Professional Pathways for Teachers
Compensation
Background:
*Pending Board Approval
Professional Pathways for Teachers (PPfT) is a collaboration between Austin Independent School District, Education Austin, and American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to design a Human Capital System that blends appraisal, compensation, leadership pathways and professional development.
Compensation for teachers is a high priority for Austin ISD. However, budget constraints have created a situation where teacher pay has been stagnant. With no true relief in sight, it is imperative to look at teacher compensation differently. The Professional Pathways for Teachers looks to create a new system in which teachers can choose a pathway that best suits their needs and aspirations while valuing high-quality teaching and professional development. To accomplish this task, a working group of teachers, principals, administrators, and Education Austin has developed a draft system to address these concerns, and to find the best fit for Austin ISD.
Compensation Draft:
Austin ISD has created a draft framework that gives teachers ownership of their careers and salary. The AISD compensation system is about teacher ownership, teacher choice, and teacher development. Teachers will be able to engage in personalized and collaborative professional development and be rewarded for their high quality teaching. The entire PPfT system is about empowering and developing teachers.
PPfT will also create leadership opportunities for teachers that will allow them to stay in the classroom and improve their practice without tying it to a specific role. The pathways will allow teachers to pursue areas of interest to become leaders on their campus and throughout the district. When a teacher completes a specific leadership pathway, they would be credentialed in that area, and they will be able to pursue multiple leadership pathways credentials over their career.
The proposed framework is a base-building system meaning it provides permanent pay increases to the employee’s regular salary. This new system will not impact current stipends.
PPfT Compensation Model
Advantages to PPfT Compensation Model
- Base salary is more competitive with area districts.
- Teacher salary is determined by more than just years of experience.
- Impact on student achievement is reflected in student growth elements of the appraisal and PDUs.
- Incentive is provided at enhanced compensation campuses that may have difficulty with retention or recruitment.
- Pathway opportunities provide for additional salary opportunities and leadership growth as professional points are accumulated.
- Because stipends are left in place, there is no reduction in potential salary for most teachers.
PPfT Compensation
Email: PPFT@austinisd.org
Website: http://www.austinisd.org/ppft
Phone: 512-414-9562