Idaho Committee Looks at Teacher Pay
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A state task force says reforming Idaho's teaching certification must be tied to increasing salaries in order to attract and retain quality teachers in public schools.
The 15-member committee spent most of Monday discussing details of implementing a new teacher pay system commonly known as the career ladder. However, some members worry that state lawmakers will approve tougher certification requirements without providing funding for higher salaries. The committee is currently considering a seven-year transition to jump beginning teacher salaries from $31,750 to $40,000.
State GOP Sen. Dean Mortimer of Idaho Falls says he would like the group to consider proposing a five year transition. State lawmakers will review the committee's recommendation when they convene in January for the 2015 Legislature.