Advocating for Higher Teacher Pay

 Advocating for Higher Teacher Pay in Ferguson-Florissant: Building a Brighter Future for Our Children

The Ferguson-Florissant School District is at a pivotal moment. With 24 school districts in the St. Louis County and City area, our district ranks 16th in average teacher pay at $64,517 for the 2022-2023 school year. Additionally, only 68% of our educators hold master’s degrees, placing us 17th in this critical metric. These rankings highlight an urgent need to prioritize teacher compensation and professional development to ensure a stronger foundation for our children’s education.

Why Teacher Pay Matters

Teachers are the backbone of our education system. Their dedication, expertise, and passion directly shape the academic and personal growth of our students. However, when compensation does not reflect the immense responsibility they bear, we risk losing talented educators to neighboring districts with more competitive salaries. If we want to attract and retain the best teachers, we must offer pay and support that demonstrate how much we value their contributions. A competitive salary is more than a paycheck—it’s an investment in our community. Higher teacher pay helps to:

1. Attract and Retain Top Talent: Teachers are more likely to stay in a district that offers competitive compensation and professional growth opportunities, reducing turnover and creating a stable learning environment for students.
2. Enhance Student Outcomes: Research consistently shows that experienced, well-supported teachers positively impact student achievement. By offering competitive salaries, we can ensure our students are taught by the most qualified professionals.
3. Strengthen Community Ties: High-quality schools elevate property values, attract families, and foster community pride. Paying teachers fairly supports a cycle of growth and success for everyone in Ferguson-Florissant.

Setting a New Standard for Teacher Support

The Ferguson-Florissant School District must revamp its recruitment and retention strategies to ensure we remain competitive with neighboring districts. To achieve this, we should:

• Increase Teacher Salaries: Our teachers deserve pay that reflects their skills, commitment, and the challenging work they do every day. Matching or exceeding the pay offered by other districts will position us as a desirable destination for top educators.
• Expand Professional Development Opportunities: Only 68% of our educators hold master’s degrees—a number that lags behind many other districts. By offering robust support, in-service training, and incentives, we can raise this figure to at least 80%, ensuring our teachers have the advanced knowledge and tools they need to excel.
• Invest in a Supportive Work Environment: Beyond pay, we must provide teachers with the resources, mentorship, and manageable workloads that allow them to thrive.

The Broader Impact

Better compensation and support for teachers lead to stronger schools, improved student outcomes, and a more vibrant community. Well-paid teachers are more likely to stay engaged, motivated, and committed to their roles, fostering a culture of excellence in our schools. This investment pays dividends far beyond the classroom, as a strong school district bolsters economic development, community engagement, and the overall quality of life in Ferguson-Florissant.

Join Us in Advocating for Change

A brighter future for our children begins with the educators who inspire, challenge, and guide them every day. By prioritizing teacher pay and support, we can transform Ferguson-Florissant into a district that attracts and retains the best educators, delivers exceptional education, and strengthens our community. Together, we can make this vision a reality. Let’s invest in our teachers, our students, and our future.
 

As I discussed above the importance of improving teacher pay as a critical step in reducing turnover and strengthening our schools. But salary alone won’t solve the challenges educators face. If elected to the Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education, I will fight for comprehensive policies that empower, support, and enable our teachers—ensuring they have the resources, respect, and work environment they need to thrive

.Beyond Pay: Other Ways to Support Teachers

Investing in Professional Development
Teachers must have access to ongoing, high-quality training to stay ahead in an evolving educational landscape. Research shows that well-supported professional development can increase student achievement by up to 21% (Learning Policy Institute, 2022). I will advocate for expanded professional learning opportunities, mentorship programs, and leadership pathways to help our teachers grow.

Reducing Administrative Burdens
Excessive paperwork and non-teaching responsibilities take away from classroom instruction. A 2022 EdWeek survey found that 60% of teachers spend too much time on administrative tasks, leading to stress and burnout. By streamlining documentation processes and hiring additional support staff, we can free up teachers to focus on what they do best—educating our children.

Prioritizing Teacher Well-Being
A 2021 American Federation of Teachers survey reported that nearly 80% of teachers experience frequent job-related stress. When teachers are overwhelmed, students suffer. I will push for district-wide wellness initiatives, access to mental health resources, and policies that promote a healthy work-life balance, ensuring our educators stay energized and effective.

Creating a Culture of Respect and Collaboration
Teachers need to feel heard, valued, and included in decision-making. Schools with strong teacher-administration relationships have higher retention rates and better student performance. I will advocate for teacher advisory councils, regular listening sessions, and stronger communication channels between educators and district leadership.

Ensuring Fully Equipped Classrooms
No teacher should have to spend their own money on classroom supplies, yet 94% of teachers do (National Center for Education Statistics, 2022). I will work to secure adequate funding for classroom resources, technology, and instructional materials so teachers can focus on teaching—not stretching their personal budgets.

How This Leads to Better Schools and Communities

When teachers feel supported, they stay in the classroom longer, leading to more stable learning environments and stronger student-teacher relationships. Research consistently shows that schools with experienced, engaged educators see higher student achievement, lower disciplinary issues, and improved graduation rates.Safer, higher-performing schools make communities stronger. Families want to live in districts with excellent schools, and businesses are more likely to invest in areas with a well-educated workforce. Supporting teachers doesn’t just benefit classrooms—it benefits everyone.If elected to the Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education, I will ensure that our teachers receive the respect, resources, and support they need to succeed. Because when teachers thrive, our students excel, our schools improve, and our community grows stronger.