HB537 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Alan BakerRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Terri Collins

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Teachers, math and science teachers, salary schedule, add'l compensation, Education Dept. to administer, add'l salary supplement for hard-to-staff schools, terms of employment contracts, fund created in State Treasury, commencing 2021-2022 school year, funding in education budget

Summary

HB537 creates the TEAMS Salary Schedule Program to pay math and science teachers more, with a hard-to-staff supplement, funded by a TEAMS Fund, and new contract terms for participating teachers.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the TEAMS Salary Schedule Program and a hard-to-staff supplement for participating math and science teachers. It creates the TEAMS Fund in the State Treasury to pay salary increases and supplements, with monthly distributions to LEAs. It sets eligibility, participation requirements, certification goals, and contract terms for participating teachers, including probation, renewals, and due process protections.

Who It Affects

• Math and science teachers (grades 6-12) who meet eligibility criteria and choose to participate, eligible for higher pay and required to pursue specialized certifications.
• Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that will manage TEAMS contracts, track eligibility, and receive monthly funding for salary increases and hard-to-staff supplements.
• Hard-to-staff designated schools where participating teachers may receive an additional $5,000 annual supplement if they qualify.
• The Alabama Department of Education and State Board of Education, which will administer the program and adopt implementing rules.

Key Provisions

• Creates the TEAMS Salary Schedule Program and a hard-to-staff supplement for eligible math and science teachers.
• Establishes the TEAMS Fund in the State Treasury to fund differential pay and supplements; funds are dedicated to the program and distributed to LEAs monthly.
• Defines eligible teachers as full-time math or science teachers (grades 6-12) with valid certifications who elect to participate and are approved.
• Requires participating teachers to complete annual high-quality professional development and meet certification or credential requirements within three years (examples include specific national credentials or department-approved options).
• Allocates one TEAMS position to each LEA for every 105 students in grades 6-12.
• Sets contract terms for participants: 189-day contracts; probationary period of one academic year; possible renewal for 3-6 years or termination with notice; option to reemploy outside the program.
• Provides for termination for cause with severance pay (up to three months) and due process, including expedited hearings and potential circuit court review.
• Guarantees that participation does not grant additional rights beyond those for nonparticipants, and allows development of a model TEAMS contract by the department.
• Requires the department to administer the program, with rules adopted by the State Board of Education, and allows reporting to the Legislature on adding other shortage areas.
• Effective immediately upon passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

TeachersTeachers' Retirement System