Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has sent out a statement touting the proposed new teacher “career ladder legislation that was introduced this week, saying, “The new model includes a sizeable infusion of money for significantly higher salaries based on teaching proficiency and student outcomes.”

The governor noted that the approach was recommended by his education improvement task force. “House Bill 222 represents two years of research, discussion and work by education stakeholders across the state, as well as a great deal of feedback and input from teachers, parents and the public,” Otter said in the statement. “The legislation not only creates a new compensation model but maps out a five-year implementation plan to shift funding from the existing salary grid to the new career ladder.”

He added, “On the career ladder, it would take only three years for a teacher to reach a salary of more than $40,000.”

“We have built consensus on this issue carefully,” Otter said. “Now please join me in encouraging the Legislature to take the next step toward the kind of world-class education system our children, grandchildren and generations to come deserve and need.” His full statement is online here.