The National Education Union will hold a ballot to consider industrial action after rejecting a 7.9% inflationary pay offer from the States.
The States Employment Board says it's disappointed and that threats of strike action by the unions is 'unhelpful'.
Vice Chair of the Board, Constable Andy Jehan says they recognise the vital role teachers play in the success of the island.
"We have made a fair pay offer of 7.9% to all pay groups and this has been accepted by the majority of employees.
The requested pay rise by the NEU is out of step with other pay negotiations, as we continue to face high levels of economic uncertainty which creates pressure on public finances.
We will continue to meet with unions and engage positively with them in order to reach a successful resolution."
Inflation in Jersey is at 12.7%, a 40-year high and the highest in the British Isles.

Commonwealth Games: Nowacki into 100m breaststroke final
Channel Islands face 'physical' Poland test
Thousands expected at Havre Des Pas Festival this weekend
Price of heating oil and other fuel increase by more than half in a year
Man jailed for importing nearly £600k worth of cannabis in bumpers of his car
Baby born on Guernsey's Marine Ambulance
Drug trafficker who claimed he was the ‘Accredited Dealer' jailed
Jersey men involved in cocaine importation sentenced