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Cantrell
Wow, it is hard to believe the end of session is right around the corner.
I want to congratulate all the Teachers of the Year in House District 49. Your dedication, hard work, and innovative teaching methods have set you apart as an outstanding educator.
I also want to thank all the teachers in House District 49 for the time and effort they put into their work. Yourhardworkandcommitmentto teaching have not gone unnoticed. We are lucky to have you serve our community and our students.
Briefly, I want to discuss the Teacher Empowerment Program, which was signed into law in May 2022. It allows educators to elevate their professional growth and pay without moving into an administrative role.
Oklahoma’s Education Lottery Trust Fund placed 13 million dollars of revenue into the Teacher Empowerment Revolving Fund for the 2023-2024 school year. These funds allow districts to identify and designate up to 10% of their excellent teachers as advanced, lead or master teachers twice per year.
Depending on the designation level, teacher contracts will include additional days and, at minimum, a $3,000 - $10,000 salary increase from the district that Teacher Empowerment Funds will match.
I would also like to congratulate everyone graduating high school this month. As you move forward, remember that your graduation is not the end of your journey but the start of a new one. I wish all the graduates the best as they embark on this new phase of life.
Speaking of education, in the past week we’ve had some progression on the education plan.
On Tuesday, the House passed the Senate’s tax credit plan, but we are holding it until we reach an agreement on a public education plan. We are asking the Senate to work with us on funding public schools, specifically rural schools. I’m hopeful we will be able to produce legislation that benefits all our teachers, students and public schools in the state.
I will continuously advocate for a plan that funds our rural schools. I hope to have an update soon on the finalized plan.
Again, thank you for electing me to serve District 49. It is truly an honor and privilege to represent you at the State Capitol. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 405-5577383orjosh.cantrell@okhouse.gov.. Rep.JoshCantrell,aRepublican, serves District 49 Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Carter, Love and Marshall counties.