You asked if any state pays bonuses to teachers who teach in failing, inner-city schools, (2) how these bonus programs are structured, and (3) whether the teachers have to work extra hours to receive the bonuses.

SUMMARY

California, Florida, and Massachusetts are examples of states that pay bonuses to qualifying teachers who teach in failing or low-income schools. California pays highly qualified teachers a $ 20,000 bonus if they agree to teach in low-performing schools for four years. Florida's bonus of $ 1,000 to $ 3,500 goes to effective teachers who teach in failing schools. Finally, Massachusetts gives priority in awarding its $ 20,000 signing bonuses for new teachers to those who agree to teach either in specified shortage areas or low-income, urban districts. Each of these programs requires bonus recipients to have higher-than-average academic or professional qualifications but none requires the teachers to work additional hours to receive their bonuses.

In addition to or instead of bonuses, many states provide other kinds of incentives, such as repaying or forgiving student loans or providing mortgage assistance, in return for teaching in hard-to-staff subjects or schools. For your further information, we enclose an August 2002 report from the Education Commission of the States on "State Incentive Polices for Recruiting and Retaining Effective New Teachers in Hard-to-Staff Schools," which describes many of these other types of state programs.

CALIFORNIA

California law requires teachers certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) to receive a one-time merit award of $ 10,000. Beginning July 1, 2000, such a teacher can receive up to an additional $ 20,000 (for a total of $ 30,000) if he or she agrees to teach in a low-performing school for at least four years. The latter award is distributed in four annual payments of $ 5,000 each, with each payment made at the end of the school year. Only teaching service after July 1, 2000 may be counted toward the four-year service requirement (Cal. Education Code, Sec. 44395 (a)(2)).

The California State Board of Education defines a "low-performing school" for purposes of these awards as one in the bottom half of all schools based on the state's Academic Performance Index.

NBPTS certification requires teachers to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and talent and prepare a school-site portfolio including descriptions of their practice, student work, and videotapes of classroom activities. During two days of assessment, they participate in structured interviews, work on collaborative activities with other teachers, take a written essay exam, and work on real-life problems that confront teachers. To be eligible for NBPTS certification, a public school teacher must already have a valid state teaching certificate, a bachelors' degree from an accredited institution, and at least three years of teaching experience. A private school teacher who is not legally required to hold a state teaching certificate may qualify by submitting proof that the private school where the teacher taught has state approval to operate.

FLORIDA

Florida law gives teachers who meet "teaching mastery" standards defined by the state education commissioner or whose students make learning gains on state achievement tests bonuses for each year they teach in schools that perform in the "D" or "F" category on the state tests. Qualifying teachers who teach in alternative schools for disruptive or violent youths are also eligible for the bonuses. The bonus ranges from $ 1,000 to $ 3,500 per year, depending on state appropriations. These bonuses are payable in addition to any other bonuses the teacher receives under other state or local performance-based, incentive programs (Fla. Laws, Ch. 2000-301(16)(c)(3)).

MASSACHUSETTS

Massachusetts provides signing bonuses totaling up to $ 20,000 for up to 125 new teachers per year. The bonuses are paid out over four years, with $ 8,000 payable in two installments during the first year. To be eligible, a new teacher must participate in the Massachusetts Institute for New Teachers (MINT), the state's seven-week alternate route to teacher certification program.

The state gives priority for the bonuses to those qualified to teach in high-need subject areas (middle and high school math, science, special education, and bilingual education) and who commit to working in poor urban districts (Boston, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield, Fall River, or Brockton).

To be eligible, a college senior or recent college graduate must rank in the top 10% of his graduating class, have at least a 3. 5 grade point average in his major area of study or overall, or rank in the top 10% overall on a nationally recognized exam designated by the education commissioner (such as the GRE, MCAT, or LSAT). A candidate who fails to meet any of these criteria may still be considered for a bonus if nominated by his or her college dean. Deans may submit two such nominations per year.

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