Ways to advocate for higher pay during contract renewal discussion?

Hey everyone!

Next week I'll be meeting with my managers to discuss my contract renewal for the 20-21 school year, and I am seeking some tips for navigating the conversation. Heres some background info about me and my role:

I graduated from a prestigious university last summer and have been working as SpEd support staff this past school year. Currently, I am making less than $20 an hour in a city with a minimum wage of $15.60/hr. I now have 4 years of experience working in elementary schools; in the past I have led afterschool classrooms of 20+ students, and have also interned as a visual arts instructor. Additionally, I am returning to school in the fall to obtain my Master's in Teaching and a teaching credential. Outside of the field, I have 1 year of management experience.

I received my renewal offer this past week and am very unsatisfied with my pay raise, as my offer is still under $20. Something I plan to use as leverage in the conversation is that my friend applied to a similar role to the one I am working and was offered $20.67. She turned down the role, and gave me permission to use this information in my discussion. I have many years worth of more experience than this friend, so I'm also wondering if race was a factor when deciding these numbers (she is white and I am a POC).

I cannot burn any bridges or find a new job, as my employers are allowing me to work a more flexible schedule while I begin grad school in the fall. I enjoy this job, but believe I am very underpaid for the work I provide (as is the norm for most education-related jobs). Does anyone have suggestions for ways I can advocate for myself?

Thanks in advance! :)

Submitted April 11, 2020 at 04:42PM by stromanthe_ https://ift.tt/3edZl9x