Under Idaho’s current teacher-pay plan, the single largest group of Idaho’s teachers is currently stuck at the minimum salary in state funds of $31,750 – 4,649 of Idaho’s 14,884 teachers, Marilyn Whitney, education aide to Gov. Butch Otter, told the House Education Committee this morning. That’s the amount that the state sends to districts to cover those teachers’ salaries; the actual amounts districts pay the teachers may vary.

Under HB 222, the teacher career ladder bill, here’s what would happen to the state funds for the salary of a teacher now in that group over the next five years. In year 1, the amount would rise from $31,750 to $33,000. In Year 2, it would go to $35,117. In Year 3, the amount rises to $38,999, as those teachers move into a new “rung” of the ladder, for “professional” teachers, or those with more than three years experience – assuming they qualify by meeting performance standards. In Year 4, the amount rises to $42,503. And in Year 5, it goes to $46,250. Whitney noted that starting in Year 4, those teachers can earn additional payments for being “master” teachers; they also can earn additional amounts under the career ladder bill for additional education completed.

Teachers could continue to earn “leadership premiums,” as they can under current law.

A brand-new, first-year teacher starting in Year 1 of the career ladder – next year – would make $32,200 in state funds. One starting in Year 2 would make $33,400; Year 3, $34,600; Year 4, $35,800; and Year 5, $37,000.