• Base Pay

    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 experience. 

    Earning Step Increases

    Step increases (vertical movement down the salary schedule) are contingent upon district budget and the negotiation process. If eligible, step increases are earned by receiving a rating of Approaching, Effective, or Distinguished during your annual performance review process. 

    Earning Grade Movement

    You can change grades (horizontal movement along the salary schedule) by achieving higher education (such as bachelor’s or master’s degrees), completion of district provided Professional Development Units, or by earning an approved industry authorization. Please see the list of advanced license/certificates for approved certifications. If an employee's advanced license or certificate is not on the approved advanced license/certificate 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.

  • Incentives

    • 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 CTE instructors 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 Title I School List and eligible for Title I incentives.
      • 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. 

    • Distinguished Schools Incentive-The Distinguished Schools Incentive program recognizes schools demonstrating outstanding support for the whole child approach to education. Schools selected for this honor receive financial incentives for their entire team.

      Reward
      • $750 lump sum payment to each team member (prorated by FTE)
      • Paid on the first paycheck in June
      • Minimum 0.2 FTE required to qualify
      • Includes all employees actively assigned to the school (including non-DCTA members)

      Selection Process
      • Ten schools may receive the Distinguished Schools Incentive annually
      • Schools can win once every three years
      • Winners selected by the ProComp Implementation Team (district and DCTA members)
      • Selection includes a variety of student populations and regions, including pathway schools

      Selection Criteria
      Schools are evaluated on excellence in:
      • Health Education
      • Physical Education and Activity
      • Nutrition Environment and Services
      • Health Services
      • Counseling, Psychology, and Social Services
      • Physical Environments
      • Social and Emotional School Climate
      • Employee Wellness
      • Family Engagement
      • Community Involvement
      • Support for historically marginalized students
      • Implementation of the Black Excellence Resolution
      • Implementation of the Know Justice Know Peace Resolution
      • Recruitment and Retention of BIPOC Educators

      How to Apply

        • Deadline: April 30 at 5:00 p.m.
        • Submit the Distinguished School Application APPLY NOW! here
        • More information on program here



    • Professional Development Units (PDUs)

       You may be eligible for a grade change after completion and approval of six (6) PDUs.

    • Tuition and Student Loan Reimbursement

      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.