|
Health and Wellness
|
| What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer? |
not specified; only the employee contribution is noted
|
| What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer? |
not specified; only the employee contribution is noted
|
| Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap? |
no, district provides a chart listing employee contributions
|
|
Pensions/Retirement
|
| Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| By what date must a teacher give notification that he/she intends to resign or retire? |
resignation: 30 days notice; retirement: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Board Policy G-400: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| Does the district offer an incentive to the teacher who notifies the district before the deadline that he/she intends to resign/retire at the end of the school year? |
Yes
Teachers who give at least 100 days notice or who give notice by September 1 for retirement at end of first semester or February 1 for retirment at the end of the year will receive $100 per day for all accumulated, unused earned sick days.
p. 1a.
|
| Is there a penalty for a teacher who fails to notify the district that he/she intends to resign/retire by the district's deadline? |
Yes
, teachers who fail to meet the resignation deadline shall forfeit tenure status and are in breach of contract (Board may file a complaint with the Commissioner and request suspension of teacher's certificate)
Board Policy G-400: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much? |
Personal leave converts to sick leave.
Board Policies G-462: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
|
Tuition Reimbursement
|
| Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers? |
Yes
, for teachers seeking certification and/or additional endorsement in a critical needs area
Board Policy G-320: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
School Year
|
| STUDENTS: How many days are students in school? |
177
|
| STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year? |
1,239 (total)
See also Knox County Schools Start and Dismiss Times: https://www.knoxschools.org/Page/5553
Calculated by multiplying the number of student days by the daily student hours (177 days x 7 hours).
Board Policy A-140: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school? |
187
|
| TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days) |
11
Past Policy
11.5
Past Policy
11.5
Past Policy
11
2011-2012 School Year Calendar
Past Policy
11
2010-2011 School Year Calendar
|
|
School Day
|
| How long is the school day for elementary students? |
7 hours (total) in accordance with TRR/MS 0520-1-3-.02(1)(a)
Board Policy A-140: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
Knox County Schools Start and Dismiss Times: https://www.knoxschools.org/Page/5553
|
| How long is the school day for secondary students? |
7 hours (total) in accordance with TRR/MS 0520-1-3-.02(1)(a)
Board Policy A-140: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
Knox County Schools Start and Dismiss Times: https://www.knoxschools.org/Page/5553
|
| How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch) |
at least 7 hours, 45 minutes in accordance with TRR/MS 0520-1-3-.03(1)
Additional time may be required by the principal when necessitated by the needs of the system or requirements of the job. Additional time is interpreted to include faculty meetings, in-service programs, committee meetings, general meetings, conferences, school-sponsored activities, and other extra duties before and after school.
p. 8 (pdf).
|
| How much time is the teacher required to be on-site beyond the length of the student day? (This does not include time for meetings) |
at least 45 minutes; decided by individual principal
Additional time beyond the normal work day may be required by the principal when necessitated by the needs of the system or requirements of the job. Additional time is interpreted to include faculty meetings, in-service programs, committee meetings, general meetings, conferences, school-sponsored activities, and other extra duties before and after school.
p. 8 (pdf).
Board Policy A-140: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
|
Preparation Time
|
| How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive? |
2 hours, 30 minutes per week
p. 8 (pdf).
|
| How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive? |
2 hours, 30 minutes per week
p. 8 (pdf).
|
| How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
Structure of the Salary Schedule
|
| What type of salary schedule is in use? |
Traditional salary schedule (step and lane)
p. 1.
|
| What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience? |
2.0%
p. 1.
|
| Teachers in most districts earn a raise for each additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors. What is that average annual adjustment? (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year) |
3.0%
p. 1.
p. 1.
Past Policy
2.0%
p. 1.
Past Policy
previous salary schedule unavailable
|
| What is the average total change in salary accounting for both earning an additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors? (reported as the percentage of change from the previous year) |
5.0%
p. 1.
p. 1.
Past Policy
4.0%
p. 1.
Past Policy
previous salary schedule unavailable
|
| What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary? |
$2,776
p. 1.
Past Policy
$2,696
p. 1.
Past Policy
2,412
2010-2011 Salary Schedule
|
| How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule? |
5: BA, MA, MA+30, EDS, PhD
p. 1.
|
| In what year of service will a teacher with a bachelor's and/or master's degree reach the maximum salary (assuming no step freezes)? |
20
p. 1.
|
|
Annual Salary
|
| What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree? |
$37,180
p. 1.
Past Policy
$36,095
p. 1.
Past Policy
$35,385
Past Policy
33,305
2010-2011 Salary Schedule
Past Policy
33,305
2010-2011 Salary Schedule
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience? |
$40,885
p. 1.
