GOALS:

• To establish a class of teachers called Master Teachers that would have extensive experience and training and would be willing to teach in schools that are not meeting Adequate Yearly Progress, as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act.;
• Close student achievement gaps by improving the quality/experience of the teachers responsible for their education; and,
• Make obtaining advanced training and experience in teaching more desirable.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS:

In order to attract "Master Teachers" to the lowest performing schools around the country the Master Teacher Act proposes that 25% of their salary will be tax exempt for the four years they work in a school that has been identified as not meeting Adequate Yearly Progress and eligible for school-wide programs as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLBA). Each state will be allowed to have 10% of their teachers in this program at a time. The program will go into effect in 2005 and end with the 2013/2014 school year, when the NCLBA requires that 100% of students be performing at the proficient level.

If a school is found to be meeting AYP standards during a teacher’s four year period in the program, they will continue to receive the full 25% benefit until the end of their term.