When you first look at it you may think I’ve lost my mind but, when you put a pen to the numbers it could be very beneficial to teachers.
Consider starting every teacher new (zero-years) at $20.00 per hour.
$20.00 per hour x 40 hours per week x 38 weeks equals a yearly income of $30,400.
Comparison numbers:
State Base $27,320
Paid Hourly $30,400
Willis ISD $42,000
New York PS $45,530
Dallas ISD $46,002
Houston ISD $46,805
If that same teacher was allowed to work 10 hours of overtime in a week, then that would be an additional $15,000 in earnings or a yearly earnings total of $45,400.
After 10 years, with a minimum 50 Cent raise every year, then the hourly rate would be $25 per hour. That means base earnings of $38,000 per year and potential of overtime pay (for 10 hours per week) increase yearly income by an additional $18,750 for a grand total of $56,750. The state base minimum for year ten would be $37,040. If teachers were paid by the hour, then there could be a $19,710 difference. That is huge.
After 20 years, $30.00 per hour, $45,600 in base earnings and an additional $22,500 for overtime earnings for a total of $68,100. Twenty year state base is $44,270
After 30 years, $35.00 per hour, $53,200 in base earnings, and an additional $26, 250 in overtime earnings for a total of $79,450. Since the State of Texas does not produce a salary scale for teachers with more than 20 years of experience then there is not a comparison figure.
After writing all of the above, I began to think what a ridiculous idea. Why doesn’t the state just raise the State Base to $40,000 per year and a minimum of $1000 per year of experience for a Bachelor’s Degree, $1500 for a Master’s Degree, and $2000 per year for a Doctorate Degree.
Meaning:
Bachelor’s Master’s Doctorate
Year 0 $40,000 $41,500 $50,000
Year 10 $50,000 $55,000 $60,000
Year 20 $60,000 $70,000 $80,000
Year 30 $70,000 $85,000 $100,000
The state also needs to step up and pay a greater portion of the health insurance. They have not increased their contribution to insurance premiums since the inception of the TRS-Active Care program. Readings based on the release of the 2013-2014 TRS-Active Care Premiums in May, 2013.
If teachers were paid more and treated with more respect, instead of them being the “whipping boy” for all that is wrong in our society then we would see a dramatic change in this country in all parts of our lives, especially our public schools.
Stop drinking the Kool-aid from the “Deformers” that says our schools are failing. They are only failing at performing on mindless standardized tests.
Something to think about!
David R. Taylor
26-Year Teacher, Coach and Principal
It’s growing slowly