Largest teacher pay increase in APS history approved as districts statewide threatened by shortages

Atlanta Public Schools teachers will get an average 11% pay boost, and non-teaching staff will see an up to 5% raise in the 2025 fiscal year. (Jasmine Robinson/WABE)

The Atlanta Public Schools’ Board of Education has approved next school year’s budget, and with it the largest district-wide teacher pay increase in APS history.

Teachers will get an average 11% pay boost, and non-teaching staff will see an up to 5% raise in the 2025 fiscal year.

APS officials hope this will hopefully “improve student outcomes and teacher morale.” The budget takes into account cost of living adjustments because of inflation.

Georgia Association of Educators President Lisa Morgan has long-advocated for teacher raises statewide, as Georgia’s average starting teacher salary rings in at roughly $38,000. Morgan tells WABE’s “Morning Edition” the APS pay boost is one tactic that’s long overdue.

Lily Oppenheimer contributed to this report.