(Des Moines, IA) -- Iowa teachers could see the largest minimum pay increase in the history of the state under a bill passed by the House.
"The bill allows for the minimum starting salary of $47,500 in year one and $50,000 beginning salaries in year two," said Rep. Sue Cahill, D-Marshall.
The Iowa Legislative Services Agency says the current minimum starting salary for Iowa teachers is $33,500.
"It'll put Iowa 5th in the nation as an average for teacher salary," said Rep. Bill Gustoff, R-Polk. "That's in a state where Iowa has the 5th lowest cost of living among all the states and D.C., meaning a teacher in Iowa will be at or near the top of purchasing power in the entire nation."
It also creates a minimum 15 dollars per hour wage for paraeducators and other school support staff.
Iowa State Education President Mike Beranek issued a statement, calling the compensation increases "long overdue."
“It represents a sustainable commitment, and acknowledgment of the important work ALL educators do, every day, to ensure the best quality education for our nearly 500,000 students across this state," said Beranek. "We implore the Senate and Governor to act in a timely fashion and pass HF 2630. Doing so will help to retain and attract professionals who skillfully guide and teach Iowa’s most precious resource--our children."
If passed by the Senate and signed into law, teachers will see the first pay raise this upcoming school year, followed by a jump to $50,000 in FY 2026.