Texas House Bill HB4076

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/8/23

Caption

Relating to the salary step credit for a certified career and technology education teacher.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4076 would directly influence state salary schedules, making it more financially viable for experienced individuals to transition into teaching roles in career and technology education. The modification in the salary structure is designed to retain talented educators and acknowledge the importance of practical experience in technical education. The bill could lead to a more skilled workforce of educators, ultimately enhancing the educational outcomes for students in these fields.

Summary

House Bill 4076 aims to amend the Education Code regarding salary step credits for certified career and technology education teachers in Texas. The bill proposes that for each year of relevant work experience in a career or technological field, teachers can receive salary step credit as if it were teaching experience, up to a maximum of five years. This change is intended to recognize and reward the professional experience of teachers coming from industry settings, thereby encouraging more individuals to enter the teaching profession in technical fields.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4076 appears to be positive among educators and advocates for career and technology education. Proponents believe that the bill will bridge the gap between industry and the classroom, providing a pathway for experienced professionals to transfer their expertise into teaching. However, there may be some concerns among educators regarding the implications of salary step credits and how they might affect overall pay equity between different teaching disciplines.

Contention

Although the bill generally attracts support for its potential benefits, a point of contention could arise regarding the allocation of funding necessary to implement these changes in salary schedules. Opponents may argue about the budgetary impacts and the fairness of providing additional salary credits that are not universally applied across all teaching disciplines. Therefore, while the bill promotes important changes for career and technology education teachers, it may also prompt debates concerning equity and resource distribution within the education system.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 21. Educators
  • Section: New Section

Government Code

• Chapter 823. Creditable Service
  • Section: 404