Fulton County Schools is going to give signing bonuses of up to $2,500 for new teacher recruits, with the highest bonuses paid to those who sign contracts in high-need areas, such as math, or for those who work in 37 schools that are difficult to staff. All new teachers will received at least $1,000.
Superintendent Robert Avossa said the district is attractive because of its innovative work as a charter system, but “this bonus sweetens the pot,” he said. “We will be able to attract more highly qualified teachers and have our pick of the best candidates who can really make a difference with students.”
Fulton also proposed paying its top teachers who moved to hard-to-staff schools stipends of up to $20,000 in 2014.
The extra money will be available to new teachers, those new to Fulton schools and returning teachers who have been out of the system for at least a year. Teachers will have to meet certain qualifications and deadlines to receive the bonuses.
The system is looking for more than 700 teachers because of teacher attrition and a growth in the number of students.
Avossa has recommended a salary increase as well as a step increase for all eligible employees, both teaching and non-teaching, as part of the FY 2016 budget. The proposal must be approved by the school board, which is scheduled to adopt the final budget in June.
Teacher candidates can meetsystem staff, learn more and interview Tues., March 10, at the Georgia International Convention Center at 2000 Convention Center Concourse in College Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m.
