D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson unveiled a new career ladder to allow high-performing teachers more leadership opportunities and more money, while also allowing them to remain in the classroom.
"They're looking for leadership opportunities, they're looking for opportunities to expand and broaden their reach, to influence policy and decision making that happens in the District," Henderson said. "And we want to be the place where the very best teachers know they can come and stay and do all that and more."
The new Leadership Initiative for Teachers, or LIFT, is designed to help keep good teachers in DCPS, Henderson said. Under the new program, teachers who receive highly effective ratings will be able to see significant salary increases faster than in the past.
Teachers in wealthier schools will continue to be eligible for annual bonuses, but money will now be largely allocated for teachers who work in high-poverty, low-performing schools.
"It has all the requirement's of good bones if you've been in an old house and it's got good bones," said Nathan Saunders, head of the Washington Teachers Union. "I'm concerned about implementation."
Teachers who continue to receive highly effective ratings will have opportunities to earn more than $100,000 in just five years and more than $130,000 in just seven years, significantly higher than surrounding jurisdictions and many other urban districts.
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