Providence Teachers May Get Pay Raises, But No Figures Yet

PROVIDENCE, RI —Providence teachers and the city have a tentative new contract, the mayor's office said Thursday. Under the agreement, the teachers will also be getting pay raises, although the amount has not yet been disclosed. Emily Crowell, spokeswoman for the mayor's office, said in a press release that the teachers union must first ratify the contract. Then it will go to the city council.

Crowell confirmed to the Patch the pay raise information is not public yet.

"Additional details will be released after the agreement is presented to membership," she said.

The teachers have been without a contract since August 2017, Crowell also said.

The Providence Teachers Union made no secret its members wanted a new contract. During a recent mayoral debate, the rank and file demonstrated outside Grace Church and made so much noise the chants almost drowned out the candidates inside the building. The contract was an issue during the campaign. Two days after Mayor Jorge Elorza coasted to victory, he and the union announced the deal.

According to Crowell, the "tentative three-year agreement includes wage increases for members along with:

· Provisions to continue school-based autonomy in Providence Public Schools

· Expanded summer learning and instruction opportunities

· Increased professional development opportunities for teachers

· Additional incentives for English Language Learner and Advanced Degree credentials."

Courtesy Photo