What is Career Ladder?
The Career Ladder Program is a variable match program established in 1985. The purpose of the program is to reward excellent educators for the work they do over and above what is required of good educators. A district who chooses to participate in the program must develop a plan and submit that plan to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) by April 15 of the year prior to participation. An educator who chooses to participate in the program must meet certain criteria prior to participation and also must agree to complete a career development plan. That plan designates the academic activities that the educator will perform outside contracted time. An educator may progress through the three stages of the Career Ladder as long as he/she meets the criteria for each stage. Contained in this information is a list of frequently asked questions, a sample Career Ladder plan for districts, the administrative rule, an Application for Approval, and a sample assessment form.
