Recruiting teachers at TU

Oklahoma is ranked near the bottom when it comes to teacher pay. But that hasn't stopped soon-to be- graduates from pursing a career in teaching. <br><br>The problem is, many are heading out of state

Tuesday, April 13th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma is ranked near the bottom when it comes to teacher pay. But that hasn't stopped soon-to be- graduates from pursing a career in teaching.

The problem is, many are heading out of state for better pay. News on 6 reporter Patrina Adger was at a Tulsa job fair Tuesday and talks to one student who is weighing her options. "Hi, I'm Erin Wilson!" 23 year old Erin Wilson will be graduating from TU in May with a bachelor's degree in Art History. She wants to be an art teacher.

Public school administrators from Oklahoma as well as Texas and Kansas were at the University of Tulsaâ€™s Education Job Fair, trying to recruit strong candidates who have a passion for teaching. Wichita, Kansas school recruiter: "We're here in Tulsa today looking for good candidates to come to Wichita Public Schools. We're a large urban district."

Wilson says she'd like to stay in her native state of Oklahoma, but money talks, and she'd consider moving to out of state to Kansas if the standard of living is comparable. "Trying to figure out bills and student loans I have to payback, so I have to figure out how that's gonna factor in to my living expenses , so I don't want it to come down to rent or food."

The starting salary for Oklahoma teachers with a bachelor's degree is $26,000. Those with a master's degree start out at $27,106. That's still significantly lower than Wichita, Kansas which starts its teachers at $30,000 plus a $6,500 benefits package.

And Wichita Falls, Texas which also starts teachers at $30,000 plus a competitive benefits package.

While the starting salaries for Kansas and Texas are higher, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry says he'll sign a bill requiring the state to pay 100% of single insurance premiums for all teachers and principals in the state.

John Harris with Tulsa Public Schools: "I think an increase in total compensation for teachers helps in the recruiting and retaining- system in the state."

Wilson says the state needs to do whatever it takes to keep good teachers from heading north and south and "in" Oklahoma classrooms.