Bill · S. 2481· Senate(119-S-2481)

Pay Teachers Act

Age: 85 years

Vermont

Introduced: 7/28/2025
Last activity: 7/28/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Sponsored by: Bernie Sanders
Cosponsors: - 0 - 10

Education

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

The Pay Teachers Act aims to ensure public elementary and secondary school teachers receive livable and competitive salaries throughout their careers. It mandates a minimum annual base salary of $60,000 for starting teachers, with requirements for regular increases as they gain experience. The bill also establishes a minimum living wage for paraprofessionals and education support staff. Additionally, it increases federal investments in public schools, rural education, and the Bureau of Indian Education. The legislation seeks to modernize the teaching profession through career ladders and expanded educator preparation programs. Finally, the bill mandates appropriations for the Teacher and School Leader Incentive program, providing $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 with annual increases in subsequent years.

Yes· 3 of 18

Would Native Americans be better off under this?+8
The bill provides significant mandatory appropriations for the Bureau of Indian Education.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+8
The bill provides $300,000,000 specifically for personnel development to improve services for children with disabilities.
Does this put more money into public schools?+8
The bill provides significant new mandatory appropriations for teacher quality partnerships, educator development, and disability services in schools.