ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp signed Georgia's new $36.1 billion budget into law Tuesday at a ceremony held under the Gold Dome.
Among its provisions is a pay raise for public school teachers, a move aimed at bolstering the state's education system.
"We know just how important teachers are to preparing the next generation for success, which is why we have raised educator pay faster and by more than ever before in state history," Gov. Kemp stated during the signing ceremony.
Starting on July 1, public school teachers in Georgia will receive an additional $2,500 as part of the pay increase.
President of the Georgia Federation of Teachers Verdalia Turner welcomed the raise as a positive step forward but emphasized that more could be done to support educators.
"If we want the best and brightest teachers, we're going to have to pay them top salaries," Turner remarked.
She pointed out that competitive salaries are crucial in retaining talented teachers and ensuring high-quality education for students.
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics comparing teacher salaries across the country in 2022, the average salary for teachers in the United States was approximately $64,300. In 2022, Georgia's average salary was slightly lower than the national at $63,950.
Now, in 2024, the National Educator Association reports the national average teacher salary is $69,544. In Georgia, the average salary is now at $64,461, according to the report.
Turner highlighted the importance of addressing these discrepancies, warning that unless Georgia prioritizes education as it does business, the pay raise may not be sufficient to retain teachers.
"This pay raise will not be enough unless Georgia looks really seriously at making us number one in education like we're trying to be number one in business," Turner said.
The push for competitive salaries stems from concerns that inadequate compensation could drive teachers out of the profession and negatively impact student outcomes.