NJ Spotlight published the following article on August 15, 2014. To read the full article, click here.
NEW PACT IN PATERSON GIVES TEACHERS EXTRA PAY TIED TO THEIR PERFORMANCE
Contract includes salary ‘steps’ tied to school district’s evaluation system
In a deal that finally breaks a four-year stalemate, a new contract for teachers in the state-run Paterson schools includes a version of pay-for-performance that will be a first for New Jersey.
The salary guide for all new teachers and included in the three-year contract made final last month will include an extra annual “step,” or pay increment, that can be earned by teachers rated “highly effective” under the district’s evaluation system. The steps are typically tied only to an additional year of service.
Teachers rated “effective” will get a single step, and “highly effective” a second step. Teachers rated either “partially effective” or “ineffective” will get no raise at all. Veteran teachers will have the option of joining the new guide or staying with a traditional guide without the incentives.