Nicholas Freitas, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, has said that persistent disagreements over teacher pay highlight government mismanagement of education. This statement was made on X.
“Teachers are underpaid,” said Nicholas J Freitas, Virginia State Representative for 62nd District. “Some are…and some are drastically overpaid. But since I’ve never lived in a time where anybody thought teachers were “appropriately” paid, maybe we should stop letting the government run education. Since they clearly can’t get teacher pay right.”
Teacher pay remains a significant issue in Virginia as local districts and lawmakers debate potential raises to address shortages and cope with rising costs. The Wall Street Journal reports that the state’s average teacher pay is below national norms, contributing to high turnover rates. This ongoing debate has led to proposals in the Virginia legislature for new bonus programs and targeted salary increases as part of the state’s latest education budget.
According to the National Education Association, Virginia’s average teacher salary for 2023–24 stands at $66,327, ranking the state 26th nationally and approximately $5,700 below the national average of $72,030. Starting teacher salaries average $48,666, placing Virginia 16th in the country. These figures underscore efforts to increase pay to enhance teacher recruitment and retention.
A 2024 comparative study by Journalist’s Resource indicates that teachers in public schools report higher satisfaction with their pay and better retention when salaries are increased. In contrast, those in alternative or private schools often express similar satisfaction despite lower pay levels. In Virginia, districts offering salary incentives see slightly improved student outcomes; however, results vary across the state.
According to Ballotpedia, Freitas is a Republican who has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2016 and currently represents the 62nd District. A former Army National Guard member, he is known for advocating transparency in education funding and local control while supporting competitive teacher pay and accountability in public schools.
