BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- An Idaho lawmaking panel is considering a last-minute proposal that would increase the pay for high school instructors who teach occupational classes.
The House Education Committee introduced the measure Monday. It must now clear a legislative hearing.
If approved, occupational instructors would be eligible for an extra $3,000 if they possess a certificate in the area they are teaching.
Republican Rep. Julie VanOrden, of Pingree, says these instructors are already on the career ladder -- a program implemented last year to incrementally increase teacher pay in hopes of keeping experienced teachers in Idaho.
VanOrden says occupational training programs are closing across the state because districts can't find qualified instructors to teach classes like business and health professions.
The financial boost would be a new incentive to attract such teachers.
