Tennessee Career Guide | 2024-2025 59 to excel in every aspect of the job, but rather to be proficient in various skills that make you truly one of a kind. Every edu- cator must be motivated to guarantee their students' success and share the vision that all children are equipped with the knowledge and skills to embark on their chosen path in life. Career Advancement As educators, we are unwavering in our commitment to mastering the science and art of teaching by staying current with ed- ucational research, trends, and best prac- tices. We demand the highest ethical stan- dards for those who educate our children and will not tolerate dishonorable behav- ior in our classrooms. We hold ourselves to the highest moral character to maintain the integrity of our profession, and we are determined to provide our students with the highest quality education in a safe and respectful environment. Together, we will make Tennessee a better place for teachers to teach and students to learn. Salaries and Compensation Tennessee invested $549 million in teacher compensation between 2016 and 2022. With the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) Act, passed in 2022, school districts are now mandated to use state funds to increase teacher salaries. The minimum salary has already been raised by 17% since 2018 and is set to reach $50,000 by 2027. Furthermore, teachers can earn a higher salary by ac- quiring advanced degrees or accumulating years of teaching experience. Educators as Professionals The integrity of a teacher, both inside and outside the classroom, is crucial because it ensures the safety of students entrusted to our care, which is our top priority. As teachers, we also recognize that our deci- sions set an example for our students. When we enter the profession, we commit ourselves to a high code of ethics to safe- guard our students. We must challenge ourselves and those around us to raise the bar regarding good character, integrity, and ethical behavior. While teaching is an honorable profession, it is not for everyone, and the new realities that educators face require new thinking, practical solutions, and fresh ideas. If we fail to do so, the voices of classroom teach- ers will not be heard, and their experiences will not be considered. In education, it is essential to focus on what is important: working together to improve public schools for the benefit of all children. No one person or group has all the answers. As stakeholders and policymakers, we must all roll up our sleeves and work to- gether to make public education successful for all our children. Our collective future depends on it. Links to Learn More www.proedtn.org Tennessee’s Top Careers Professional Educators of Tennessee proudly sponsors this career information. We lead the way in promoting teaching excellence and advocating for all school employees. As a community member, you will gain access to valuable services, including benefits and legal and profes- sional development opportunities. We are tireless advocates for educators and stu- dents at the local, state, and national lev- els, and we build collaboration among teachers, administrators, parents, and students to create a positive and respect- ful learning environment. Join us today and discover the power of a united voice! The Information on this career is submitted and sponsored by
