Sunman-Dearborn offers highest starting teacher pay in area

(ST. LEON, Ind.) – The Sunman-Dearborn Community School Corporation has announced the ratification of a new two-year Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The agreement continues the corporation’s standing of offering the highest starting teacher pay in Southeast Indiana. 

Starting teaching pay is $49,500 in 2025-2026 and then will be the first to reach $50,000 next year. 

Superintendent Dr. Andrew Jackson said the wages reflect their desire to attract the best teachers to the school corporation. 

“Their dedication to student learning is the cornerstone of our success, and we are committed to compensating them accordingly. With the highest starting pay in the area, we continue to lead in making education a top priority,” Dr. Jackson said. 

The school added that all returning teachers will receive raises that range from $1,500 to $3,000 per year. There are also incentives for educators who obtain obtain additional graduate-level coursework in education or the Early Literacy Endorsement.

“In alignment with the Corporation’s and State’s ongoing focus on early literacy, any teacher who obtains the Early Literacy Endorsement will receive a $500 increase to their base salary,” Dr. Jackson added. 

He said that teachers also receive high-quality health insurance, annual Health Savings Account contributions and $0 co-pays. The school added that teachers also pay the lowest premium amounts among all members of the Southeastern Indiana School Insurance Trust.