What’s included in the School Committee’s proposed contract for teacher salaries? School Committee member Jens Michaelsen explains in this short video.
“I am proud that our most recent salary proposal to the Holyoke Teachers Association offers competitive salaries for our teachers when compared to nine nearby districts,” Mr. Michaelsen said. “Overall, Holyoke teachers’ salaries would increase more than 20% over three years. Our objective is to offer a fair and competitive salary so that we can attract and retain amazing educators for our students.”
The proposed structure provides salary increases for a teacher's time in the district, education, and professional licensure, in addition to annual increases at every step and lane. The top lane would require a professional license, which has been criticized by the HTA bargaining team. However, Mr. Michaelsen explained the reason why the proposal is structured the way it is:
“Our students deserve to have licensed teachers because licensing sets a professional standard for knowledge, skills, and experience, as seen in other professions and in Springfield Public Schools,” Mr. Michaelsen said. “Additionally, our licensed teachers deserve to be recognized and financially rewarded for the effort and expense of becoming licensed.”
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