Mississippi teachers, who are among the lowest paid in the country, had hoped for a larger increase. They have been advocating for better pay to address rising costs and a teacher shortage attributed to low wages. The state’s teachers last received a meaningful pay raise in 2022, but inflation and higher health insurance costs have eroded those gains, according to educators.
The debate over teacher pay has been a top issue in the 2026 legislative session. Early in the year, the Senate proposed a $2,000 raise, with plans to increase it later, while the House backed a $5,000 one-time increase. Both chambers later rejected each other’s bills, leading to negotiations that resulted in the $2,000 deal.
Special education teachers will receive an additional $2,000 supplement, totaling $4,000. Other education professionals, such as school psychologists and occupational therapists, will get a $2,000 raise, while school attendance officers will see a $5,000 increase, along with plans to add nine new officers to serve every 4,000 students.
Many educators expressed disappointment with the outcome. Neal McCarty, a high school teacher in Union, said the negotiations felt like a “slap in the face,” noting that initial promises had raised hopes. Rob Roberson, House Education Chairman, acknowledged the lower amount and attributed it to budget constraints, including unexpected costs in Medicaid and retirement system obligations.
Senate Education Chairman Dennis DeBar said the decision to limit the raise to a one-time payment was driven by fiscal responsibility concerns. Both lawmakers emphasized the possibility of revisiting the issue next year. The final budget bills, including the pay raise plan, are expected to be voted on Sunday, with the potential for further negotiations if needed.
Advocates like Nancy Loome of The Parents’ Campaign criticized the deal, highlighting the disparity between lawmakers’ praise for Mississippi’s academic progress and the modest pay increases for teachers. Despite the disappointment, lawmakers remain optimistic about addressing teacher compensation in future sessions.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
