Salaries of 114 teachers cut, as 151 enjoy wage increases

Since the Highly Qualified Teachers policy was enforced two years ago at public schools in the CNMI, some 114 teachers have had their salaries cut, mainly because of the new HQT compensation plan adopted by the Board of Education.

At the same time, the Public School System approved salary increases for 151 teachers who have met the certification requirements.

The Board of Education decided two years ago not to renew the contract of teachers who did not fulfill the Praxis exams requirement after June 2006. It amended the pay plan to allow teachers a one-year contract and reduced the wages of those who failed to pass the Praxis exams.

“PSS reduced the salaries of 114 teachers at the end of June 2006 and increased salaries of 151 teachers after having met teacher certification which includes Praxis exams,” a PSS report obtained by the Saipan Tribune showed.

PSS also disclosed that on top of these, a maximum bonus of $500 was given to teachers who attended teacher trainings at the University of Guam and at their schools as well those who took the Praxis exams.

Upon showing proof that they took Praxis 1 and 2, PSS also provided $300 incentive bonuses to qualified teachers.

The salary increase, Saipan Tribune learned, is given retroactively to the date of the completion of teacher certification requirements.

Based on the teachers’ compensation plan, a minimum salary of $27,000 is provided to teachers who have yet to pass any Praxis tests and grants up to $47,000 in maximum annual wages depending on the qualifications, years of experience, and credentials of teachers.

The leadership team, headed by Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan, disclosed that, as of school year 2008-2009, over 66.6 percent—or 319—of PSS teachers now enjoy the benefit of salary increases after having met the teacher certification requirements.

Of the remaining full-time teachers, 34 percent—or 160—have not yet passed the Praxis 1 and 2.

Sablan said during Thursday night’s board meeting at the Pacific Islands Club that, of the 66.6 percent HQT-compliant teachers, a big percentage comes from secondary schools.

“The 66 percent total comprises 79 percent of high school; 51 percent of middle school teachers; and 60 percent of elementary school teachers,” Sablan reported to the board.

Sablan claimed that the figures contradict the “concern” raised by a teachers association that the high school level may have lower HQT performers because of the “higher” Praxis 2 test scores set by the policy. Praxis 2 covers content areas or specialized subjects like math for the secondary schools.

The PSS and the board were earlier urged to restore the salaries of these 114 teachers.