Baltimore’s school board has reached an agreement on a new two-year contract with the Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) which increases teacher pay, raises the minimum starting salary, and provides a new teacher career ladder. The new teacher career ladder provides multiple teacher leadership roles and career advancement opportunities without having to leave the classroom.The new starting salary will be over $60,000, which exceeds what is required by law, and provides a higher base salary for all teachers. There will also be faster progression for teachers climbing the salary scale. Overall, the new contract is geared towards prioritizing teacher development while keeping them close to the classroom.The revamped career ladder was required under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education reform plan. The previous career pathway dated back to 2010.“Teachers are the backbone of our efforts to provide students with pathways to higher education and family-sustaining careers. We have always agreed with the teachers union that they deserve increased compensation and increased opportunities to advance professionally with us,” said Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, chief executive officer of Baltimore City Public Schools, in a statement. “This agreement proves that City Schools values its educators and a firm commitment to their continued success.”Specifics of the agreement include three-percent base increases each year over the next two years; increased base salary for educators with master’s degrees starting in SY2025-2026; real-time compensation for additional roles and responsibilities previously compensated through the Achievement Unit (AU) menu and a one-time cash payment for eligible banked AUs; and increased compensation for teachers with National Board Certification, though this is dependent on funding from the state.Finally, there will be new leadership positions for teachers that give them increased compensation. Teachers will be able to serve in these leadership roles in their schools without having to leave the classroom.