The top lane in the School Committee’s proposed teacher salary structure would require a professional license. Most teachers with a professional license also have a master’s degree.
A 25th year teacher with a professional license at Holyoke Public Schools earned $80,500 last year.
With continued annual increases in the compensation structure and the addition of a $3,000 longevity payment, under the School Committee’s proposal a 25th year teacher would earn:
$92,225 in 2025-26
$94,900 in 2026-27
$96,750 in 2027-28
Over the three-year period, the total increase would be $16,250 or 20%. And the maximum longevity payment for an even more experienced teacher would be $4,000.
“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,” said Holyoke School Committee member Jens Michaelsen. “Our licensed teachers deserve to be recognized and financially rewarded for the effort and expense of becoming licensed.”
In a letter from Dr. Yadilette Rivera-Colon that was sent on April 30, she noted that “Approximately 96% of teachers statewide are licensed, compared to 76% of teachers in Holyoke. When you include other members of the HTA who are not classroom teachers but who provide essential services to students, such as counselors and speech pathologists, it drops to 57%.”
Meanwhile, the HPS leadership has reiterated their commitment to continuing to provide many opportunities and avenues to support teachers on their licensure journey. HPS offers multiple pipeline and pathway programs to support educators to earn required degrees and educational credits. HPS offers MTel preparatory classes and support, free Sheltered English Immersion courses, and personalized guidance through the licensure process. Financial assistance is also provided for some programs.
Teachers who have had difficulty earning their license may have an easier time going forward. On April 28, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced regulatory changes focused on “creating an alternative licensure pathway that allows an aspiring educator and/or existing educator, the ability to waive the Communication and Literacy Skills Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) test should they satisfy the eligibility criteria.”
Teachers who still struggle to earn their license, but are in good standing with the district, will continue to have a job. All teachers will be eligible for step increases regardless of licensure status.
