Teacher Says Pay Raises Not Necessary, Should Wait Until Economy Improves

While teachers are lobbying for a $10,000 pay raise, one teacher has a different message for lawmakers – teachers don’t need a raise.

Teresa Turner teaches in Tahlequah.  She says that teachers should get raises as the economy improves.

Also, Turner says, when talking about teacher pay, there is little mention of the state-paid benefits teachers receive.

“The State pays $1,410.53 on retirement, on flex benefits they pay $6,852.48, and they’re probably paying more than that right now because of health insurance,” said Turner.  “It shows that my total compensation is $55,915.19.

Turner says that amount is $10,000 worth of benefits on top of her salary.

However, other teachers say that without an additional $10,000 raise they are walking out on April 2nd.