Finances in DC

In Washington, DC, home to some of the most exciting and innovative education reforms of the last decade, our teachers serve students at more than 100 partner schools, split between public and charter schools. Our teachers are able to access a variety of benefits, both financial and nonfinancial, depending on their school assignment.

BENEFITS

Residency Stipend/Salary

Year 1 of Urban Teachers

Average of $23,500

Stipends from Urban Teachers are paid in installments, starting at the end of July 2020. The stipend is taxable and you will receive a 1099 tax form.

Instead of receiving a stipend from Urban Teachers, participants may receive a similar amount paid by the school they are placed at during their residency year.

Residency stipend/salaries may vary based on school placement.

Average Salary for New Teachers

Starting Year 2 of Urban Teachers

DCPS teachers earn a starting salary of ~$56,000.

Teachers at DC charter schools have variable, but competitive salaries.

Teacher salaries may vary based on school placement and participants’ prior experience.

Average Salary for DC Public School Teachers

$50,000-65,000

With IMPACTplus, the performance-based compensation system for Washington Teachers’ Union members, highly effective teachers can earn up to $25,000 in annual bonuses and see increases in their base salary of up to $27,000.

Please note that around 50% of our teachers are placed in charter schools across DC. Most charter school salaries and benefits are not publicly posted but are often comparable.

DC participants also may be eligible for the following scholarships, loan programs, and financial supports:

DC Public Schools Tuition Reimbursement

Eligibility Criteria: DCPS teachers pursuing graduate courses who meet the grade requirement of ‘B’ or better. The teacher’s most recent evaluation score must be Effective or higher. The teacher shall be required to work in DCPS for a minimum of three years after receiving the reimbursement.
Benefits: Reimbursed at the rate of $200 per credit hour, not to exceed $1,800 per year.
When to start: Submit the tuition reimbursement form (found here) no later than two weeks following the beginning of the coursework.

Central Scholarship Bureau

Eligibility Criteria: GPA above a 2.0 and are a student from Maryland. If you haven’t been a Maryland resident for at least one year, but you live within 200 miles of Baltimore City, you can still apply.
Benefits: Up to $10,000 annually in grants or interest-free loans.
When to start: Submit your application between January 1 and April 1. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Landed-- Supports public school teachers in paying for a home in DC.

COSTS

As a participant of Urban Teachers, you are responsible for the $40,000 in tuition, which is paid in four equal $10,000 installments over the two years of the master’s program. Tuition is billed during the fall and spring semesters of the residency year (Program Year 1) and Fellows year 1 (Program Year 2). Participants are encouraged to pursue financial aid and other financial resources, if interested. Participants are also responsible for all costs and deadlines associated with certification and hiring.

Anticipated categories and expenses include, but are not limited to:

Moving Costs	Incurred during the move to DC and transition at the end of the first summer.	Around $1000	Urban Teachers offers need-based Emergency Transition Funding. Application information is available in April.
Johns Hopkins University Healthcare	Throughout the first year of the program.	Covered for participants (if needed)	Dental and Vision plans are not covered, but are made available to participants through the JHU Student Health Insurance Plan.
Rent	Starting in August of the first summer.	$1100 (shared) $2000 (single)	Housing during the first summer of the program is covered by Urban Teachers.
Transportation	Throughout the program.	Varies	Participants’ transportation needs and costs vary.

State Tests (Required for enrollment)	Payable during Spring enrollment.	Free - $150	Costs vary by individuals’ needs. Urban Teachers may offer financial assistance for these tests.
Undergraduate/graduate degree transcripts	Payable during Spring enrollment.	Varies	Incoming participants will likely need to submit 2-3 undergraduate transcripts as well as one copy from all other schools attended (transfer, graduate).
Fingerprinting and Background Check	Payable during Spring enrollment.	Around $70.00	Site team will notify participants of requirements.
TB Test	Completed during Spring enrollment.	$40-50	Site team will notify participants of requirements.
Praxis® II Tests (Required for certification)	Payable during Residency Year.	Around $240	At least two tests are required: one in subject area and one in Special Education.

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Please Note: This information relied on existing information at the time of its publication. Costs may vary from what is written above. Staff will update this page and reach out to participants with more information as it becomes available.

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