Secretary Duncan Advocates for Higher Teacher Salaries

In a recent speech, Education Secretary Arne Duncan proposed making the starting salary for all teachers $60,000.

Claiming that the dramatic increase in starting salary would attract a brighter crop of college graduates to the field, Duncan believes the move could lead to better test scores.

“It will cost money—and given the current political climate with the nation wrestling with debt and deficits—I am sure some people will immediately say that we can't afford it without even looking at how to redirect the money we are already spending—and mis-spending,” Duncan said at a conference sponsored by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards and reported by Yahoo!’s The Lookout.

The statements have piqued public interest to the point that the topic began trending on Yahoo! in September 2011.

While Duncan and the Department of Education cannot compel school districts to adopt policies or practices, it’s clear that Duncan’s statement has gotten the education community talking.

What do you think of Duncan’s proposal? Join the discussion!

Article by Jason Tomaszewski, EducationWorld Associate Editor
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