Maine’s starting teacher salary ranks 40th in the nation. Let that sink in. The data is from new information just released by the National Education Association. The good news, the Maine Education Association has been pushing, and continues to push for change, and finally progress is being made.
The Maine Education Association has for years advocated to increase the starting teacher salary from $30,000 to $40,000. After five years of pushing for the increase, on Wednesday, March 13, the Education Committee voted to support LD 898, which would boost starting pay to $40,000 starting on July 1, 2020. While the news is good, the bill still has hurdles to overcome. It passed out of Committee on party lines, with Democrats supporting the measure and Republicans voting against the increase and instead supporting a “study” of a statewide teacher contract. MEA has opposed the idea of a statewide contract due to concerns surrounding Augusta having more control over our local schools.
The $40,000 minimum starting salary bill will now be debated by lawmakers on the floor at the State House. It is crucial that lawmakers hear from our educators about why this increase is needed. Use this online email tool to send a quick message to your legislator and ask him/her to support LD 898.
How does Maine salary compare to New England and the rest of the nation? Read this comparison.
Email your lawmaker today and ask him/her to support an increase in teacher pay!
