Stimulus checks: which states are providing payments to teachers?
Teachers who are eligible for the extra stimulus checks will not have to carry out any particular activity in order to receive it.
Several states in the US have introduced a provision according to which the teachers and other school staff have been or will be provided with an extra amount of stimulus checks. It is said to be a one-time bonus gesture and a way of thanking teachers for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
Extra stimulus checks for teachers
Teachers who are eligible for the extra stimulus checks will not have to carry out any particular activity in order to receive it. The said money will be included in their paychecks. Governor from the state of Florida, Ron DeSantis, made a statement saying that the teachers working in the state could expect the check to be made available in the month of August.
California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas are the states that have approved the extra stimulus checks. According to reports, the "Berkeley Unified School District" of California will distribute a total of $2.8 million to the teachers for 2022.
Florida provides payment
Georgia provided the money in March of this year. Florida will send money to principals and teachers but have excluded other staff members from receiving the payment. Michigan sent about $500 as a bonus and $250 to the staffers. This took place in February, 2021. Tennessee and Texas are yet to distribute the money.
It has been a tumultuous 18 months for the profession and the checks are seen as a way of showing appreciation for the teaching efforts, and also to help retain teachers and staff.
State bonus figures
California: The Berkeley Unified School District will spend $2.8 million in 3.5% teacher bonuses for the upcoming year
Colorado: The state will be giving out $1,000 bonuses
Florida: 175,000 teachers and 3,600 principals will receive $1,000 checks. The program excludes the state’s 120,000 school staff members, as well as first responders.
Georgia: Approximately 230,000 K-12 public school teachers and staff received $1,000 checks in March
Michigan: The state sent out $500 in hazard bonus and $250 for staffers in February
Tennessee: Will be giving $1,000 bonuses if the Senate agrees on the move in lieu of a permanent pay rise
Texas: The state will be giving $1,000 bonuses