Increase Teacher Compensation, Doyle Says

"We need to increase teacher compensation and ensure that Wisconsin can attract and retain the best teachers for our kids."

That was the message to state residents and the Legislature in Gov. Jim Doyle's State of the State speech Wednesday (January 21, 2004).

Doyle's speech pointed out that Wisconsin teacher salaries are below the national average and are falling.

"While the arguments over this issue have been the same for many years, the facts have changed," he said. "We're no longer 14th in the nation in teacher salaries – we're below the national average … and falling. It has become a direct threat to the quality of education."

Doyle applauded the re-introduction of a bill repealing the Qualified Economic Offer law.

The governor pointed out that the average teacher starting salary is now $3,500 below the national average and less than Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.

"The governor made a very forceful argument for a fair and just collective bargaining law for Wisconsin teachers," WEAC President Stan Johnson said.

"We hope the Legislature will hear the message and pass a law that restores equity to the people who help create the great schools and classrooms that work throughout Wisconsin. WEAC will continue to fight for laws that foster great schools."

Posted January 22, 2004