Arizona still ranks among the worst states in the nation for teacher pay, and educators continue to leave the profession in record numbers. Chronic underfunding, burnout, and lack of professional growth are driving away the very people our children depend on.

Brett’s plan to retain high-quality teachers centers on respect, compensation, and opportunity, treating educators like the essential professionals they are:

Raise Salaries to National Standards and Adjust for Inflation: Arizona still ranks near the bottom nationally in teacher pay. Many educators have left the profession or the state.

• Brett will champion legislation to raise the state’s teacher salary schedule to at least the national median and to index wages to inflation.

• He will include counselors, nurses, and support staff in the raises, ensuring equitable compensation across the school workforce.

Improve Working Conditions and Professional Growth: Low pay is only part of the teacher shortage.

• Brett will support policies that reduce class sizes, provide adequate planning time, and supply classrooms with up‑to‑date materials.

• He will invest in teacher residency programs that pair new educators with veteran mentors, offer scholarships and loan‑forgiveness programs for aspiring teachers, and expand pathways for paraprofessionals to earn certification.

• He will also back National Board certification stipends and leadership roles that allow teachers to stay in the classroom while advancing their careers.