In a recent government meeting, educators John Arthur and Jamal Keys shared compelling testimonies highlighting the urgent need for increased teacher salaries and support for aspiring educators.

John Arthur, the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, emphasized the alarming trend that most American parents do not want their children to pursue teaching careers, primarily due to low pay. Arthur recounted his own journey, revealing that he could only afford to remain a teacher because of his wife's higher salary. He called for a significant increase in teacher salaries, stating that financial compensation is the leading reason teachers leave the profession and why parents discourage their children from entering the field. Arthur advocated for the Pay Teachers Act, stressing that teachers deserve high pay, prestige, and respect akin to other professions.

Jamal Keys, a special education teacher in Philadelphia, echoed these sentiments, sharing his personal journey from paraprofessional to teacher. He highlighted the financial barriers many aspiring teachers face, including the costs associated with obtaining degrees and certifications. Keys discussed the successful implementation of the Pathways program, which alleviates financial burdens for paraprofessionals seeking to become teachers. He urged school districts and the federal government to invest in such programs to create a steady pipeline of qualified educators, advocating for a starting salary of $60,000 to reflect the value of teaching.

Both educators underscored the critical role of teachers in shaping future generations and called for systemic changes to ensure that teaching is a respected and viable career choice. Their testimonies serve as a rallying cry for policymakers to prioritize education and support for teachers across the nation.