snoocher
The #RedForEd movement has come to a close in the sunny state of Arizona, and many teachers are pleased with the outcome. Along with many school programs and schools receiving additional funding in the near future, teachers were also promised a 20% pay increase over the next three years. Below is the breakdown of the compensation increase for teachers.
Education
$644.1 million for a 20% increase in teacher pay school year 2020; these raises will be ongoing, protected in the base of the budget and inflated
• $304.9 million for 10% teacher pay raise in FY 2018/FY 2019 (school year 2018)
• $164.7 million for 5% teacher pay raise in FY 2020 (school year 2019)
• $174.5 million for 5% teacher pay raise in FY 2021 (school year 2020)
We interviewed a few valley teachers after the bill had passed in the Arizona legislature on Thursday, and asked “What are you looking forward to most about the new pay increase?”
27-year-old elementary school teacher Joan Walters had this to say when asked what she is most excited about: “I’m just super stoked that I can afford Kraft brand macaroni and cheese again. The generic stuff just isn’t the same.” In fact, Joan’s excitement for Kraft Mac ‘N Cheese seemed to be a common interest shared among the majority of teachers. “I’m going to Costco right now to load up on Kraft Mac ‘N Cheese, maybe even the kind with the little Spongebob pasta, I’m so excited!” exclaimed Linda Johnson, another elementary teacher in the Madison School District.
48-year-old high school teacher Robert Racz has a different plan for his newfound income. “I’m going to drink twice as much Jack Daniel’s every night, it should really help me forget about how much I hate my job.” When asked if he had plans to do anything more productive with his additional money, Robert answered only with an angry stare.
