Iowa Teacher Salaries
The 2007 Iowa Legislature approved a landmark bill that will dramatically
increase K-12 salaries and give teachers a voice in determining their own professional
development needs. The action capped a multi-year, multi-faceted campaign by
the ISEA to bring teacher salaries up to 25th in the nation.
"Together, we made this happen," said ISEA President Linda Nelson.
"We spent years making our case before the public and we finally elected
a Legislature that would do more than just talk about making education a priority.
This historic piece of legislation sends a loud and clear message that Iowa
values and respects the work that we do."
Specifically, SF 277 will increase the average teacher salary by $5,400 over
the next two years. That, coupled with competitive salary increases won at the
bargaining table, should bring K-12 teaching salaries up to 25th in the nation.
And, for the first time, non-administrative area education agency professionals
and most school nurses will receive salary increases under the law.
In addition, the legislation increases the minimum salaries to $26,500 for
beginning teachers; $27,500 for career teachers (third year); and $28,500 for
all other experienced teachers.
The legislation also creates ten pilot programs across the state to test career
ladders or other new models for paying teachers.
According to figures compiled by the National Education Association, Iowa's
average teacher salary for 2005-06 of $40,877 ranks 40th in the nation -- more
tan $8,200 below the national mean.
In 2001 the Iowa Legislature approved a "Teacher Quality" pay plan
that promised significant increases in salary in exchange for a new system of
licensure, accountability, and teaching standards. While Iowa's teachers have
been meeting all of the new requirements, this legislation marks the first attempt
by the state to significantly raise teacher salaries.
For more information:
updated 5/23/07
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