Past Policy
$39,695
p. 1.
Past Policy
$38,915
Past Policy
36,650
2010-2011 Salary Schedule
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule? |
$54,935
p. 1.
Past Policy
$53,335
p. 1.
Past Policy
$52,290
Past Policy
49,405
2010-2011 Salary Schedule
|
| What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree? |
$39,610
p. 1.
Past Policy
$38,455
p. 1.
Past Policy
$37,700
Past Policy
35,425
2010-2011 Salary Schedule
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience? |
$43,480
p. 1.
Past Policy
$42,215
p. 1.
Past Policy
$41,385
Past Policy
38,915
2010-2011 Salary Schedule
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule? |
$57,965
p. 1.
Past Policy
$56,275
p. 1.
Past Policy
$55,170
Past Policy
52,020
2010-2011 Salary Schedule
|
| What is the maximum annual salary available to teachers? What are the education requirements for this salary? In what year of service will a teacher receive this salary? |
$64,360; PhD; 20
p. 1.
Past Policy
$62,485; PhD; 20
p. 1.
Past Policy
$61,260; PhD; 20
Past Policy
58,430; PhD; 20
|
|
Performance Pay
|
| Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Teachers are evaluated, in part, to inform human resources decisions on compensation, but it is not specified how compensation and evaluation ratings relate.
Board Policy G-350: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Teachers are evaluated, in part, to inform human resources decisions on compensation, but it is not specified how compensation and evaluation ratings relate.
Board Policy G-350: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Teachers are evaluated, in part, to inform human resources decisions on compensation, but it is not specified how compensation and evaluation ratings relate.
Board Policy G-350: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings? |
yes, teachers in TAP schools earn performance pay ($2,500) based on three components, including classroom and school level achievement; master teachers in TAP schools earn $6,000 in performance pay; a $5,000-$10,000 school-wide award based on school-wide growth is available; and lead teachers, selected in part by demonstrated teacher effectiveness, earn an additional $2,000-$2,500
Additional citation: 2014-2015 Employee Handbook: p. 27
TR3 Contract - July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2009: pp. 51 & 52, Art. XIX.B.
District website: http://knoxschools.org/Page/2260
|
|
Other Differentiated Pay
|
| Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level? |
$330 - $761, depending on if teacher holds a BA or MA and the number of sections in the department
pp. 2 - 2b.
|
|
General Salary Information
|
| Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers? |
Yes
p. 16 (pdf).
|
| Can a teacher get credit on the salary schedule for subject-related work experience? How many years of experience are awarded for subject-related experience? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
Evaluation System
|
| What is the teacher required to be evaluated on? |
Student growth (35% for teachers of tested subjects; 25% for teachers of non-tested subjects)
Student achievement (15%)
Professionalism (Professional growth and learning; Use of data; School and community involvement; Leadership)
Professional Practice (50% for teachers of tested subjects; 60% for teachers of non tested: Instruction; Planning; Environment)
The Professionalism component is not scored. However, the summative report includes all observations, the professionalism report, student growth data and student achievement data (p. 9).
pp. 9, 14, 44-50, 69.
Past Policy
Student Growth/Achievement (50% for teachers of tested subjects, 30% for teachers of non-tested)
Professional Practice (50% for teachers of tested subjects, 70% for teachers of non-tested: Instruction, Planning, Environment, Professionalism)
There is a separate rubric for the domain of Professionalism. The observation component carries greater weight for teachers of tested subjects who do not have three years of prior data, 75% in the first year, 65% in the second year and 50% in the third year (See Teachers Without Prior Data)
|
| Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review? |
other
Yes-optional observation and rating by a lead teacher
Lead teachers will be leveraged as the building administrators deem appropriate for the
observation process. The district encourages principals to utilize lead teachers to conduct lesson-length observations. The administrator must observe every teacher for at least one observation (p. 12)
p. 11.
|
| Does the evaluation include student input? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)? |
Conference with evaluator
p. 8.
|
| What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation? |
Conference with evaluator
p. 9.
|
| How many categories of ratings are there? |
5: Significantly above expectations; Above expectations; At expectations; Below expectations; Significantly below expectations
p. 18.
|
| Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation? |
Other
apprentice licences: multiple observations, announced and unannounced; professional license teachers: no-all observations unannounced
Half of the observations of apprentice teachers (teachers in first three years) must be announced; half, unannounced. Observations of professional license teachers are unannounced. Note: Observation requirements are not dependent on tenure status; instead they are dependent on licensure status and evaluation scores from the previous years (p. 7). However, a teacher must have 3 years of experience to advance to professional licensure (TN Educator Licensure Policy 5.502)
pp. 5 & 7.
|
|
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
|
| How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects? |
Value-added (counts 35%); student achievement (count 15%)
p. 14.
|
| How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects? |
School wide value-added (counts 20%); Student achievement (counts 15%)
pp. 9 & 14.
|
|
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
|
| How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating? |
Once a year
p. 7.
