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NBCT Pay Enhancement Information

This information has been updated to reflect the changes in the Low Performing Schools identified for the 2025-2026 school year following the vote at the April 9, 2025 Board of Education meeting.

Background

In 2021, the Maryland State Legislature passed the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which raises the status of the teaching profession and encourages professional development through a performance-based Career Ladder with salaries comparable to those in other professional fields with similar education requirements. Through Blueprint, teacher salary progression and classroom performance will be linked to teacher achievement of National Board Certification (NBC).

Impacted Staff

In partnership, HCPSS and HCEA have determined this includes all staff who have the following workflows in the Frontline Employee Management and Evaluation System:

Non-tenured teacher
Tenured teacher
Elementary library media specialist
Infant and toddlers teacher

This includes all staff that have Student Learning Objectives.

It does not include staff who have the following workflows:

Alternative education teacher
Central office leader
Instructional specialist
Pupil personnel worker
Related service provider
School counselor
Secondary library media specialist
Social Worker/Mental Health Therapist
Support teacher

NBCT Pay Increase Details

Teachers successfully completing the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certification program (NBPTS), also known as National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs), who are not primarily responsible and accountable for teaching students in the classroom, shall receive an annual supplement of $2,000 each year their NBPTS certificate remains in good standing.

In accordance with the Blueprint law, teachers successfully completing the NBPTS, who are primarily responsible and accountable for teaching students in the classroom, shall receive an annual supplement of $10,000 each year their NBPTS certificate remains in good standing. To view these scales see the Board of Education/HCEA Master Agreement, Appendix B (this document will be updated when the master agreement is ratified).

Additionally, NBCTs who teach at schools that are low performing, as defined by the Blueprint law, shall receive an additional annual supplement of $7,000. The NBCT will continue to receive these monies even if the school ceases to be low-performing while the teacher is at the school and remains in an eligible position.

See the Master Agreement, Notes: Article 20, Salary Schedules (this document will be updated when the master agreement is ratified) for complete details.

NBCTs Working at a Low Performing School

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) created two categories of Low Performing School identification: 

State Defined (Required) - schools identified as 1-star and 2-star schools in 2019 and 2022 accountability. HCPSS had no State Defined schools in 2022-2023 & 2023-2024. 
Local Flexibility (Optional) - bottom 10% of local schools in the state accountability system. HCPSS does not have any Local Flexibility schools for the 2025-2026 school year.

The HCPSS schools designated as locally Low Performing Schools for the 2025-2026 school year are:

Harper’s Choice Middle School (State Defined)
Lake Elkhorn Middle School (State Defined)

More information on the HCPSS NBC program can be found on Canvas.

Get to Know Monica Pringle, HCPSS Coordinator of Transportation, Specialized Service and Training

The HCPSS Get To Know series was created to help staff learn more about system leaders in schools and offices with whom they may not typically interact. HCPSS leaders answer a mix of personal and professional questions in an effort to let all employees get to know them better. Please use this form to nominate an HCPSS leader to be featured in the series.

Why did you choose to work in education?
For decades, I’ve had the privilege of working in the school system—not as an educator, but as someone coordinating student transportation. Ensuring students are safely transported to and from school is a vital responsibility, one I take seriously. My early exposure to this field began with my family who own a school bus company. As a child, I would often ride along, meeting new students and school staff members. This experience instilled in me a deep understanding of the importance of exceptional customer service, even in the face of challenges.

Over the years, I’ve learned the critical value of practicing effective time management, addressing problems holistically, and finding innovative solutions to unexpected issues. Most importantly, I’ve embraced the mantra that it’s always better to arrive early than late—understanding how even small delays can ripple through schedules and cause larger complications.

One vivid memory from my childhood stands out: my first day riding a school bus. My dad was providing transportation for The Maryland School for the Blind. I was captivated by the students, their energetic spirits, and positive attitudes. At that age, I didn’t fully comprehend disabilities but I instinctively wanted to help. For the student without a voice, I felt compelled to speak up. For the student with limited mobility, I wished to assist with movement. Though it didn’t entirely make sense to me then, as I grew older, I realized that my desire to help and inspire those unable to help themselves was a core part of who I am.

I never imagined that providing transportation services would become the mechanism to achieve this goal yet it has allowed me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of so many.

What is your role within HCPSS?
As a coordinator in the Office of Student Transportation, I oversee staff to ensure the successful implementation of initiatives with a primary focus on specialized services and training. One of my key responsibilities includes coordinating specialized services with school officials, department leaders, and other stakeholders to meet the transportation needs of our students. I also facilitate meetings and oversee professional development for school vehicle drivers and attendants to address issues, develop solutions, support staff, and represent the district. These tasks demand a significant investment of time and effort, reflecting the critical nature of my role in ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for all students.

What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
The best advice I have received is to always treat others the way you want to be treated. Staying Focused, Fruitful, Faithful and grounded can really keep you on track and ready for whatever life throws your way. So stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.

What is something you like a lot that would surprise people?
I like giving back to my community by volunteering and helping others in need.

What is on your bucket list?
Someday, I hope to travel abroad with my family, exploring different countries and immersing ourselves in their unique cultures.

What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is by Maya Angelou: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”