Seattle schools, teachers reach tentative contract agreement

Seattle schools, teachers reach tentative pact

SEATTLE — Seattle’s teachers union and Seattle Public School have reached a tentative agreement on a three-year labor contract.

Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson says the agreement includes a new evaluation system that takes into account improvement in student learning.

The contract begins this coming school year. Classes in Seattle schools are set to start Sept. 8.

The Seattle Education Association is scheduled to vote on the proposed new contract on Thursday.

The contract would give teachers 1 percent raises in both 2011-12 and 2012-2013. It gives them more collaborative planning time, sets aside more money for mentors to help instructors new to the classroom and adds other leadership positions for teachers.

The contract would also give extra money to teachers who work in the lowest performing schools and meet performance expectations.