new teacher q & a

What is a salary step? When should I apply? Do I have to apply for each step?

Sep 6, 2007 12:22 PM

A: A salary step is an increase in pay that you receive based on your years of teaching experience. You will automatically get pay increases based on steps, except you must apply if you want credit for prior experience [see below].

Going through the salary steps: As a first-year teacher in the New York City public schools with no prior teaching experience, you will start on Step 1A, with gross earnings of at least $42,512 per year or $1,771.33 for each check during September. (You will be paid semi-monthly through direct deposit of your paycheck.)

Starting Oct. 13, even though you are still on Step 1A, your income grows to $43,362 or $1,806.75 per check, based on a salary hike the UFT negotiated in the new contract. If you have credits or degrees beyond a bachelor’s degree, you may qualify for salary differentials that would earn you higher pay even at Step 1A.

If you teach without interruption, you can move through the steps at the rate of two steps per year, up to Step 8B after eight years of teaching. Beyond that, you will qualify for longevity increases after 10, 13, 15, 18, 20 and 22 years of service. In addition, for the first time, the union won a new five-year longevity which kicks in on May 19, 2008.

Credit for prior experience: If you taught in another school system or had work experience related to your license area, you may qualify for salary credit. If you qualify, you could receive up to 71/2 years of salary credit that could bring you as high as Step 8B.

However, you must apply to receive credit for prior experience. You should have supplied this information to the Department of Education through an online form you filled out during your induction. If you need more information about such salary credit, go to the DOE online. Also, check with your school’s payroll secretary or call a salary rep at your UFT borough office.