The Next Level Teacher Compensation Commission will meet publicly for the final time tonight at the Concord Junior High Cafeteria in the Elkhart area. Tonight's meeting will wrap up a series of three meetings held around the state to get public comment on teacher pay.
In January, Gov. Eric Holcomb tasked the commission with finding innovative ways to raise teacher salaries.
At the first meeting, more than 100 people turned out – including state teachers union officials, legislative and education leaders. Many in the audience sported bright #RedForEd t-shirts.
Low pay, lack of respect, limited financial mobility – these are some of the reasons people gave for Indiana teachers quitting. Twenty-five people – nearly all educators – spoke at that first meeting. They all voiced similar concerns that teaching has become an unsustainable career leading to high teacher turnover.
A debate around teacher pay was a major focus at the Statehouse last session. Ultimately, the legislature gave school districts funding they could use to raise salaries for high performing teachers, but didn't create funding specifically for teacher salary increases.
The commission has already received thousands of online submissions and anyone can submit recommendations online.
The commission is expected to give recommendations to lawmakers for the 2021 budget year.
WVPE's Jennifer Weingart will be at the meeting tonight at Concord.
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