A boost in pay for math, science teachers

ATLANTA - Facing a ``critical shortage'' of math and science teachers in Georgia, Gov. Sonny Perdue sweetened the pot Wednesday.

The governor signed legislation that boosts salaries for the in-demand educators. He was surrounded by students who took part in a robot creation competition.

The new law would allow new secondary school teachers with proper math or science certification to start at the salary of a fifth year teacher. The teacher's salary would then continue to rise a step every year for five years. After that, the increase would be tied to student performance.

The salary hike will take effect next school year.