Gretchen Whitmer will propose spending $2.3 billion over four years to recruit and retain teachers and other school staff, enticing them with annual $2,000 bonuses that would grow to $4,000 by 2025, FOX 2 Detroit reported.
 

Whitmer’s plan to speak to the educator shortages is answered within the budget, which the governor will discuss with lawmakers Wednesday, February 9.

Through the proposed spending package, beginning in the fall, all full-time K-12 public employees would obtain $2,000, with part-time employees earning a smaller amount based on the hours they worked. The public employees would then receive an extra $2,000 if they come back to their school district in 2023, according to FOX 2 Detroit. Teachers, among other certified staff, like counselors, social workers, and nurses would also qualify for $3,000 in 2024 and $4,000 in 2025, per the report.

Whitmer will also seek $600 million for educator recruitment, which would fund college scholarships for potential educators, student-teacher stipends, and more.

MEA President Paula Herbart said in the article that this proposal would be an answer to the shortage, making a “real difference … to help every student succeed.”

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