Retaining Effective Teachers Policy
Colorado does not support differential pay by which a teacher can earn additional compensation by teaching certain subjects. However, the state has no regulatory language preventing local districts from providing such differential pay in this area.
A teacher can earn additional pay by working in schools classified as high needs, namely those that receive Title I funds or that are in rural geographic regions. The amount of annual incentive pay is up to $4,000 for each of the first two years and up to $1,000 for each of the next two years. A loan-forgiveness grant is available for first-year teachers as well. Also, teachers who are National Board Certified are eligible to receive an annual stipend of $1,600 for the first three years; the stipend is increased by $3,200 for teachers in low-performing schools.
Support differential pay initiatives for effective teachers in subject shortage areas.
Colorado should encourage districts to link compensation to district needs. Such policies can help districts achieve a more equitable distribution of teachers.
Colorado noted that according to its State Constitution, Colorado is a local control state and therefore such decisions are up to the individual school districts.
NCTQ appreciates the constraints set upon the state by its constitution. However, Colorado is encouraged to examine ways within its constitutional regulations that will allow it to support differential pay.