Teachers in Missouri set to see relief thanks to salary increase from new bills

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Teachers in Missouri are set to see a little relief in their wallets as two new bills have been signed into law to increase their base salary.

On Wednesday, May 8, Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced that he signed Senate Bill 727 and House Bill 2287 into law. Together, the bills increase the minimum salary for teachers in the state to $40,000 permanently.

Parson noted that the bills also incentivize 5-day school weeks, increase for early childhood programs, increase funds for small schools and more.

“I have and always will Missouri teachers. Since the beginning of our istration, we’ve looked at ways to increase teacher pay and reward our educators for the hard work they do, and this legislation helps us continue that progress,” Parson said. “We ask a lot of our educators when it comes to teaching and caring for our children. Together, this legislation s Missouri students, teachers, and families with more educational opportunities to succeed – including additional investments in pre-k – while ensuring our teachers earn a better wage.”

The bills also increase salaries for teachers with a master’s degree and 10 or more years of experience to a minimum of $48,000 by 2027. A 3% annual cap has also been introduced.

Additionally, the legislation increases state funding for early childhood education programs, increases funding limits and access for Missouri’s Empowerment Scholarship s and incentivizes municipalities with more than 30,000 residents to host 5-day school weeks.

Parson noted that the bills establish the Elementary Literacy Fund and increase the small school grant fund program from $15 million to $30 million each year. They also protect retirement benefits for those who continue to teach after retirement and establish the Teacher Recruitment and Retention State Scholarship Program.

For more information on each, click HERE.

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