reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 13 - Teachers’ Qualifications and Removal (§§ 211 — 274p) › § 274h - Public Education System Board of Appeals—Hearing; form

The hearing shall be public unless a duly-grounded written request is submitted by any of the parties, and the same is authorized by the official presiding the hearing if he/she undestands that irreversible damage may be caused to the petitioning party. The appellant shall have the right to appear personally or [be] assisted by counsel, examine adversary witnesses and introduce evidence. The rules of evidence shall not be compulsory in this procedure, but the basic principles of evidence may be used to obtain a speedy, fair and economical solution. The appellant as well as the Secretary of Education shall have the right, upon request, to be informed before the hearing, of the names and addresses of the witnesses of the other part, as well as to be served with a copy of all statements sworn to or signed by the witnesses of the other party.
History —June 30, 1965, No. 115, p. 321, § 9, renumbered as § 11 and amended on Aug. 28, 1991, No. 78, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 13 - Teachers’ Qualifications and Removal (§§ 211 — 274p) › § 274i - Public Education System Board of Appeals—Decision; time for issuance; notification; reconsideration

On or before the ninety (90) day after the conclusion to the hearing, the Board shall render its decision, on which at least two (2) of its members must concur, who shall sign the same. The decision may affirm, revoke or modify the order of the Secretary. The Board’s decision shall be notified by certified mail to the parties and their counsel to their last known address.
The decision or final resolution shall include and state the findings of fact separately if the same have not been waived, the conclusions of law on which the adjudication is founded, [and] the availability of the motion to reconsider or review, as the case may be. The decision or resolution shall be signed by the members of the Board. The decision or resolution shall advise of the right to request reconsideration or review of the same, stating the corresponding terms pursuant to §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3. Once these requirements have been met, said terms shall be in effect.
The Board shall notify the final decision or resolution to the parties as soon as possible, by certified mail with receipt requested, and shall file a copy of the final decision or resolution and evidence of said notice. No party shall be required to comply with a final decision unless said party has been notified thereof.
The motion for reconsideration shall be jurisdictional in order to request judicial review.
History —June 30, 1965, No. 115, p. 321, § 10, renumbered as § 12 and amended on Aug. 28, 1991, No. 78, § 15.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 13 - Teachers’ Qualifications and Removal (§§ 211 — 274p) › § 274i-1 - Public Education System Board of Appeals—Judicial review

The party adversely affected by a final decision or resolution of the Board may file a petition for review before the Court of First Instance of venue within a jurisdiction (sic) term of thirty (30) days, starting from the date on which a copy of the final notice of the Board is filed.
The party shall notify the Board and all other parties of the filing of the petition for review within the term to request such review.
The judicial review procedures shall be handled pursuant to the rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico.
History —June 30, 1965, No. 115, p. 339, added as § 13 on Aug. 28, 1991, No. 78, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 13 - Teachers’ Qualifications and Removal (§§ 211 — 274p) › § 274i-2 - Public Education System Board of Appeals—Decision in favor of appellant

(a) In those cases in which the decision is in favor of the appellant, the Board shall issue the corresponding remedial orders.
(b) In cases of removal, if the decision is favorable to the teacher or employee, the Board shall order reinstatement in his/her position or a similar position. It shall also direct the total or partial payment of the salaries said teacher or employee failed to receive, when ordered by the Board, at the prevailing legal interest from the date that the payment was directed and until the same is satisfied, and the granting of all the fringe benefits to which he would have been entitled.
(c) In cases of suspension from work and salary, if the decision is favorable to the teacher or employee, the Board shall direct the total or partial payment of the salaries he/she failed to receive as well as all fringe benefits to which he would have been entitled during the period of suspension, at the prevailing legal interest rate, as provided by the Board, from the date that the payment was directed until the same is satisfied.
History —June 30, 1965, No. 115, p. 339, added as § 14 on Aug. 28, 1991, No. 78, § 17.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 13 - Teachers’ Qualifications and Removal (§§ 211 — 274p) › § 274j - Removal without discharge; medical examination

