SB327 Summary

• Establishes 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.

• Participating teachers must hold valid Alabama professional educator certificates and teach full-time math or science; they apply through local superintendents and receive TEAMS contracts with differential pay above the State Minimum Salary Schedule.

• Teachers progress through preliminary contracts (maximum 3-6 years) to advanced contracts (up to 3 years) by obtaining specialized certifications from organizations including the National Board of Professional Teacher Standards, National Institute for STEM Education, or the State Department of Education.

• Eligible teachers teaching in hard-to-staff schools receive an additional $5,000 annual supplement, with schools designated annually based on factors including out-of-field teaching assignments, poverty level, geographic location, and population density.

• Creates the TEAMS Fund in the State Treasury, allocates one math and one science position per 105 students in grades 6-12 to each local board, and requires participating teachers to complete at least four days of annual professional development.