Barresi Discusses Proposed Teacher Pay Raise
Janet Barresi: Let’s give every teacher a $2,000 raise
BY JANET BARRESI
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
The backpacks are out of the closet. Yellow buses are trundling down our streets. School is back in session. And there’s good news. Our students are more prepared for college and careers than ever before.
When I decided to run for this office, I did it because I believe we can improve Oklahoma’s schools and give Oklahoma children a better start in life. The evidence shows we’re steadily advancing that goal: Our schools are getting better, and our students are achieving more.
At the same time, however, Oklahoma has a critical shortage of quality teachers. Next to a parent, a good teacher is the single most important factor in the success of a child. To make Oklahoma’s schools the best in the country, we need to attract and retain the best teachers.
All around Oklahoma, I’ve heard stories of good teachers leaving for greener pastures in other states. It’s time to bring them home.