The Hartford Board of Education approved a three-year contract for teachers with significant improvements in compensation, a reduced work day, and incentives to address the recruitment and retention of highly qualified educators.
Five of the Board’s active members voted to approve the new contract with the Hartford Federation of Teachers during Tuesday night’s regular meeting held at the Sport and Medical Sciences Academy. Two board members abstained. Salaries for educators, who ratified the agreement with a 98% vote in favor, will see an average increase of 15% over three years, reducing the gap between Hartford and surrounding towns, thereby making teacher compensation more competitive.
“I want to thank the Hartford Federation of Teachers, the Hartford Board of Education and the administrative staff at Central Office for working diligently in this collaborative and respectful negotiation to arrive at this historic contract. The improvements in compensation and working conditions covered in this agreement will help us to overcome some of the staffing hardships we faced in recent years. This is a reflection of our shared commitments to our educators and to providing students with high quality education opportunities,” said Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, Superintendent of Hartford Public Schools.
Highlights include a salary increase between $7,000 and $9,000 for new teachers starting in academic year 2025-2026, a 30-minute reduction of the teacher’s work day that brings Hartford closer in length to the work day of surrounding school districts, three more work days of professional learning to extend the teacher’s work calendar from 187 to 190 days per year, as well as bonus incentives that reward longevity, promote recruitment in areas of shortage, and recognize Hartford Public Schools graduates who join the teaching ranks, thus encouraging a teacher pipeline of students currently growing in our classrooms to become our colleagues later on.
“Our Board is in full support of teachers and their continued development. This agreement sends a clear message to all teachers and aspiring teachers who want to make a difference in the lives of children. Come teach at Hartford Public Schools. We appreciate your hard work and your leadership in the classroom,” said Board Chairperson Jennifer Hockenhull.
Hartford seeks to hire additional teachers and support staff in special education, math, speech and language pathologists, and paraprofessionals to reach full staffing levels. Although the contract alone cannot solve the recruitment and retention problems entirely, the increases in compensation and shortening of the school day places Hartford schools in a more competitive position to be successful in recruitment and retention efforts.
For example, Hartford’s current teacher schedule of 7 hours and 30 minutes is one of the longest in the state. The new teacher workday will consist of 7 hours. The shorter day will help ensure we have certified teachers in every classroom, and the addition of three more professional learning days will provide increased opportunities to support and develop our educators. Hartford Public Schools agreed to the teachers union proposal shortening the school day, one of the longest in the state, in response to concerns over teacher burnout, which exit surveys show have become an obstacle to staff retention.
“This contract is a step in the right direction for Hartford as it acknowledges our certified staff as professionals deserving of compensation more commensurate with their experience and educational attainment,” said Carol Gale, President of the Hartford Federation of Teachers, “and it takes the bold step of reducing the workday to ease the increased burden placed on our staff since the pandemic. We know that our educators work well beyond their contractual hours and go the extra mile in support of their students, thus the current conditions made them feel overworked and underappreciated. The Union entered contract negotiations with the singular goal of improving staff recruitment and retention and these contractual changes help meet that goal by easing the workload with a shortened day and appreciating staff financially.”
Open teacher positions reflecting these contract improvements for the upcoming school year will be immediately posted for qualified applicants at the Hartford Public Schools careers website. Yearly salaries for teachers with a bachelor’s degree in their first year of practice will increase from $47,464 to $54,552 in 2025-2026, and from $51,761 up to $60,740 for those entering with a master’s degree.
“By investing in our teachers, we are investing in the future of our City and our children. The improvements in compensation and working conditions will not only help Hartford Public Schools attract and retain top talent but also demonstrate our commitment to providing our students and teachers with the resources they need to thrive,” said Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam.
In order to pay for this three-year agreement with the teachers union, Hartford Public Schools will be collaborating with the City of Hartford and state officials to identify the additional $19.6 million needed over the next three years.
“Council members have heard from teachers and students across the City about the importance of providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed,” said Council President Shirley Surgeon. “This contract is a positive step towards centering students’ needs and investing in the future of our community.”
Photo by Max Fischer: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-standing-in-front-of-blackboard-5212320/
