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Career Ladder

The LCSD Career Ladder is an advancement system designed to provide instructional staff with Annual Contract or Probationary Contract status the opportunity to earn additional compensation. 

The Performance Salary Schedule is comprised of three Career Ladder Levels as follows:

      1)  Apprentice Teacher
      2)  Career Teacher
      3)  Accomplished Teacher

Each increase in level represents a higher level of knowledge and experience as demonstrated by the completion of 6 program components. 

General
Information

What is the Career Ladder?

An advancement and promotion system designed to allow instructional staff the opportunity to earn additional compensation without leaving the classroom.

Where did the Career Ladder come from?

Changes in Florida Statute prompted the need for the District to create a Performance Salary Schedule for instructional staff with Annual Contract status. The Career Ladder is modeled after military advancement and promotion systems. The requirements for Career Ladder Movement are determined by the Career Ladder Committee, which is made up of both TALC and District representatives.

When are Career Ladder Committee meetings?

The Career Ladder Committee meets monthly and related subcommittees meet regularly in between the monthly full committee meetings. The meeting schedule is advertised and is available on the District website.

Why is it important to understand how the Career Ladder works?

The District and TALC continue to work to improve clarity of communication with all staff regarding the Career Ladder. The Career Ladder is still a relatively new concept to most instructional staff. Compensation has been tied to Career Ladder Movement in FY17 (2016-2017 school year) and FY18 (2017-2018 school year), so understanding how the Career Ladder works is a critical part of understanding total compensation for instructional staff.

What opportunities are there to offer feedback on the Career Ladder?

The Career Ladder Committee meets monthly. The TALC Labor/Management Committee meets annually to discuss recommendations bargaining related committee appointments and to determine the schedule for committee meetings. Recommendations by both TALC and the District will be considered; however, TALC has discretion in determining TALC-appointed members.

The schedule for TALC bargaining related committee meetings and information from these meetings are now being posted on the District’s website. Contact TALC if you are interested in providing feedback or serving on the Career Ladder Committee.

Where can I find out more information?

Bargaining information can be found on the Compensation & Labor Relations webpage. Career Ladder Committee meeting minutes, the Career Ladder FAQ, the Career Ladder Document, and the TALC Contract can also be found in Negotiation Materials.

See more: Negotiation Materials

Career Ladder
Profiles

Who does the Career Ladder apply to?

All instructional staff on the Performance Salary Schedule. Instructional Staff on the Performance Salary Schedule have Probationary Contract status or Annual Contract status. Instructional Staff on the Grandfathered Salary Schedule have Professional Services Contract (PSC) status and Continuing Contract (CC) status.

How does the Career Ladder work?

Each Career Ladder level is based on a profile of what an instructional staff member at that specific Career Ladder level should look like based on several categories. Requirements for movement are established to help with the successful transition from one Career Ladder level to another. After the successful completion of the requirements for movement, Instructional Staff become eligible for Career Ladder Movement, which occurs annually. There are also designated Career Opportunities associated with specific Career Ladder levels. Recruitment incentives are not a part of the Career Ladder.

See More: Career Ladder Professional Development FAQ

Am I on the Career Ladder? What is my Career Ladder level?

A Career Ladder page is now available via PeopleSoft. Navigate to Self-Service, Performance Management, Career Ladder Status to see your progress toward completion of the requirements for movement. If you are on the Grandfathered Salary Schedule or the Accomplished level, no information will be displayed.

See More: Payroll

What are the Career Ladder levels?

There are currently three Career Ladder levels or classifications: Apprentice, Career, and Accomplished. A profile for instructional staff on these levels is included in the Career Ladder Document. The Career Ladder Committee and bargaining teams are discussing the possibility of adding Career Ladder levels in the future since the number of employees on the Career Ladder has increased.

See More: Career Ladder Professional Development FAQ

Career Ladder
Movement

What are the Career Opportunities associated with the Career Ladder?

Career Opportunities associated with the Career Ladder are designed to allow for the sharing and modeling of best practices. Career Opportunities are based on an increased contribution to the District and typically involve providing support or leadership to other instructional staff members or students. Career Opportunities include, but are no limited to: Mentor Teachers, Peer Collaborative Teachers, Learning and Leadership Teachers, and Transformation Teachers.

How do you move on the Career Ladder?

The requirements for Career Ladder Movement are determined by the Career Ladder Committee and are published on the District website. In order to move, employees must fulfill requirements in the following areas: Mentoring, Experience, Education, Performance Evaluation, Professional Development, Certification, and Participation.

See More: Career Ladder Professional Development FAQ

When does the Career Ladder Movement take place?

Career Ladder Movement occurs automatically on an annual basis for eligible employees, who have met the requirements to move to the next Career Ladder Level. Requirements fall into six (6) categories: Mentoring, Experience, Performance Evaluations, Professional Development, Certification, and Participation.