The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) represents more than 200,000 teachers, guidance counselors, and other education professionals in New York City`s public school system. The UFT and the city`s Department of Education (DOE) negotiate a new contract every few years, and the most recent one was signed in 2014. One of the most important aspects of any teacher contract is the salary schedule, which determines how much teachers get paid based on their years of experience and educational attainment.
The UFT`s 2014 contract salary schedule contains a number of important provisions. First and foremost, it provides for a series of raises over the course of the contract. The first increase was retroactive to November 2013 and amounted to 4% for most teachers. The second increase was a 1% increase that took effect in May 2014, and subsequent increases were set to occur in February of 2015, 2016, and 2018. These raises were designed to keep up with inflation and ensure that teachers` salaries kept pace with the cost of living.
The UFT 2014 contract salary schedule also includes pay differentials for teachers with advanced degrees or other specialized training. For example, teachers with a master`s degree or a national board certification are eligible for an additional $2,500 per year, while those with a doctoral degree can receive an extra $5,000. There are also differentials for teachers who work in certain high-needs schools or who have specific job responsibilities, such as department chair or mentor teacher.
Another important feature of the UFT`s 2014 contract salary schedule is the longevity pay system. This system rewards teachers who have been with the DOE for a long time by providing them with additional pay based on their years of experience. For example, teachers with 5-8 years of experience receive an additional $2,500 per year, while those with 13 or more years of experience receive an extra $10,000.
The UFT`s 2014 contract salary schedule also includes provisions for additional pay for teachers who work in certain subject areas or who take on additional responsibilities. For example, teachers who work in bilingual education can receive an extra $1,500 per year, while those who work in special education can receive an extra $1,000. There are also additional pay rates for teachers who serve as coaches, after-school program coordinators, or summer school teachers.
In conclusion, the UFT`s 2014 contract salary schedule is a complex document that provides for a range of different pay rates, differentials, and longevity bonuses. It is designed to ensure that teachers are fairly compensated for their work and that their pay keeps up with the cost of living. For teachers who are interested in negotiating their own salary or who want to understand the complex world of teacher contracts, the UFT`s 2014 salary schedule is an essential reference tool.