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Gov. Hutchinson signs teacher pay raise legislation

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson is scheduled to sign into law a bill that would raise the minimum for teacher salaries in the state by $4,000 over the next four years.

On Monday, Governor Asa Hutchinson signed legislation to increase teacher’s minimum salary.

Arkansas 2018 Teacher of the Year Randi House said she choose her career to make a difference.

"I wanted to be a teacher because I had a teacher that literally saved my life and I feel like I could be that special someone that children need," House said.

But she's afraid low starting salaries lead to fewer prospects.

"Students in college are choosing not to go to education simply because of the salary," House said.

Governor Hutchinson signed House Bill 1145 hoping to get more recruits and show teachers they are appreciated. This new law will raise the minimum teacher salary by $4,000 over the course of 4 years.

"Arkansas will lead our surrounding states," Hutchinson said.

House said teachers spoke and Hutchinson was all ears.

"We gave him the suggestion of $36,000 as being an adequate and appropriate starting salary and he listened and that says a lot," House said.

This means districts that don't start at $36,000 will be given funds from a $60 million dollar reserve to bring up starting salaries.

"One hundred and sixty-eight [districts] are currently below that minimum salary schedule and they will have to raise that in order to comply with this law," Hutchinson said.

While some argue this is not enough compensation for long hours and out-of-pocket expenses, others said it's a good place to start.

"There's never enough for what teachers do. A teacher's job is immeasurable but it definitely is a big step in the right direction," House said.

A soon to-be-teacher is excited for what's to come.

"Us students who are going to be teachers can look forward to having this knowledge that they care for us and that they value us and they are for us." University of Central Arkansas senior Kristianna Arechiga said.

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