The Pay Teachers Act establishes federal requirements and funding to increase compensation for teachers and school support staff nationwide, setting minimum annual salaries of $60,000 for teachers and $45,000 (or $30/hour) for paraprofessionals, with adjustments for inflation beginning in 2026. The bill authorizes $36.8 billion in fiscal year 2026 for Title I schools and comparable mandatory funding for rural education and other programs, along with additional investments totaling over $1 billion annually for teacher preparation, professional development, and career advancement programs. States receiving federal education funding must submit plans to meet these salary requirements within four years or participate in an extended improvement pathway, while also implementing strategies to ensure equitable teacher distribution and eliminate funding disparities between high-poverty and wealthy schools. The legislation funds competitive grants to establish State Commissions to Advance the Teaching Profession and supports innovative "Grow Your Own" teacher recruitment programs targeting local communities and underrepresented groups, with an emphasis on developing educators for high-need subjects and underserved student populations.
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