Seattle teachers approve 3-year contract, vote ‘no confidence’ in superintendent

Seattle teachers OK 3-year contract

SEATTLE — Seattle’s teachers have approved a new three-year contract, which means classes will begin as scheduled Sept. 8.

Shortly after the contract vote Thursday, members of the Seattle Education Association voted “no confidence” in Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson.

The superintendent has said the agreement includes a new evaluation system that takes into account improvement in student learning.

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.