PILLAR Two: High-Quality and Diverse Teachers & Leaders
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is elevating the stature of the teaching profession through the implementation of a career ladder, competitive salaries, and raising expectations for teacher preparation, induction, and mentoring programs to attract and retain high-quality teachers.
How is Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) Implementing the Blueprint?
- WCPS is on track to meet the starting salary requirement and currently has the highest starting teacher salary in Maryland.
- WCPS increased planning time for teachers by implementing a standard high school schedule and will implement a standard middle school schedule for school year 2023-24.
- WCPS staff are exploring new elementary models to increase planning, collaboration, and professional learning opportunities.
- WCPS developed an NBC cohort model led by teachers who currently have their NBC.
- WCPS has partnered with Wilson College to include the NBC process as part of their Master’s Degree track.
- WCPS is collaborating with local colleges to prepare for full year student teaching experiences.
- WCPS has created a college pathway for high school students to begin college courses in Education.
- WCPS has partnered with the Maryland Accelerates program to offer a one-year residency program for adults who hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming certified teachers.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Preparing new teachers through completion of a full year of student teaching experience.
- Attracting more teachers to Maryland public schools.
- Raising teacher pay to make it equitable with other highly trained professionals with the same amount of education. The starting teacher salary will be $60,000 by July 1, 2026.
- Increasing, through National Board Certification (NBC), a teacher’s salary by $10,000. NBC teachers who teach at an identified low-performing school earn an additional salary increase of $7,000. Individuals who receive the salary enhancement must meet the requirements in the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) guidelines.
- Improving teacher retention rates by developing a career ladder that increases planning, professional learning, and collaboration time in schools.
- Providing leadership development to ensure leaders have the knowledge and skillset necessary to lead schools at the highest level.