MEA Played a Powerful Role in Lifting Salaries
Starting on July 1st, all public school teachers were required to receive a minimum salary of $40,000. The MEA worked to create this new state law, phasing in the increase over the last three years. MEA understands more work needs to be done for all teachers, support staff, and higher education members, and is negotiating for even more at bargaining tables across the state.
The Results:
- $10 million increase in public education funding earmarked for teacher raises
- $10 thousand increase in pay for minimum salaries
- 2014 the year MEA first began working to increase the minimum salary
MEA members speak up and walk out to support safety and equity
“I would say I’m kind of the quintessential Maine girl. … My family hunts, I grew up with guns in my home, I’ve shot guns. But … the concept of shooting children is just so hard to wrap your head around because they’re just somebody’s babies.” -Amanda Cooper, Gorham teacher on advocating for safer schools.
MEA members continue to advocate for safe and just schools for all students, marching in several Pride parades in the summer.
MEA President Grace Leavitt Speaks Out
“Our public education is for all of our students. We accept all students in our schools,” Leavitt said. “And this decision is going to funnel those public tax dollars to some private religious schools that are only for a select few students.” -on Carson v Makin Supreme Court decision allowing public dollars to be used for private, religious schools. At the time of publication, only one religious school in Maine planned to accept state money.
“Something that’s developmentally appropriate and to just try to reassure students and communities that educators are there to do everything we can to support them and keep them safe, and we will continue to do that.” Leavitt on continuing to support educators following the Uvalde and other shootings around the country.
