Salary & Benefits

Salary

The starting salary for Fellows is the same as that for all other beginning teachers earning initial licensure through the Teacher in Residence (TIR) program. Starting teachers in 2007-2008, with no previous classroom experience, typically earn $33,786 in their first year, depending on their education level and related coursework. Salary levels can be expected to increase once Fellows earn their Initial License after two years teaching. (See Licensure section of this website for details about this alternative licensing program). Fellows become salaried employees of the district when all teachers report back to work in August; teachers normally receive their first pay check during the first month of teaching. Click here for the Denver Public Schools Salary Schedule.

In addition, Denver voters recently approved ProComp, a Professional Compensation System that has earned national attention for how it rewards teachers for their professional accomplishments. The goal of ProComp is to align teachers’ compensation with the district's mission of student learning. Fellows and new teachers will receive more information on the details of this compensation system once they become full employees of Denver Public Schools.

Summer Stipend

During the summer Training Institute, Fellows are provided with a $2,000 pre-tax transitional stipend. The stipend is distributed after the end of the Training Institute. Because of the timing of the training stipend and because the time between the end of training and a Fellow’s first paycheck may be lengthy, we strongly encourage Fellows to take appropriate measures to ensure their financial well-being during this time.

Benefits

As employees of the district, Fellows are eligible for the same comprehensive benefits as all district teachers, including health, dental, life insurance, and long term disability insurance. Click here for a summary of specific benefits.

Tuition Stipend

As employees of DPS, Fellows will have access to a lifetime tuition reimbursement of $1,000.  DPS will reimburse the cost of licensure coursework, books, and professional development fees for up to $1,000 during their tenure with DPS.

AmeriCorps Education Awards

Most first year Denver Teaching Fellows are eligible to receive an AmeriCorps education award from the Corporation for National and Community Service worth $4,725. Visit the Licensure section of this website for more information.

Loan Forgiveness

Fellows with Stafford, Perkins, and Eisenhower loans may be eligible for loan deferment or forgiveness. Fellows need to contact their lenders to determine eligibility.

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