SUMMARY:

            This bill would amend Code Section 20-2-212 of the O.C.G.A. to prohibit classroom teachers from being paid at the level of the leadership certificate they hold if they do not hold a position requiring leadership certification.  Classroom teachers already paid at that level but remaining in the classroom are “grandfathered” in, but after July 1, 2010, no one else will be eligible if they remain in the classroom.

NOTE:

            There is no doubt that a number of classroom teachers have sought leadership degrees from institutions that could be considered “diploma mills” in the past, strictly to get the salary increase, but the PSC is taking steps to eliminate or at least discourage that from happening.  Meanwhile, such a bill could cause leadership shortages in the near future when the recession ends and a number of eligible school administrators who have waited to retire decide it is safe to do so and leave the profession.