The House just voted 71-37 for a bill (5083) that education officials say will eventually do away with the state's popular bonus program for National Board-certified teachers by diluting incentives to teachers. The Senate passed a similar bill yesterday, with a 35-1 vote.

The legislation does away with a bonus for certified teachers who mentor other educators, as well as a $2,250 application fee subsidy for teachers who pursue the certification. The Senate version is even more controversial and opposed by the FEA because it limits the annual 10 percent bonus for board-certified teachers to one 10-year period.

About 10,000 teachers benefited from the program this year, at a cost of $88-million to the state. The changes would cut the state's tab by $41-million next year.

For previous posts on this subject, click here and here.