Oklahoma, you are NOT doing fine in supporting education!

The Impact of a Teacher

Meta Mikal Tate

Think of the most influential teacher you have had in your lifetime. Why did he or she make such a tremendous impact on your life? Now imagine your educational journey without this person. How does this alter your life path, choices, and behaviors? Sadly, this has become a reality for students in the great state of Oklahoma. Incredible teachers are being forced to teach outside of Oklahoma in order to make ends meet for their families. Teachers are choosing to teach in bordering states such as Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, Colorado, and New Mexico where education is valued. This in turn is punishing the children of the state. Students are missing out on great educators and are being disserviced by the state of Oklahoma.

Teacher Pay v. Legislature Pay

Teaching is arguably one of the most important professions, yet our state does not agree. Teaching is the only profession that produces other professions as a direct result. According to the State Department of Education, Oklahoma’s regional average for compensation is $7,330 less than Texas. It is no wonder teachers are moving to Texas immediately after graduation. The State of Oklahoma is doing a disservice to our students by showing that they do not value education. This can be seen by the minimum pay salary of $31,600 for a new teacher not increasing since 2008. Individuals with doctorates only begin at $34,000. Oklahoma ranks 49th among teacher salaries in the nation.

While OK teachers are struggling to make an honest living, the state legislatures are ranked among the top in the nation. According to Ballotpedia, OK state legislatures salary begins at $38,400 a year with an additional $156 a day per diem pay.  

Insights from OK Teachers

Sources were asked: How do you feel about the starting pay of legislature being $38,400 a year while teachers start at $31,600? Legislatures get paid roughly $156 per day for working 74% of the time allotted to a full time position.

Mrs. Megan Veldhuizen, a former teacher of LPS, commented:

 

“I feel it is discouraging that our legislators are in the top 15th highest paid legislators across the nation, and our teachers rank the lowest in pay. It lets me know exactly where the priorities of our legislators lie. Our Oklahoma teachers are among some of the hardest working teachers I have ever met, and I travel across the nation to work with science teachers. They show their dedication to our state by simply showing up to work each day in the poor conditions our state has them in and not just do a mediocre job, but give it their all for the well being of our students each and every day.”

While no longer a teacher in the classroom, Veldhuizen serves as the Grant & STEM Coordinator for Lawton Public Schools. She is actively engaged in the educational process of all students in the district.

Mrs. Brittain Nowak, a teacher and counselor at Cache High School, commented in a face-to-face interview:

“I feel this is completely ridiculous!! I, as a teacher, make $31,600 and have to work everyday with unpaid extended hours, all while the ‘overworked’ state legislature don’t even work every day! Unbelievable!”   

When asked if she had a second job, Mrs. Nowak commented

“Yes! Doesn’t every teacher?!”

Nowak is actively engaged in the Cache School District. She teaches 11th grade on level and Pre-AP English Language Arts.

Insights from OK Legislatures

Sources were asked: How do you feel about the starting pay of legislature being $38,400 a year while teachers start at $31,600? Legislatures get paid roughly $156 per day for working 74% of the time allotted to a full time position.

Mr. Mickey Dollens, a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives for District 93, was elected in 2016. Mr. Dollens is a former English Language Arts teacher and understands the low salary. He commented in a phone interview:

“I don’t think that the entire legislature should be held responsible when it comes down to leadership who are calling most of the big decisions.”

“It is extremely frustrating...There is a handful making the big decisions.”

“We need to raise teacher pay and get it up there to the top 10 of the United States and at least to the regional average.”

“We need to elect leadership who says ‘no teacher pay is too low,   we won’t cut legislative pay we will bring teacher pay up.’ If it were the same salary, then that would be fine too.”

“I don’t think it is fair that teacher pay is so well. My friend recently told me that if you pay in peanuts then you’re going to get monkeys.”

“Your pay as a teacher shouldn’t be lower than ours.”

Mr. Dollens is eager to make a difference and make his time count while being a state representative. He recently voted yes on HB1054X, which would have raised taxes on tobacco products, motor fuel, and low-point beer in order for teachers to have more funding. Mr. Dollens was a joy to speak with and is fighting for education. He also commented that the 74% data of the question was subjective. He commented that he is out in the field every day, while some legislatures do the bare minimum to enter and remain in office. Mr. Dollens also mentioned that legislature pay has recently been cut 8.8%.

Mr. Kevin Calvey, a member of the Oklahoma House of Representative for District 82, was contacted three times by email and chose not to respond or make a comment. He recently voted no on HB1054X, which would have raised taxes on tobacco products, motor fuel, and low-point beer in order for teachers to have more funding.

OK, Not Okay!

As a state, Oklahoma is failing. The students of Oklahoma’s 536 school districts, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Education, are being denied the education that they deserve. The actions of the state leaders tell the people of Oklahoma that they do not value education. If you do not value education, then what do you value? Voting citizens of Oklahoma need to be conscious during the next election to evaluate who needs to stay in leadership positions and who does not. Thankfully there are members in leadership positions such as Mr. Mickey Dollens who is fighting for education as well as passionate educators. Those that do not feel valued and appreciated will walk away no matter the circumstances. This is exactly what is happening in the state of Oklahoma. Teachers do not feel valued or respected in least bit and are being welcomed with open arms in other states. The problem does not lie within our educators, but in the minds of certain leaders of the state who are making those big decisions. Oklahoma, you’re not doing fine in supporting education.