The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is an essential document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for public school teachers in New York City. It covers a wide range of issues, such as salaries, benefits, working conditions, and job security.
When it comes to salary, the UFT CBA establishes a clear and transparent system that takes into account the teacher`s education, experience, and years of service. The salary levels are determined by a matrix that assigns points to each of these factors.
For example, a teacher with a bachelor`s degree starts at Level 1, Step 1, which corresponds to a yearly salary of $57,845 as of September 2021. However, a teacher with a master`s degree and 30 credits above the master`s degree starts at Level 2, Step 1, which corresponds to a yearly salary of $66,758 as of September 2021.
Furthermore, the UFT CBA provides for annual salary increases based on the length of service and completion of courses or degrees. For instance, a teacher who completes 30 approved credits beyond their master`s degree can advance to the next salary level.
It is worth noting that the UFT CBA also establishes a number of « differentials » that provide additional compensation to teachers who work in challenging or specialized roles. For example, there are differentials for teachers who work in high-needs schools, bilingual teachers, and teachers who work in schools with high levels of violence.
In conclusion, the UFT CBA salary system is designed to reward teachers for their education, experience, and commitment to public education. It provides a clear and predictable system that ensures fair compensation for all teachers, regardless of their specialty or background. As a result, it plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining highly qualified educators who are critical to the success of New York City`s public schools.