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Starting salaries for USVI teachers set to reach $52,503 by 2025

September 17th, 2024 | Tags: salaries increase USVI Teachers Albert A. Bryan Jr value
Under the new terms, teachers will receive a 4 percent salary increase in the first year, followed by an additional 3 percent increase in the second year. Photo: VIC
VI CONSORTIUM

FREDERIKSTED, St Croix, USVI- Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr announced on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, a new wage agreement with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Locals 1825 and 1826, resulting in salary increases for the territory's teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff.

This agreement, which covers a two-year period from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2025, marks an important step in recognizing the efforts and dedication of educators in the Virgin Islands, the administration said.

Government House said Mr Bryan has been committed to enhancing compensation for teachers, and this agreement reflects a continued effort to improve the education system's workforce.

Increases

Under the new terms, teachers will receive a 4 percent salary increase in the first year, followed by an additional 3 percent increase in the second year. Notably, the starting salary for teachers with a bachelor's degree will be raised to $50,974.12 in the first year and will increase to $52,503.35 in the second year. The administration's goal is to bring starting teacher salaries to at least $50,000, a commitment that has been met with this agreement.

Paraprofessionals and support staff are also set to benefit from the wage increases outlined in the agreement, which aims to reflect their vital roles within the education system. Additionally, the Government of the Virgin Islands and AFT Locals 1825 and 1826 have agreed to a wage reopener. This measure will allow for further negotiations for the period from September 1, 2025, through August 30, 2028, ensuring that compensation and professional growth for educators continue to be prioritised.

'Recognising the value' of teachers- Gov Bryan

Governor Bryan emphasised the importance of this wage agreement in acknowledging the contributions of educators and support staff in the territory. "As we look toward the future of our public education system, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the dedicated teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff who give so much to the students of the Virgin Islands," the governor said. "This wage agreement is not just about salary increases—it is about recognising the value of those who shape the minds and futures of our young people."

Mr Bryan also highlighted the agreement's role in alleviating financial pressures on educators amidst rising costs. "In a time when rising costs are placing additional financial pressure on hardworking Virgin Islanders, I take particular pride in our administration’s ability to negotiate a fair and timely wage increase that supports our educators. The work of the American Federation of Teachers is critical to the progress of our Territory, and we are committed to ensuring that their contributions are met with the respect and compensation they deserve."

This agreement is the second wage agreement between the administration and AFT Locals 1825 and 1826. 

VINO's Note: 
As of January 2024, following the revision of salaries for public officers, in the [British] Virgin Islands, the starting salary for qualified teachers with at least a Bachelor's Degree, inclusive of teacher training, is $55,146.00.

11 Responses to “Starting salaries for USVI teachers set to reach $52,503 by 2025”

  • so tell me (17/09/2024, 19:00) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    Slow backwards Tortola when are you guys going to get your S..t together.
    • @ so tell me (17/09/2024, 22:18) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply

      OK HATER CINDY THE BVI WAGES FOR TEACHERS WITH 4 YEAR DEGRESS ARE OVER $55 PER YEAR SO HUST YOUR SICK R@££

  • teacher john (17/09/2024, 19:17) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    Bvi still doing better
  • Nice. (18/09/2024, 04:44) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    That's a very, very good start...getting more is excellent..
  • just stop (18/09/2024, 06:44) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    We don't pay as much taxes as USVI and less not talk about the ridiculous WAPA bill they have to endure. Yes, it would be nice to have a pay increase but not with the brief comparison of wages with the USVI and USA. We need to look at the whole picture and get a detailed account of other countries taxes and cost of living first in order to make a strong argument.
    • DEDE (18/09/2024, 08:56) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Just Stop

      Thank you. Your comments is the best explains rino so far but I’m afraid this will fly over many people heads.
    • The TRUTH (18/09/2024, 11:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thank you! I been screaming this. All they want to do is look at US salaries and ignore everything else. Not just teachers neither.
  • born here (18/09/2024, 07:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes! everybody want more money, but some of the teacher at these school want more money to treat people child/children bad in class called them all kind of name in class in front other student. Just like that one that they moved from that school where she and the principal could not get along and carry her to Joyce Samuel Primary School. Not saying that all teachers are bad but some of y'all need to find a different profession than teaching people children.
  • E. Leonard (19/09/2024, 22:03) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Teaching is a labor of love and vital to a country’s growth and development. Teaching may not be one of the oldest profession but it is an important one. Teaching is where it begins,i.e., preschool, kindergarten, primary, secondary, etc.,Teachers teach doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects, surveyors, electricians, plumbers, automechanics, nurses, IT, teachers, carpenters, etc., the basics.Teachers don’t going into the profession to get wealthy; they do it to contribute to building the l society. Nonetheless, they need to be blessed with a fair and reasonable, competitive compensation package. We entrust our children to them for a large portion of the day. We all have favorites teachers which we remember throughout life. Teaching is a noble profession and teachers get as much joy and satisfaction teaching as students get learning. For curiosity sake, what is the minimum salary of a public school teacher in the VI?
    • Hablar Real (20/09/2024, 08:36) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      E. Leonard, good read. Are you or were you teacher? Thanks for the shout out.

      “ For curiosity sake, what is the minimum salary of a public school teacher in the VI?” Did you deliberately asked this question?


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