Rep. Cleaver Calls on Governor Parson to Strengthen Missouri’s Education System by Boosting Teacher Pay
(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) called on Missouri Governor Mike Parson to strengthen Missouri’s education system and support student learning by boosting teacher salaries. Of the five benchmark categories for teacher pay provided by the National Education Association—which includes starting salary, top bachelor’s salary, starting master’s salary, and top salary—Missouri is currently ranked dead last among all states in all but two categories, where Missouri ranks next to last.
In a letter to Governor Parson, Rep. Cleaver wrote:
“Education is one of the core foundations that supports the success and growth of our country. Well-educated students result in a prepared workforce, improved social and economic conditions, and engaged citizens. However, to maximize the potential of Missouri students and guarantee a robust education, we must make it a priority to ensure teachers across the state are adequately compensated.”
According to the National Education Association, teachers with a bachelor’s degree currently receive a minimum starting salary of just $25,000 in Missouri, and teachers with a master’s degree receive a minimum starting salary of just $33,000. Missouri’s $51,557 average teacher salary currently ranks 47th in the nation. Due to ongoing teacher shortages in communities across Missouri, caused in part by low pay, 25% of Missouri school districts now have a four-day school week, limiting learning opportunities and support for working families. A 2021 survey found that over half of Missouri teachers said they consider leaving the profession often or very often, with low salaries being a common complaint.
In February, Congressman Cleaver co-introduced the American Teacher Act, which would provide federal grants to incentivize states to establish a statewide K-12 teacher salary requirement of at least $60,000, ensuring the average Missouri teacher would receive an almost $9,000 raise. As Cleaver pushes Congress to invest in America’s teachers, he is also encouraging Governor Parson to use some of Missouri’s record budget surplus to increase teacher pay, which will help strengthen Missouri’s pipeline of qualified educators, address teacher shortages, and boost economic activity throughout the state.
“Our teachers must earn a dignified salary for their invaluable work caring for and teaching Missouri children. As elected Missouri officials, we must lead the way in supporting the professionals that train and prepare our future generations,” Congressman Cleaver concluded.
The official letter from Rep. Cleaver to Governor Parson is available here.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.