The Secretary of Education may remove any employee or teacher from service in the following cases, without it being understood as a discharge:
(a) The elimination of positions for lack of work or funds.
(b) When it is determined that said employee or teacher is physically and/or mentally disabled to perform the duties required by his/her position.
(c) When the teacher or employee shows a marked pattern of absenteeism.
(d) When the teacher or employee has been reported as disabled to the State Insurance Fund, for more than one year.
Whenever the Secretary of Education has grounds to believe that a Public Education System teacher or employee is physically or mentally disabled, he/she shall direct said employee to undergo a medical examination by one or more physicians designated by the Secretary. In the meantime, the Secretary may remove the teacher or employee from his/her duties. If the physician diagnoses that the teacher or employee is physically or mentally disabled to perform his/her duties as such, the Secretary shall order his/her removal for the period of disability, or any other measure that he/she deems necessary for the welfare and proper functioning of the Public Education System. If the teacher or employee does not agree with the order for removal due to disability, he/she may appeal within thirty (30) days from the date of notice with a copy of the order before Board which shall handle the appeal with priority over other cases, pursuant to the procedure established herein. The Board may direct any teacher or employee whose physical or mental condition is under discussion, to undergo a medical examination by one or more experts designated by the Board. The refusal of a teacher or employee to comply with an order of the Secretary or by the Board requiring him/her to undergo a medical examination, without just cause, shall result in the removal of said teacher or employee without the need of any further procedures. In the cases covered by this section, the teacher or employee shall be entitled to be paid for any accrued leave, and if said leave has been exhausted, shall continue to receive his/her salary until the Board issues its decision. In case of a favorable decision, the teacher or employee shall continue to receive his/her salary until he/she is reinstated.
History —June 30, 1965, No. 115, p. 321, § 11; June 7, 1967, No. 114, p. 354; renumbered as § 15 and amended on Aug. 28, 1991, No. 78, § 18.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 13 - Teachers’ Qualifications and Removal (§§ 211 — 274p) › § 274o - Administration of oaths

The officials or employees of the Department of Education in charge of investigating the conduct of teachers or employees, are hereby empowered to administer oaths in the performance of such functions.
History —June 30, 1965, No. 115, p. 321, § 16; Aug. 28, 1991, No. 78, § 22.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 13 - Teachers’ Qualifications and Removal (§§ 211 — 274p) › § 274p - Definitions

For all intents and purposes, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning set forth below:
(a) Teacher.— Means all teaching personnel and includes any teacher in charge of teaching as well as any officials assigned to technical, supervisory or school administration duties.
(b) Employee.— Means all personnel holding a job or employment not directly related to teaching, whether regular or not regular, transitory or rendering services under a contract which may be equivalent to holding a position.
(c) Board.— Means the Public Education System Board of Appeals.
(d) Merit principle.— Refers to the concept that all employees of the education system should be selected, trained, promoted, retained and treated in all that concerns their job, based on their capabilities, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, birth, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, origin or social condition, or political or religious beliefs.
(e) Attorney.— Means a person with a degree in law (Juris Doctor) admitted to the practice of the profession in Puerto Rico.
History —June 30, 1965, No. 115, p. 339, added as § 17 on Aug. 28, 1991, No. 78, § 23; May 29, 2013, No. 22, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 291 - Teachers under contract; twelve (12) -month year

From and after the taking of effect of this act the public school teachers of Puerto Rico shall be under contract and shall draw a salary for twelve (12) school months; ten (10) months shall be devoted to the regular school course as established in Section 33 of the Compiled School Law of March 12, 1903. The leaves shall be enjoyed within the school calendar in which they work, according to the needs of the system.
When a teacher works for a term of less than ten (10) months devoted to the regular school course he shall be entitled to a proportional part of the vacation with pay corresponding to him in accordance with regulations to such effect.
For the purposes of this section, by public school teacher shall be understood all teaching personnel not in the performance of administrative, technical or supervisory functions. This personnel shall accrue their leave at a rate of two and one-half (2 1 / 2) days per month worked, cumulative up to a maximum of sixty (60) days.
The leaves shall be authorized in a staggered manner during the year for the purpose of guaranteeing normality in the operation of the schools.
The administrative, technical and supervisory personnel participating in additional educational activities on the date Act No. 30 of May 7, 1976, takes effect shall be entitled to enjoy the period not worked corresponding to the Christmas recess without charge to their regular leave.
The Secretary of Education shall authorize special leave with pay for a maximum of two (2) weeks in the recess of a school course to those technical, administrative and supervisory personnel interested in performing professional studies in the educational field or in participating in cultural tours or in educational activities duly organized or approved by the Secretary of Education. This authorization shall be prior to the recess which he is interested in enjoying and shall be conditioned to guarantee the adequate operation of the schools and school districts.
The Secretary of Education shall promulgate the necessary regulations for the enforcement of this section.
History —Apr. 15, 1941, No. 39, p. 576, § 1; Aug. 7, 1946, No. 24, p. 70, § 1; May 30, 1970, No. 76, p. 192; May 7, 1976, No. 30, p. 77, § 1; July 6, 1976, No. 1, retroactive to July 1, 1976.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 297 - Extra pay for services outside working hours

