Teacher Incentive Initiative

Honoring Our Educators:
Teacher Incentive Initiative
2026-2027 Academic School Year

Student achievement in Lee County is not just a goal, it is a requirement. The School District of Lee County is once again making an aggressive, deliberate investment in the teachers who deliver results in the critical subjects that define student achievement. Investing in the classroom. Quality teachers. Higher achievement. That is the standard, and Lee County is investing to meet it.

The teacher incentives implemented last year successfully recruited and retained teachers in our most critical classrooms, and resulted in higher test scores and better attendance. Now, the district is ready to build on that momentum. At the direction of the Superintendent and the Board, the School District is now authorized to pay up to $10,000 in additional incentive pay for teachers in critical need subjects during the 2026-2027 school year. The 2026-2027 program also expands incentive eligibility to teachers in every school with varying amounts based upon its risk level. This represents an estimated $18 million in teacher compensation.

Criteria
Education Risk Rating School Level Incentive Critical Subject / Courses Complementary Subject / Courses Total Incentive Range
Risk Level 4 $3,000 $7,000 $3,500 $3,000 - $10,000
Risk Level 3 $2,000 $6,000 $3,000 $2,000 - $8,000
Risk Level 2 $1,000 $5,000 $2,500 $1,000 - $6,000
Risk Level 1 N/A $4,000 $2,000 $0 - $4,000

FY26 School Risk Levels (Select the hyperlink to access the current School Risk Levels)

Critical subjects involve state-mandated testing every year in grades 3-10 and play a direct role in measuring student achievement. Complementary subjects are also included because they build a direct foundation for all of our tested areas. Please see the list below.

Critical Subject List

  • Grades 3–10 English Language Arts (ELA) and Reading Courses
  • Grades 3–8 Mathematics Courses
  • Algebra 1 Courses
  • Geometry Courses
  • Grade 5 Science
  • Grade 8 Science
  • Biology 1 Courses
  • Civics Courses
  • High School U.S. History Courses
  • ESE In-Person, Self-Contained Courses

Complementary Subject List

  • Grades K-2 ELA, Mathematics, and Science Courses
  • Grades 3-4 Science Courses
  • Grades 6-12 Science Courses not listed above
  • Grades 6-12 Social Studies Courses not listed above
  • Grades 11-12 English Language Arts (ELA) and Reading Courses
  • Grades 9-12 Mathematics Courses not listed above
  • ESE Courses not previously listed

**Please be advised that, at the sole discretion of Central District Administration, critical and complementary subject lists may be adjusted based on the needs of the District.

Incentives will be proportionate to the percentage of your teaching schedule that covers these subjects. This helps ensure fairness while targeting the areas that have the greatest impact on our students’ outcomes and our district’s long-term success.

We know these roles are challenging, and we want to honor the critical work you're doing. This incentive structure is one more way we are showing that Lee County believes in our teachers, and we are investing in you.

UPDATES:

Teacher Incentive Initiative (FAQs) Updated 3/13/2026