Teachers' Union in Prince George's County agrees to a fresh 3-year contract with the school district
Prince George's County Educators' Association (PGCEA) has given its approval to a new three-year contract with the school district, marking a significant step forward for the teachers in Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS). The contract, which includes a pay increase and protections for the instructional operation, is expected to improve the working and learning environment for both teachers and students.
The tentative agreement for the contract was reached in July, and it has been retroactively applied since July 1 for staff members who work 11 or 12 months out of the year, or anyone who worked summer school and other extended programs. The contract offers more time and flexibility for high-quality training, and it includes a 9% cost-of-living pay increase over the life of the contract.
One of the key aspects of the new contract is the focus on classroom safety. The contract mandates that something real must be done about a child's behavior if they exhibit aggressive behavior in the classroom. The safety measures require that a student cannot return to the classroom until safety plans have been put in place if they exhibit such behavior. This includes dealing with students who may hit, bite, kick, spit, throw desks, or engage in other forms of aggressive behavior.
The new contract also addresses the issue of students returning to the classroom without any consequences for their behavior. The safety measures aim to ensure that all students are able to learn in a safe and secure environment.
In addition to the safety measures, the contract includes less paperwork with grades going into a streamlined system to give teachers more time to help students. It also includes increased reimbursements for classroom supplies and pay for covering substitute vacancies.
The contract's approval still requires final approval from the Prince George's County Board of Education, which is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Friday at 5 p.m. to vote on the approved contract. If given final approval, the contract will go into effect immediately and last through the 2028 fiscal year.
Advocates still have work to do in Annapolis to secure legislative funding for the contract's implementation. Despite this, the PGCEA members voted to approve the contract with 96% of the vote, indicating a strong support for the new agreement.
The new contract is a significant step forward for the teachers in Prince George's County Public Schools, providing them with better working conditions, increased pay, and a safer learning environment for their students.
