Retaining Effective Teachers Policy
Rhode Island supports incentives that teachers can earn by teaching certain subjects. Loans may be partially or completed canceled for licensed teachers of mathematics, science, foreign languages, bilingual education or any other field of expertise where there is a shortage of qualified teachers.
Rhode Island does not support differential pay for those teaching in high-needs schools. However, the state has no regulatory language that would directly block districts from providing differential pay.
Support differential pay initiatives for effective teachers in high-needs schools.
Rhode Island should encourage districts to link compensation to district needs. Such policies can help districts achieve a more equitable distribution of teachers.
Expand differential pay initiative for teachers in subject shortage areas.
Although the state's loan forgiveness program is a desirable recruitment and retention tool for teachers early in the career, Rhode Island should expand its program to include those already part of the teaching pool. A salary differential is an attractive incentive for every teacher, not just those with education debt.
Rhode Island recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis.