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Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday signed the 2023 Education Trust Fund budget, which hands potentially big raises to teachers and bumps funding for Alabama math coaches, reading and Pre-K.
The record $8.3 billion education budget sends raises up to 21% for experienced teachers. The budget also provides a one-time bonus for retirees, in an effort to make teaching more attractive.
“We are covering the spread in education – from adding Pre-K classrooms to providing math coaches to funding after school programs, we are making sure Alabama does not accept the status quo and to ensure every student can have a bright future,” Ivey said in a statement. “Our teachers are getting a well-deserved pay increase, and we are recognizing, rewarding and retaining experienced teachers.”
According to the new state pay plan,
- Teachers with a bachelor’s degree and 0-2 years experience would get a 4% raise, to a minimum of $43,358,
- Teachers with a bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years experience would get a 4% raise, to a minimum of $47,689, and
- Teachers with a bachelor’s degree and 6-8 years experience would get a 4% raise, to a minimum of $49,780.
Percent increases and pay floors increase yearly, rather than every three years, according to experience, to a top level at:
- Teachers with a bachelor’s degree and 35 years experience would get a 20.8% raise, to $66,424.
Local school districts may offer additional pay and percent increases. See the full state salary schedules here.
The legislature also passed several measures that will impact schools and students, including more funding for literacy instruction, restrictions to transgender bathroom access, support for mental health services supports and a new grant program for menstrual supplies.
See more education coverage here:
- What did lawmakers approve in the education budget?
- Math instruction overhaul approved.
- What changes are coming for Alabama kids and schools in 2022-23?
Updated 8:15 p.m. to clarify salary amounts.