Teacher's pay is lowest in Hawai'i, according to a recent study in Education Week magazine. It is a shame that teachers, of whom we expect so much, are being paid so poorly.
Low pay is an unnecessary insult to an already difficult situation.
A teacher pay raise must be a top priority this legislative session. If low teacher pay continues, we will likely be faced with a combination of two scenarios. Second, any teachers that do choose education will be likely to seek employment on the continental U.S., creating a shortage of qualified local teachers. Many of us know instinctively that our teachers ought to be raised in Hawai'i, so that they can relate to the unique social situation and pressures that Hawaii's keiki experience. If that is the case, we must be willing to invest both in a strong UH College of Education, and adequate compensation for our teachers.