As the summer break begins, Oklahoma public schools are weighing what flat budgets will mean for their ability to put enough teachers in the classroom in the fall.
The challenge arises from the Legislature’s decision not to increase K-12 funding because of a $611 million budget shortfall. The standalone budget for education means teachers will not get a pay raise and will remain some of the lowest paid in the country.
School officials worry that more teachers will leave the profession and teacher prospects will either seek jobs in other states or choose another career.
Oklahoma ranks 47th nationally in teacher compensation, paying teachers $44,500, including benefits, on average last year, according to a National Education Association survey. The state was short of about 1,000 teachers in the spring semester, causing some districts to combine classes, use substitutes or give emergency certification to teachers not fully qualified to teach the subject for which they were hired.
For the complete audio report on teacher pay and its implications, go to Oklahoma Watch Report.
