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Non-HQTs to be renewed for one more year
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Posted on May 27 2009
The Public School System will most likely renew the contracts of its non-highly qualified teachers—at least for another year.
Human resource officer Charlie Kenty said this was based on recommendations made by school principals to Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan and the HR office.
“So far, we haven’t received any recommendation from our principals as to non-renewal of the contracts of their non-HQT personnel,” Kenty confirmed with Saipan Tribune yesterday.
At present, 67 percent of about 500 public school teachers are highly qualified after complying with the requirements of a degree, valid teaching certificate, and passing two Praxis tests.
Kenty said the remaining 33 percent would most likely be retained by PSS for the school opening in September.
Under the No Child Left Behind Act of the U.S. Department of Education, all school districts must be staffed by highly qualified teachers beginning 2011. The CNMI has until July 31, 2011, to comply with this federal mandate.
Saipan Tribune learned that there are 167 teachers who have yet to take Praxis 1 and 2; 39 need to pass Praxis 2 alone; while 16 teachers must pass Praxis 1 alone.
PSS sets Praxis 1 for elementary teachers while secondary teachers need to take Praxis 2 or the rigorous test for content area subjects.
Based on the teachers’ compensation plan, a highly qualified teacher can receive up to $47,000 in annual pay, depending on their years of experience and qualifications; non-HQTs are provided starting salary of $27,000.
Since the approval of this compensation plan in 2006, salaries of 114 teachers were cut as a result of noncompliance with the requirements while 151 were automatically provided increases after meeting all the standards.
As of school year 2008-2009, over 66.6 percent—or 319—of PSS teachers enjoy the benefit of salary increases after meeting teacher certification requirements. A big percentage of that number comes from secondary schools.
