SEATTLE--Researchers at the University of Washington say state bonuses for nationally board certified teachers are not encouraging the most capable teachers to work in high-poverty schools.
In a research brief released on Wednesday, UW's Center on Reinventing Public Education finds the bonus system has not only failed to move teachers to high-poverty schools, but it has also failed to keep the best teachers in those schools if they do go there.
Washington bonuses for board certified teachers add up to nearly $50 million a year. Teachers who go through the rigorous process to become board certified can earn $5,000 a year, or double the bonus by working in a high-poverty school
Gov. Chris Gregoire has proposed skipping the bonuses for the next two years to help balance the state budget.
