The state department of education says a new report shows a two-percent increase in the percentage of teachers choosing to stay in the profession over last year. Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley said the same report shows a five-percent increase in first-year teacher retention.
“We’re really excited about those two numbers at the same time understanding that we still have a long way to go. Teachers deserve high quality pay. They deserve leaders in their schools that they value and appreciate.”
Brumley said the state department of education has worked to retain teachers by increasing teacher salaries and providing no-cost counseling service, “for any teacher that might need some level of support, and I think too across our state we have tried to provide additional pay opportunities.”
The average teacher’s salary has increased by $1,200 to $52,000.
Brumley said the percentage of certified teachers also increased by two percent to 69 percent. He said they want to see the percentage of certified teachers continue to grow.
“We still have a ways to go, and we’re going to keep pushing forward on doing the things it takes to make sure every kid has a high-quality teacher.”
Overall teacher retention increased by two points to 86 percent, while first-year retention increased by five points to 83 percent.
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