DETROIT (WWJ) - "Every child deserves to be taught by a best-in-class teacher," CEO Maurice Morton of Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences said on Thursday and the district is backing up that statement by offering a revolutionary compensation program geared to attract the best qualified teacher.
What exactly is that incentive? A higher pay rate. A much higher pay rate of $100,000 as part of the school's Best-in-Class program.
“By creating strong criteria to measure excellence for teachers and investing in their growth with a best in class compensation plan, we believe
that we will have a profound impact on the educational outcomes for the children we serve," Morton said of the program.
Currently, there is not a district in Michigan that compensates teachers at this level, officials added.
Administrators said the goal is to hire 18 new teachers at the higher pay rate by the 2023-2024 school year. Teachers in the district currently bring in between $49,000 and $72,000 based on their experience, level of education, and grade level that they teach.
Krystal Thomas, a 7th grade science teacher at DAAS, called the compensation program “revolutionary.”
“When you give teachers a livable wage, it makes the profession important,” said Thomas, who plans to pursue becoming a model teacher. “I’m really excited about this opportunity.”
To qualify for the $100,000 rate, teachers must meet the following criteria:
• At least 5 or more years of experience in the classroom as a lead teacher/teacher of record
• At least 2 years of a highly effective rating in the most recent 3-year period in the Michigan Online Education Certification System (MOECS),
• Possess a valid Michigan Teacher Certification
• Demonstrate an impact on scholar outcomes, professionalism, commitment to equity, and family and community engagement.
If hired, the teacher would be eligible for a 3-year contract, and would be required to maintain the ratings, officials added.
The program has taken years to plan. Funds for the higher pay rate are coming out of a rechanneling of existing funding sources and won't take away from funding for classroom resources.
The academy hopes when model teachers are hired in, the more parents will want to send their children to the district.
“I have 1,000 reasons why we’re going to do this,” explained DAAS Board Chair Sharon Weatherspoon. “We’re not only looking to support our teachers, but to make sure that everybody who walks in the door gets the best of the best (instruction).”
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