HB537 Summary

• Creates the Teacher Excellence and Accountability for Mathematics and Science (TEAMS) Salary Schedule Program to provide additional compensation to participating math and science teachers in grades 6-12 who meet eligibility requirements.

• Eligible teachers must hold valid Alabama professional educator certificates, teach approved math or science courses full-time in grades 6-12, and complete 4 days of annual professional development plus obtain specialized STEM certification within 3 years.

• Establishes a $5,000 annual hard-to-staff supplement for participating teachers working in schools designated by the Department of Education based on factors including poverty level, geographic location, and out-of-field teaching assignments.

• Creates the TEAMS Fund in the State Treasury funded through the Education Trust Fund to provide differential pay and salary supplements, with monthly distributions to local education agencies beginning in the 2021-2022 school year.

• Participating teachers employed on probationary contracts (initially 189 days/year) may advance to nonprobationary status lasting 3-6 years; teachers with over 20 years of service must commit to at least 5-year contracts and waive Students First Act protections upon participation.