• Advanced Degree Supplements 

     

    The 2011 SB 736 Student Success Act addresses salary supplements for advanced degrees in the educator’s area of certification. The exact language reads as follows:  

    “A District school board may not use advanced degrees in setting a salary schedule for instructional personnel or school administrators hired on or after July 1, 2011, unless the advanced degree is held in the individual’s area of certification and is only a salary supplement.”  

    The advanced degree supplement is not considered part of base pay. 

     

    Eligibility 

    The language of the legislation is clear that to comply with the Student Success Act: 

    • The advanced degree must be in a subject shown on the certificate to award the supplement. 

    • A general graduate degree* such as “Curriculum and Instruction” without a clearly defined specialization would not be acceptable. 

    • *General degrees do not "match" any certification subjects. 

     
    Requesting an Advanced Degree Supplement  

    To receive an Advanced Degree Supplement, employees must meet the following criteria:  

    1. The advanced degree must be completed in its entirety. 

    1. The major of the advanced degree must align with a FLDOE subject area. 

    1. The subject area must be listed on the certificate. 

    Supporting coursework must always be reviewed before final determination of acceptance.  

    Once determination of acceptance has been established, the supplement will be entered on that date for the current fiscal year. The supplement will be effective the date the determination was made and is not retroactive. 

    To request an Advanced Degree Supplement, please provide all the information and documentation through THE ADVANCED DEGREE SUPPLEMENT FORM. 

     
    Considering an Advanced Degree? 

    Anyone who is considering an advanced degree, should refer to the FLDOE approved Guide to Acceptable Majors for Educator Certification Specialization to determine if the major is currently eligible for an Advanced Degree Supplement.  

    The acceptable degree majors eligible for the supplement is listed in the right column, labeled Frequently Acceptable Degree Major(s). 

     
    Employees Hired Prior to 2011 

    Instructional staff hired prior to the 2011 legislation will have their advanced degrees honored regardless of subject area. However, if there is a break in service from the district, the updated rules determined by the FLDOE will be followed if employees choose to return to PCSB. If the advanced degree does not match the FLDOE specialization guides, the advanced degree supplements cannot be guaranteed.