Gov. Little signs bill increasing starting teacher pay

Starting teacher pay will increase to $40,000 annually in a move Idaho lawmakers hope will attract and keep more teachers in the state.

Gov. Brad Little on Wednesday signed into law the legislation that received overwhelming support in the House and Senate.

The new law boosts starting teacher pay to $38,500 next year and to $40,000 the year after that. Starting teachers currently make a minimum of about $36,000.

Little says increasing starting salaries for teachers sends a clear signal to teachers and potential teachers that the state appreciates and values them.

Gov. Little also signed House Bill 220 Tuesday, implementing the fifth year of the “career ladder” to increase salaries for all teachers.

He also signed House Bill 222 Tuesday. The bill doubles funding for literacy programs in Idaho and increases funding in the popular Advanced Opportunity program, saving Idaho families in tuition costs and encouraging students to go-on to the postsecondary education opportunities that best suit them.