Letters to the Editor

Clarification needed on prior experience

Oct 18, 2007 4:18 PM

To the Editor:

Having read your article on salary steps in the Sept. 6 issue, I feel compelled to bring up an issue in regard to prior experience. While it is true that the current contract allows for placement on a high step equal to past teaching experience out of the city, that prior experience credit does not apply to longevity steps.

It is important for prospective teachers entering the system to know that longevity pay is contingent on in-city experience only. A teacher who is placed on a higher salary step because of prior experience will not be allowed to apply the outside work experience to longevity pay.

I speak, unfortunately, from experience. I entered into employment with the Department of Education (then the Board of Education) with five years teaching experience in public schools in upstate New York, for which I was placed on salary step 6a after navigating the red tape. I progressed step by step until I reached 9b.

When I thought that my 10-year longevity step was to kick in I then found out that longevity only applies to teaching experience in New York City. As I begin my 14th school year I remain stalled on step 9b, attempting to pay my rent and bills without a step increase for the last five years, though it will be my 15th year.

While I have seen this issue mentioned as a possible point for negotiation, as of yet nothing has been done, at least according to my paycheck. Without a change in our contract I will never gain back the five years service I lost by choosing to teach for the New York City DOE.

I urge you to warn prospective teachers with past experience of this damaging and irrational loophole in the prior-experience portion of the contract.

Brendan Pulver, LaGuardia HS