BOISE — Idaho Governor Brad Little signed into law Wednesday House Bill 153, increasing starting teacher pay to $40,000 per year.
“By increasing starting teacher pay, we are sending a clear signal to our teachers -- and those considering a career in education -- that we appreciate and value them,” Little said. “Teachers who are just starting their careers should be compensated fairly and competitively so they can remain here to educate the next generation of Idahoans.”
“It fulfills one of (the governor’s) key campaign promises and one of the priorities he laid out in his first State of the State speech in January,” said Little’s spokesperson Marissa Morrison.
At the ceremony, Little also highlighted two other education bills he signed into law the previous day.
He signed House Bill 220, implementing the fifth year of the “career ladder” to increase salaries for all teachers.
He also signed House Bill 222 Tuesday, doubling funding for literacy programs in Idaho. The bill also increases funding in the popular Advanced Opportunity program -- saving Idaho families in tuition costs, and encouraging students to go-on to the postsecondary education opportunities that best suit them.
“Parents, teachers, legislators, and stakeholder groups all played a part in moving forward these important measures,” Little said. “Idaho’s youngest citizens benefit the most when we work together to raise up our teachers and open up more resources for learning.”
(photo courtesy: Marissa Morrison)
