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.
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