Blueprint Career Ladder

Who is eligible to receive the salary increase of $10,000 per year?

An employee who has achieved National Board Certification (NBC) and qualifies under the MSDE definition of teacher is eligible to receive the salary increase. When a candidate achieves NBC, the official letter must be forwarded to the HCPS Certification Office for processing.

Who is eligible to receive the additional salary increase of $7,000 per year?

NBCTs who teach at a Blueprint Career Ladder Low-Performing School , Unique School Designations, and qualify under the MSDE definition of teacher are eligible for the additional salary increase.

What is a Blueprint Career Ladder Low-performing school?

This part of the Blueprint Career Ladder is defined by MSDE and must include schools identified as a 1- or a 2-star school in two of the three most recently available years of the Accountability System. Schools can also be included if they are in the bottom 10% of schools in their Elementary/Middle or High schools. This link provides an overview of all unique school designations at HCPS: Unique School Designations.

How will the salary increase be distributed?

The stipend will be paid bi-weekly throughout the year just like your regular salary and will show up on your pay stub as a separate amount. The appropriate salary enhancement with the first pay of the following fiscal year.

Will NBC salary increases for part-time NBC teachers be prorated?

Yes, eligible teachers whose employment status is below 1.0 full time equivalent (FTE) should have their base salary increase by the full amount of all salary increases and then adjusted down to reflect FTE status. For example, a teacher who is a .5 employee and who is eligible for the $10,000 salary increase should receive a salary increase of .5 * $10,000, or $5,000.

If an NBC teacher is split between a low-performing school and a non-low-performing school, is the $7,000 NBC salary increase for the low-performing school assignment prorated?

Eligible teachers who are assigned to split their teaching time between schools with only some of that time spent in an identified low performing school shall receive the FTE equivalent of the $7,000 increase. For example, a teacher who is 0.5 in a low performing school and 0.5 in a non-identified school shall receive an increase of $3,500 (this is in addition to the full $10,000 incentive offered to all eligible NBC teachers).

If a teacher completes their NBC mid-year, will the NBC salary increase go into effect immediately or will the salary increase take effect July 1st of the following year?

Unit members who achieve their National Board Certification (NBC) will receive the appropriate salary enhancement with the first pay of the following fiscal year based on Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislative requirements.

Will adjusted NBC salary increases be provided for full-time teachers who work in two roles (one teaching and one non-teaching)?

Full time employees should receive the full salary increase so long as they meet all eligibility requirements. Total working time should be calculated for all working time not just the "teacher" portion of their FTE status.

What requirements must a teacher meet to be eligible for state-funded fee support when pursuing their NBC?

Starting in 2024-25, educators (including supervisors and specialists) may be eligible for state-funded fee support regardless of their position being defined as a "teacher" under the Blueprint.

If I do not see the salary increase included in my pay, who should I contact? Contact the Certification Office: certification@hcps.org

rev. 8-23-22