AFT Indiana statement on teacher pay commission report

“We appreciate the overall findings of Next Level Teacher Compensation Commission which acknowledge what we’ve known all along — teacher raises in Indiana rank dead last in the country, and salaries are dead last when compared with our neighboring states.

“While we agree with some of the recommendations put forth in this report:

• findings that the legislature has underfunded schools for more than a decade,
• that teacher salaries should start at not less than $40,000 with an average of $60,000, and
• that certain decisions and policies must be done not just in the legislature, but also in local districts.

“We believe these local decisions are best made at an empowered collective bargaining table – empowerment restored by legislative action. Meanwhile we will do everything we can to ensure that our collective voice is heard as state legislators are crafting laws that impact us.

“While we work there, we call on state legislators to begin work now. While many legislators and the Governor have declared over the last several years that teacher salaries are a priority, we call on you to act now.

“Much of the report lays out recommendations leaving details to be determined. We know the devil is in the details and want to be a part of developing those.

“As always, AFT Indiana and our members across the state look forward to working with our lawmakers on policy decisions affecting our Hoosier educators, their students and their families.”