Board Policy G-350: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation? |
4
Note: Observation requirements are not dependent on tenure status; instead they are dependent on licensure status and evaluation scores from the previous years (p. 7). However, a teacher must have 3 years of experience to advance to professional licensure (TN Educator Licensure Policy 5.502). The impact of the evaluation rating on the number of observations is not clear.
p. 5.
|
| What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
There is no deadline for the first observations, however, two of the required observations must occur by the end of the first semester.
p. 5.
|
| What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher? |
May
p. 9.
|
| What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher? |
One lesson length
p. 7.
|
|
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
|
| How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating? |
Once a year
p. 7.
Board Policy G-350: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation? |
2
Note: Observation requirements are not dependent on tenure status; instead they are dependent on licensure status and evaluation scores from the previous years (p. 7). However, a teacher must have 3 years of experience to advance to professional licensure (TN Educator Licensure Policy 5.502). The impact of the evaluation rating on the number of observations is not clear.
p. 5.
|
| What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher? |
end of 1st semester
p. 5.
|
| What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher? |
May
p. 9.
|
| What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation? |
One lesson length
p. 7.
|
|
Consequences of a Negative Evaluation
|
| Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| How long is the remediation process? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations? |
No
Board Policy G-350: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
Sick & Personal Leave
|
| What is the total possible number of paid general leave days (sick, personal, and other days used for personal reasons) a teacher can get each year? |
12 (10 sick[in accordance with state law], 2 personal)
Two days of religious leave are granted two days of religious leave, but it is unclear whether it is paid or unpaid.
Board Policies G-461 & G-462: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
pp. 12 & 14 (pdf).
|
| What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year? |
12 (10 sick [in accordance with state law], 2 personal)
Board Policies G-461 & G-462: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
p. 12 (pdf).
|
| Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next? |
Yes
in accordance with TCA 49-5-710
Board Policy G-461: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next? |
Personal days convert to sick days for accumulation.
Board Policy G-462: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate? |
no maximum in accordance with TCA 49-5-710
Board Policy G-461: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave? |
5, however medical documentation may be required for any claim of sick pay
Board Policy G-461: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
|
Professional Development Leave
|
| Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much? |
Yes
up to 25 association leave days to be shared among all the teachers (a maximum of 5 days to any one employee)
A professional organization receiving fifteen (15) percent or more of the professional employees’ poll to represent them as defined by the Professional Educators Collaborative Conferencing Act of 2011 may request at the beginning of each school year to purchase up to 25 leave days on an as-need basis as determined by the professional organization.
p. 13 (pdf).
|
|
Other Leave
|
| Apart from general leave (sick, personal, and other leave for personal reasons) and professional development, what other types of paid leave does the district offer? |
jury duty, military reserve duty/training (20 days), military active state duty (unlimited), legislative leave for elected state/local law-making bodies to attend official sessions or meetings (2 days a month [20 days per year]), bereavement (10 days)
Up to two (2) days of paid bereavement leave, per occurrence, shall be granted to professional employees. The days do not accrue and may not exceed ten (10) days per school year.
Board Policies G-460, G-465, G-466: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
p. 14 (pdf).
|
| Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)? |
yes, up to 25 association leave days to be shared among all the teachers (a maximum of 5 days to any one employee)
A professional organization receiving fifteen (15) percent or more of the professional employees’ poll to represent them as defined by the Professional Educators Collaborative Conferencing Act of 2011 may request at the beginning of each school year to purchase up to 25 leave days on an as-need basis as determined by the professional organization.
p. 13 (pdf).
|
|
Attendance Incentives
|
| When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal? |
if more than 10% of the teachers in any given school request leave on the same day; student exam days; day before/after holidays or vacations
Board Policies G-462: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much? |
Personal leave converts to sick leave.
Board Policies G-462: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much? |
Personal leave converts to sick leave.
Board Policies G-462: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
|
Transfers
|
| Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Are principals and/or site selection committees allowed to select voluntary transfer applicants to hire? If not, then how are voluntary transfers assigned to schools? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Separate from excessing, does the district allow school or district administrators to involuntarily transfer a teacher to another school? If so, for what reasons is he/she allowed to initiate such a transfer? |
yes, Director of Schools may transfer or reassign employees as he/she deems necessary
Board Policy G-360: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/2107
|
|
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
|
| Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| How are teachers identified for excessing? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
Placing Excessed Teachers
|
| How are excessed teachers assigned to schools? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|