Does Education matter in the School System?

[ajsmbl]

I am a State certified sign language interpreter for a public school system. My pay is solely based on the "level" recieved on a skills test. Level 5 being the best, level 4, level 3 and under level 3. I have achieved a level 3.9. I have no benefits and am considered a "part-time" employee paid by the hour.

I am the only interpreter in this school system with a 4 year college degree. I recieve no added pay and therefore am earning the same as interpreters with with no degree or (theoretically) even without a HS diploma. The field of interpreting is beginning to require a degree before qualifying for certification.

Before I sign another contract for next year do I have any basis to ask that my level of education be considered? My boss says that it's all up to her boss and he wont budge.

 

[irish223]

If you are signing a contract based on a CBA, then your employer is bound by the negotiated agreement. In that case, you probably cannot be offered any more compensation than any other interpreter at your level.

If your contract is not based on a CBA, then you can ask for consideration of your additional education. Assuming that your degree is in sign language interpreting, you might want to investigate other districts that would value your education more highly.

 

[cbg]

If you are asking whether the law requires that you be paid more because of your level of education, it does not.

There's no reason you can't discuss it with your boss but you have no legal standing to demand it.