, it is critically needed," said Dr. James Graves, teacher and president of the Newport News Education Association.
Dr. Graves said the gap between the national average and teacher pay in Virginia is shrinking but not fast enough.
“It used to be larger than that. So there has been some progress," he said. “I think back in the day it used to be $10,000 or $9,000 so now it’s just $5,000. If they can get it together up in Richmond and get it started and get it going, it would be great for us.”
The national average for public school teacher salaries is more than $66,000 a year, according to the NEA. In Virginia, that average sits at just over $61,000.
Heather Sipe, teacher and member of the Virginia Beach Education Association, said she’s glad lawmakers are seemingly taking the issue of teacher pay, and teacher vacancies, seriously.
“So many of our educators work second and third jobs," Sipe said. “Year after year there are more and more positions that are not being filled. They truly need to step up and do something to give educators a livable wage so they are coming into the education field and staying in the education field."
She added: “I am really hopeful that we get this through. I don’t think that any of our legislators are truly against raising educator salaries.”
Kathleen Slinde, the president of the Virginia Beach Education Association said in a statement bringing teacher salaries to the national level is "absolutely necessary" if the state expects to attract and retain highly qualified educators.
If the bill becomes law, it would increase teacher salaries over four years.
“I’m just happy they’re taking this up before they get out of session and hopefully, it’ll pass," said Graves.
The bill is still in the beginning stages. Right now, the bill is in an education sub-committee in the House.