Foundations of American Education

Lesson 11 - The Professional Teacher - Page 5

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Teacher Salary Schedules

Most districts have negotiated teacher salaries and benefits with the local teacher’s association. Most schedules are set up with steps and lanes. Steps are usually shown going from Step 1(meaning 1st year of teaching) to Step 12, 15, 25, depending on the district and the lane. The lanes are usually shown going from right to left on the table and show you how much teachers with additional college hours or degrees receive.

When you examine a salary schedule it is important to look beyond simply what you will make the first year. Look at several scenarios and compare district to district. For instance, maybe you are planning to get a master’s degree. See what a teacher makes in various districts on step 7 (7th year) with a master’s degree. Project the final degree that you will attain and see what a teacher with that amount of education makes at 30 years, remembering that your retirement benefits are calculated based upon your 3 highest years’ earnings.

You would also be wise to compare benefit packages. Insurance coverage and costs vary from district to district. Some districts still provide insurance at no cost to the employee and family while others require teachers to pay a certain amount, $100, or in some districts over $400 for the 2010-11 school year for family coverage.

Some salary schedules and related policies are available at the following sites: