In response to Governor Greg Abbott’s call for teacher pay raises in his 2025 State of the State address, the Texas Senate has unveiled legislation aimed at significantly increasing compensation for educators across the state.
Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) has filed Senate Bill 26 (SB 26), also known as the “Texas Teacher Bill of Rights,” which proposes historic pay raises for classroom teachers. Creighton emphasized the unprecedented nature of the bill, calling it “a generational investment in our educators.”
How the Pay Raises Work
Under SB 26, teacher pay increases will be based on years of experience and the size of the school district:
Teachers with 3-4 years of experience
$5,000 raise in districts with 5,000 or fewer students
$2,500 raise in larger districts
Teachers with 5+ years of experience
$10,000 raise in smaller districts
$5,500 raise in larger districts
The bill sets aside nearly $5 billion for teacher compensation, ensuring that educators receive permanent raises. Additionally, school districts will receive increased funding for designated teachers, with master teachers eligible for up to $36,000, exemplary teachers up to $25,000, and recognized teachers up to $15,000, with extra incentives for high-need and rural schools. The bill also introduces a new “acknowledged” teacher category, which could earn up to $9,000 in additional compensation.
Performance-Based Compensation & Teacher Incentives
In addition to direct salary increases, SB 26 allows principals at certain “enhanced teacher incentive allotment schools” to implement performance-based compensation systems. This means teacher pay could be tied to evaluations and effectiveness, particularly in high-need schools.
Abbott reinforced the importance of rewarding high-performing educators, stating, “We must reward the best teachers by putting them on a path to earn a six-figure salary.”
Expanding Pre-K & Teacher Support
SB 26 doesn’t just focus on salaries—it also expands pre-K access to children of public school teachers, a move aimed at easing financial burdens on educators with young families.
“Texas educators dedicate their lives to shaping the next generation,” Creighton said in a press release. “They deserve more than just our gratitude; they deserve real support and protections.”
What’s Next?
The proposal is set to be heard in the Senate Education K-16 Committee this Thursday, marking the next step in what could be a significant shift in Texas education policy. If passed, SB 26 would bring teacher salaries to an all-time high and further solidify Texas’ push for a merit-based education system.
Currently, the average starting salary for teachers in Texas is $47,195, while the overall average salary is $60,716, according to the National Education Association. If SB 26 moves forward, it could reshape how teachers are compensated and incentivized statewide.
