DC Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Kaya Henderson today announced a new initiative to help recognize and retain great teachers. The program, known as the Leadership Initiative for Teachers, or LIFT, is a five-stage career ladder that provides high-performing educators with opportunities for advancement both inside and outside the classroom, as well as additional compensation and increased recognition. DCPS is the first urban public school system to implement such a comprehensive teacher career ladder.

“Our teachers shape the future for our children,” said Henderson. “At DCPS, we demand excellence from our educators and we work hard to honor and recognize them as the professionals they are. LIFT takes that one step further, making career advancement, a standard practice in every other profession, a reality for DCPS teachers.”

“LIFT is a step in the direction of retaining and rewarding high-performing DCPS teachers,” said Nathan Saunders, President of the Washington Teachers’ Union. “Our members now have a clear path that gives them the recognition they deserve.”

Listen to WAMU 88.5: New DCPS Initiative To Incentive High-Performing Teachers