Updated 1/1/20
Tennessee’s new House Speaker Cameron Sexton says there will be a pay increase for K through 12 teachers, but how much is a question for debate as the legislature begins next month.
Funding increases for teachers have been followed by national test score increases.
“We are not 47th or 48th, we are somewhere between 37 and 42 now” said the speaker. “There are still a lot of things we need to do.”
Rep. Sexton cited pay for those who teach critical years that often define student success like kindergarten through third grade or eighth grade.
The speaker says local school districts have sometimes used money for past teacher pay increases in other areas of education.
Any new funding Sexton said will be specifically designated for teacher pay increases only.
