Credit: leadincharleston.com
Charleston County School District’s (CCSD) innovative strategies for teacher recruitment and retention have been highlighted in a feature article by Education Week. Chief Human Resources Officer Bill Briggman (pictured) was named one of the publication’s "2025 Leaders to Learn From," recognizing his leadership in championing teacher pay increases and workforce stability.
The article, published on February 3, 2025, outlines how Briggman’s advocacy, in collaboration with a teacher-led task force, led to dramatic improvements in teacher compensation and career longevity in the district. Under these efforts, starting salaries in CCSD have increased from just under $40,000 in 2019 to nearly $64,000 today. The district also extended step raises to 40 years of service, ensuring veteran teachers continue to receive pay increases well into their careers. These changes have positioned CCSD as a leader in addressing the teacher shortage crisis affecting schools nationwide.
“This recognition by Education Week underscores the power of collaborative leadership,” said Briggman. “Our teachers were instrumental in reshaping the conversation around compensation and equity. This is a testament to their dedication and the district’s commitment to supporting them.”
The article also highlights perspectives from district leaders and educators, including Patrick Martin, a high school English teacher in CCSD. Initially skeptical of administrative efforts, Martin later became an active participant in the district’s compensation reform task force, citing Briggman’s genuine engagement with teacher concerns.
"This was more than just a photo op," Martin said. "It showed a real commitment to improving the profession."
The Education Week article places CCSD’s work in the context of a national conversation about teacher pay, highlighting how other districts across the country could benefit from adopting similar measures.
To read the full Education Week article, visit https://www.edweek.org/
