The two largest teacher unions in Louisiana tell lawmakers they are disappointed with proposed pay raises

Dr. Tia Mills, President of Louisiana Association of Educators (left) and Larry Carter, President of Louisiana Federation of Teachers (right).

The Louisiana Association of Educators and the Louisiana Federation of Teachers joined forces at the state capitol in an effort to convey their disappointment with the proposed education pay increase for next year’s budget. The budget approved by Senate Finance sets aside $1,500 raises for teachers, instead of the original request of $2,000 by the governor.

“But we think they deserve much more than that, so we want to say to the legislators here in this building that teachers and school employees deserve a pay raise, and they deserve a pay raise now,” said LFT President Larry Carter.

Support staff is set to receive a $750 pay raise instead of the requested $1,000 increase.

The average annual pay for public school teachers in Louisiana is $51,500. The teacher’s unions displayed a photo of a billboard recruiting teachers to Texas with a starting pay of more than $58,000.

And while Louisiana teachers have received raises totaling $3,300 in the last four years, their pay ranks 12^th among 16 other southern states and well below the southern regional average. LAE President Dr. Tia Mills said she would like to think lawmakers are concerned about the ongoing teacher and support staff shortage…

“And the needs of our students across this entire state. And in order to show that commitment it is imperative that we try our best to reach the Southern Regional Average, sooner than later,” said Mills.

Carter said the less than anticipated raises in a time of record inflation will not go unnoticed. He said they plan to continue to lobby lawmakers for adequate raises in an effort to retain certified teachers.

“We have to make sure that legislators also know that teachers and school employees will be knocking at their doors will be at the capitol talking about those issues that impact whether or not they stay in the classroom or leave,” said Carter.

Carter and Mills say neighboring states are taking advantage of the situation and luring educators away from the Bayou State.