SUMMARY:

            This bill would amend Part 6 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the O.C.G.A. to provide additional compensation for math or science teachers in certain circumstances while it also provides standards for math and science endorsements.  It removes the sunset provision for the Georgia Master Teacher Program, as well.

REQUIREMENTS:

• On and after July 1, 2010, a secondary school teacher certified and math or science by the PSC would be moved to the state salary step applicable to 6 years of service, unless he or she is already above that step.  That teacher can continue to advance 1 step per year for five years from that position.
• After the 5^th year, the teacher could continue to be attributed one additional year on the salary schedule each year if he or she meets or exceeds student achievement criteria established by the Governor's Office of Student Achievement .  Otherwise, the teacher would revert to a step on the salary schedule according to his/her actual years of experience.
• Beginning July 1, 2009, a kindergarten or elementary teacher who receives an endorsement in math, science or both from the PSC would receive a $1000 stipend per endorsement for each year the endorsement is in effect, up to a maximum of 5 years.
• If the elementary teacher maintains those endorsements and meets or exceeds student achievement criteria established by the Governor's Office of Student Achievement, she/he could continue the $1000 stipend as long as the endorsement is current.  Otherwise, the stipend would be discontinued.
• All increases would be subject to General Assembly appropriations on an annual basis.
• In order to qualify for the above incentives, the endorsement held by the teacher must:
• • Be based on post-baccalaureate non-degree program beyond preparation in early childhood education;
  • Consist of a minimum of 3 courses, 2 of which would focus on the advancement of content knowledge and one that would focus on instructional strategies for the content to children in K-5;
  • Include a residency experience with a focus on application of knowledge and skills acquired in the course work
• The PSC would be responsible for establishing standards for the endorsement.