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Sen. Ada Álvarez Conde on Monday introduced Senate Bill 326, aimed at addressing salary inequalities within the island Department of Education and establishing a fairer compensation system for teachers.
The legislation, filed at the request of the Puerto Rico Teachers Federation (FMPR by its initials in Spanish) and the National Union of Educators and Education Workers (UNETE), seeks to amend Act 10-2022, known as the “Special Law on Base Salary for Teachers of the Public Education System of Puerto Rico.”
One of the key changes proposed is the establishment of a salary scale based on the teacher’s academic attainment:
* Master’s degree: $3,877.50 per month
* Bachelor’s degree: $2,750 per month
* Doctorate: $4,977.50 per month.
Additionally, the bill proposes an automatic annual salary increase of no less than $50 for every year of experience, recognizing teachers’ expertise and dedication to public service. It also aims to ensure job security for teachers within the system, as stated by UNETE General Secretary Emilio Nieves Torres.
“Our teachers are the foundation of education in Puerto Rico and deserve a decent and equitable salary,” Álvarez Conde noted. “Currently, there are four different salary scales that create disparities among teachers with the same academic qualifications. This law aims to rectify this issue and provide stability for those dedicated to teaching.”
The bill acknowledges and respects any salary increases granted previously through executive orders, legislation or agreements.
If the measure is enacted, it would replace the Teaching Career Law and affect all teachers, regardless of their employment status within the agency — whether temporary, probationary or permanent. The change would impact more than 20,000 teachers in Puerto Rico’s public schools, ensuring salary equity, as emphasized by FMPR President Mercedes Martínez Padilla.
Álvarez Conde is urging her Senate colleagues to join her in co-authoring this bill and to support fair salary recognition for Puerto Rico’s teachers.
“It is time to take action in support of education and those who facilitate it,” the Popular Democratic Party senator said. “I invite all senators to back this legislation and ensure that no teacher is discriminated against in their salary based on the year they obtained their degree. Together, we can do justice for those who shape the future of our country.”
The Puerto Rican Independence Party delegation has already reached out to the senator and the FMPR to express their interest in serving as co-authors of the bill.
“I was diligent in filing this bill, as the education of our country and its teachers is an issue that transcends political differences,” Álvarez Conde said.
