The Adams administration and the United Federation of Teachers have reached a tentative contract deal that includes five years of raises and a recurring retention bonus.
If the agreement is ratified by the members of the UFT, it will be retroactive to last September and will include the following wage increase:
- Sept. 14, 2022: 3.00%
- Jan. 18, 2024: 3.00%
- Jan. 18, 2025: 3.00%
- Sept. 14, 2025: 3.25%
- Sept. 14, 2026: 3.50%
Teachers will also get an annual retention bonus as long as they continue to work for the education department — beginning with $400 in 2024, $700 in 2025, and $1,000 in 2026 and every year after, even beyond the length of the contract.
Every member will also receive a $3,000 one-time bonus if the contract is ratified.
The salary bumps and bonuses will mean the starting salary for new teachers would be $72,349, up from $61,070. The top salary, for the most experienced teachers, would be $151,271 by the end of the five-year deal. The union says the contract means most teachers will earn a salary of $100,000 by their eighth year of work — down from 15 years.
Beyond the money, the deal also sets the stage for expanded virtual learning programs to be offered to students in grades six through 12. It would be voluntary for both students and teachers to participate, and officials say the goal is to offer an increase in the breadth of programs offered and to better serve students who may have non-traditional schedules due to work or other commitments.
The union represents about 120,000 active employees, including teachers, paraprofessionals, school secretaries, guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses and supervisors of school security.