When you join Team DPS, you are set at a Step and Grade based on your relevant work experience and education level. Placement in a grade is determined by your education level, while placement on a step is related to your years of applicable experience. 

Earning Step Increases

Step increases (vertical movement down the salary schedule) are earned annually by receiving a rating of Approaching, Effective, or Distinguished during your annual review process. 

Earning Longevity

Longevity is earned after you have been in a DCTA position for 10 of the last 15 years. After completion of your tenth year, you will be eligible for a Longevity Grade Change in addition to your annual step increase.

To earn the longevity increase, you must meet all eligibility guides and receive an evaluation rating of Approaching, Effective, or Distinguished on your annual evaluation.

Earning Grade Movement

You can change grades (horizontal movement along the salary schedule) by achieving a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral degree) in a field related to education, linguistics, or communications. You may also be eligible for grade movement with approved certificate programs. If an employee's advanced license or certificate is not on the approved list, DPS has a process to add it. The employee must submit a proposal by following the instructions on the Advanced License/Certification Qualification Application form for review.

DPS is committed to serving the whole child, closing the education gap, and giving you an opportunity for growth. Our incentives are focused on bringing the best teachers and SSPs to those students who face the most challenges. You can earn incentives based on where you teach and the type of assignment you take. The ProComp 3.0 General Eligibility Guidelines outline all incentives.

• Title I Incentive

• You can earn $100 per paycheck ($2,000 annually) for working full-time at a school designated as Title I. The incentive is paid over 20 paychecks, beginning with the September 22nd paycheck and ending with the July 7th paycheck.
• Title I school designations are set by the district and are based on the percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch (FRL). Some schools that do not meet the FRL guidelines but still serve a Title I student population (such as ECE or Pathways schools) are included in the district’s published 2024-25 District Title I School List and eligible for Title I incentives. You can also view the 2024-25 Charter Title I School List
• Eligibility for the incentive may change annually based on the school’s Title I designation. Information on Title I guidelines are located on the Federal Programs site. 

• ESLI Team Leadership Roles: you’re eligible if you serve in the ESLI leadership role such as Team Lead. 
  • Incentive Amount for Team Lead: $275 per paycheck for ten months ($5,500 annually). Payments begin September 22, with the last payment received on July 7.

You may be eligible for student loan and tuition reimbursements, up to $1,000 per school year and $6,000 total per lifetime. 

To receive payment, fill out the Tuition and Student Loan Reimbursement Form. Specific eligibility and payment guidelines apply and are outlined on the form. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required for electronic signature. Forms are due to Payroll by the end of each month in order to be paid on the following month's second paycheck. The deadline to apply reimbursement credit for the 2024-2025 school year maximum is July 31, 2025.