The teachers of Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) have reason to celebrate after announcing a significant salary increase. The MSCS Board of Education has unanimously greenlit an investment of $28.4 million for teacher salaries during the 2024-25 fiscal year, according to reports by Action News 5. As stated by the District, this financial commitment is set to support the educators who have consistently fueled the learning and growth of their students.

Underneath the umbrella of this financial enhancement for educators, the District's latest teacher memo includes updated salary schedules reflective of the pay raises, a move approved unanimously by the MSCS Board of Education, detailed in a news release from Local Memphis. This funding allocation comes after what has been framed as a successful collaboration between district leadership and teacher associations, casting a ray of affirmation on a profession where such financial recognitions are often few and far between.

In a spirited response following the board's decision, MSCS Superintendent Dr. Marie N. Feagins, once a teacher herself, hailed the teachers as creators of daily classroom magic. "No matter what my title says, I will always be a proud teacher," Dr. Feagins told FOX13 Memphis. She vowed to persist in showing appreciation for their work and celebrating the support of the Board.

MSCS's commitment expands beyond the immediate fiscal year, with the District having sunk an additional $67.1 million into teacher compensation over two years, Action News 5 reported. Board Chair Althea Greene articulated the high regard the Board holds for its educators. "Our teachers are a precious resource. They are worth every penny, and I am so pleased that we can enter the 2024-25 school year on great footing with this competitive compensation package," Greene said, believing that their efforts have buttressed the foundation of the school system's success.