Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Education Committee

HB 2262

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Providing salary bonuses for individuals certified by the national board for professional teaching standards.

Sponsors: Representatives Barlow, McCoy, Hunter, Seaquist, Eddy, Fromhold, Ormsby, Sells and Morrell.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Authorizes a $5,000 annual bonus for certificated instructional staff with certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
  • Authorizes additional bonuses for NBPTS-certified staff assigned to low income schools ($5,000) or those who teach mathematics or science in low income schools ($10,000).

Hearing Date: 2/26/07

Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).

Background:

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a national, nonprofit organization that has developed standards for highly accomplished teaching and a voluntary system to certify teachers who meet those standards. There are also NBPTS certificates for librarians and school counselors. In Washington, instructional staff can use NBPTS certification in lieu of a professional certificate. Funding is provided through federal and private sources to assist candidates with the application fee. Since 1999, state funding has been provided through the appropriations act for a bonus for NBPTS-certified staff. The 2005-07 biennial budget provides an annual bonus of $3,500. The bonus program has not been created in statute. As of January 2007, there were 1,310 NBPTS-certified instructional staff in Washington.

Summary of Bill:

Instructional staff with NBPTS certification receive a bonus for each year they maintain the certification. The amount of the bonus is $5,000, except the amount may be prorated if more than 5 percent of the eligible instructional staff in the state receive certification and the resulting cost of providing bonuses exceeds the legislative appropriation for them.

NBPTS-certified staff who meet certain criteria are eligible for additional bonuses:

1.   Individuals in an instructional assignment in a school where at least 70 percent of the students qualify for federal free and reduced lunch receive an additional $5,000 bonus; and

2.   individuals with NBPTS certification in middle level or high school mathematics or science who are in a math or science instructional assignment in a school where at least 70 percent of the students qualify for federal free and reduced lunch receive an additional $10,000 bonus.

Bonuses are in addition to other compensation and not included in state salary limitations for certificated instructional staff.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 24, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.