BUDGET AND PLANNING OFFICE 24. Teacher Pay Positive o Average teacher salary increased from $13,037 in 1979 to $15,718 in 1981. Projected to be $19,300 by 1983. o The typical teacher will receive pay increases for 1982 and 1983 averaging 12% to 13% per year. o Experienced teachers in some urban areas now making in excess of $25,000 per year. o Local support for teacher salaries has increased. Average local enrichment has gone from $1,437 in 1979 to $2,489 in 1981. Negative o No merit pay. o Now takes 19 years to reach maximum teacher salary--starting salaries still low. o Growing tendency towards unionization and tenure for public school teachers. o Local school districts did not pass along tax relief--instead chose to increase program enrichment.