Simpson to ensure Schools for the Deaf and Blind included in teacher pay raise discussion

Sen. Frank Simpson announced today that he will ensure that teachers at the School for the Deaf and School for the Blind are included in teacher pay raise legislation this session.

“Our teachers at the schools for our deaf and blind children perform a wonderful job. Being special education teachers, they face challenges that teachers in our public schools may not face,” said Simpson, R-Springer. “If any teacher deserves a pay raise, it is these devoted teachers. I will work to make sure they are not overlooked.”

The current proposed $5,000 pay raise for Oklahoma teachers and principals only pertains to those educators who are paid through the state Department of Education. Teachers at the Schools for the Blind and Deaf are paid through the state Department of Rehabilitative Services. Simpson is seeking to add the two specialty schools to the bill before it is presented to the legislature for consideration.