Teacher Salary & Benefits

Salary

Once TEACH Charlotte participants successfully complete Pre-Service Training, they are eligible to be hired as a full time teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The starting salary for TEACH Charlotte participants is the same as that for all other beginning teachers in CMS. Starting teachers in 2012-2013, with no previous classroom experience, earn $35, 417.00. Additional pay for graduate level degrees is possible, but the decision is made on a case-by-case basis by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, not TEACH Charlotte.

It is important to note that, in order to be eligible to receive graduate-level pay, one must often hold a graduate degree in a field that is related to her/his area of licensure. For example, someone with a license to teach mathematics must hold an advanced degree in mathematics in order to receive graduate-level pay. First year teachers in CMS can earn up to $40,351.10 with qualifying graduate level degrees. Summer 2013 TEACH Charlotte participants will become salaried employees of CMS in August 2013.

Benefits

As employees of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, TEACH Charlotte teachers are eligible for the same comprehensive benefits as all teachers. These benefits include a choice of medical, vision, dental, and life insurance coverage that begins at the start of the school year. For more information on teacher benefits, visit the CMS website.

In addition, all full-time teachers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools contribute to and benefit from the North Carolina Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System. Visit the CMS website to learn more.

Hiring Bonus

If participants successfully complete the Pre-Service Training and begin teaching in the district while still enrolled in TEACH Charlotte, they will be provided with a pre-tax hiring bonus. The bonus, which will range from $1,000 to $1,500 is typically distributed in first 2 months of employment. Because of the timing of the hiring bonus, and because the time between the end of training and a participant's first paycheck may be lengthy, we strongly encourage participants to take appropriate measures to ensure their financial well-being during this time.

Financial Planning

We recognize that it takes careful preparation to plan for a prolonged period of time without a paycheck. Many TEACH Charlotte participants have handled this reality by starting early and creating a detailed plan for income coverage. Here is some advice to help ensure a smooth transition to the classroom:

1. Start planning now: Assess your needs and determine the amount of money that will be necessary for living expenses throughout Pre-Service Training and into the start of second semester. Please keep in mind that the Pre-Service Training is unpaid and program participants may be subject to processing and/or technology fees upon completion of enrollment, including the costs of Praxis II testing and licensure. Revise your budget, assess your savings, and begin setting aside money from your current job to cover these expenses.

2. Research part-time job possibilities: Although the program involves an intense time commitment, some of our participants decide that a job on the weekends or at night is necessary for their situation. Check into the retail or food service industries for the most flexible hours, or consider tutoring privately or with an education service provider.

3. Contact a financial institution: They may be able to offer you the best rate for a short-term loan or other forms of credit. Many student loan programs offer low interest loans for professional development and continuing education. Additionally, the federal government offers loan forgiveness options to educators.

4. Contact your creditors: Discuss your change in career and ask for extensions on bill payments, extended lines of credit, or short-term loan options. You may also be able to find "good-faith" credit based on you securing a job in the fall.

5. Explore additional resources: In the meantime, we encourage applicants to visit the following website for additional resources and information: Federal Loan Forgiveness http://www.myedaccount.com/.

Loan Forgiveness

TEACH Charlotte teachers with Stafford and Perkins loans may be eligible for loan deferment or forgiveness. For details about eligibility, please contact your loan provider directly to confirm whether programs are available for individuals who make a commitment to teach full-time in under-resourced schools. Please note that TEACH Charlotte does not provide any assistance with loan forgiveness. Individuals must contact their lender directly for more information. For additional information on loan forgiveness programs, please click here.