CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A new bill introduced in the West Virginia Legislature aims to raise the state minimum salary for teachers to $50,000. House Bill 3259, if passed, would amend the state’s salary schedule, providing a significant pay increase for educators across the state.
The bill, which seeks to amend and reenact §18A-4-2 of the Code of West Virginia, would set the new minimum salary for teachers beginning in the 2025-2026 school year and continue thereafter. Lawmakers say the change is necessary to attract and retain quality educators in the state’s public school system.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Minimum Salary Increase: The state minimum salary for teachers would be raised to $50,000.
- Experienced Teacher Bonuses: Teachers with at least 20 years of experience would receive an additional $600 annually.
- Special Incentives for Math and Special Education Teachers: Classroom teachers who provide math instruction for at least 60% of their teaching time, as well as full-time special education teachers, would be credited with an additional three years of experience on the salary schedule.
- Annual Pay Adjustments: The bill also outlines pay increments based on certification levels and years of experience, ensuring structured salary growth for educators over time.