The Secretary of Education is hereby authorized to contract for the services of teachers, officers or employees of the Department of Education and of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, its instrumentalities, political subdivisions, public corporations or subsidiaries thereof, and to pay same due extra compensation for any additional services they may have rendered as teachers or in any other capacity in extension schools, literacy programs, television programs and public radiobroadcasting, and other activities of a similar nature in charge of the Department of Education, outside their regular working hours as teachers or public servants, without subjection to the provisions of § 551 of Title 3, or to any other provisions of law to the contrary.
History —May 17, 1955, No. 43, p. 148, § 1; June 28, 1957, No. 108, p. 496; June 24, 1971, No. 84, p. 256, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 297a - Extra compensation for additional services by home economics teachers

The Secretary of Education is hereby authorized to contract for or use the services of practicing teachers and other officers or employees of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and to pay them the proper extra compensation for the additional services they may render as teachers in charge of the Home Economics Center (Head Teachers), home economics teachers for adults, home economics supervising teachers and other similar duties outside their regular working hours as such teachers or public servants and independently of their regular duties of their positions, without being subject to the provisions of § 551 of Title 3 or any other provisions of law in conflict therewith.
History —June 13, 1958, No. 31, p. 40, retroactive to July 1, 1956.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 297b - Extra compensation for services rendered in programs financed by federal funds or grants

(a) The Secretary of Education is hereby authorized to contract for the services of the officers, teachers and employees of the Department of Education, teachers and other officers or employees of the departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the political subdivisions thereof and to pay them due extra compensation for the additional services rendered or that may be rendered by them as teachers or in any other capacity outside their regular working hours during the regular school course and/or during the month of activities established by § 291 of this title, related with the development of educational programs in whole or in part financed with funds from the United States Government or with grants from foundations and other entities with educational purposes, without subjection to the provisions of § 551 of Title 3 or of any other law to the contrary.
(b) The Secretary of Education is further authorized to contract for the services of the officers, teachers and employees of the Department of Education and of the teachers, and other officers or employees of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and to pay them due extra compensation for the additional services rendered or that may be rendered by them during their vacation, related with the development of educational programs financed in whole or in part with funds from the United States Government or with grants from foundations and other entities with educational purposes, without subjection to the provisions of § 551 of Title 3 or of any other law to the contrary.
(c) In cases of the hiring of officers or employees of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico covered by the two preceding subsections of this section, such hiring shall be with the previous approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
(d) The Secretary of Education shall promulgate the necessary regulations to carry out the purposes of this section by incorporating therein those provisions that may be necessary for the purposes of assuring that for the rendering of such services there shall be considered in the first place the unemployed competent personnel.
History —June 25, 1965, No. 90, p. 226, §§ 1—3-A; May 11, 1967, No. 28, p. 212.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 298 - Hiring of pensioned teachers in special education programs

(a) The Secretary of Education is hereby authorized to hire any person retired for years of service under the retirement systems sponsored by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or its instrumentalities who are over 58 years of age to render part-time services as teacher in the special public education programs, such as literacy, training of adults, and other activities in charge of the Department of Education, and to pay them the proper compensation for said services at a rate of five dollars ($5) an hour in addition to the pension payments received by the person so hired.
(b) The services rendered by pensioners so hired by the Secretary of Education under this section shall not be taken into consideration for any increase in pension nor shall entitle them to a new pension, for which reason no deductions for retirement purposes shall be made from such additional compensation for the duration of such services.
(c) No law or part of law in conflict herewith shall apply in cases of pensioners so hired by the Secretary of Education pursuant to the provisions hereof.
History —June 9, 1956, No. 33, p. 100, §§ 1—3; June 20, 1966, No. 83, p. 248, § 2; June 28, 1969, No. 113, p. 319.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 309 - Salary schedule

The following salary schedules are hereby established for teachers of the Department of Education, as of the month of July, 1996:
History —May 7, 1989, No. 6, p. 11, § 1; July 23, 1993, No. 28, § 5; Dec. 6, 1993, No. 104, § 2; July 28, 1994, No. 44, § 5; Aug. 4, 1995, No. 142, § 6; Aug. 11, 1996, No. 122, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 309a - Salary schedule—Teachers with provisional certificates

Teachers with a bachelor’s, master’s or doctor’s degree and holding a provisional certificate shall receive the same initial salary that is stipulated for teachers with the same degree, holding permanent certificates. However, said provisional teachers may only receive raises for years of service corresponding to the first two (2) intermediate salary rates within the educational category to which they belong.
History —June 13, 1966, No. 34, p. 158, § 2; June 29, 1969, No. 140, p. 459; June 12, 1972, No. 14, p. 371, § 2; June 26, 1974, No. 98, Part 1, p. 330; Sept. 25, 1979, No. 10, p. 967, § 2; May 23, 1980, No. 47, p. 130, § 2; Sept. 9, 1983, No. 3, p. 343, § 2, eff. Apr. 1, 1984.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 309b - Salary schedule—Adjustments

As of July 1, 1980, the compensation received by teachers within the corresponding schedule pursuant to the Act Regulating the Certification of Teachers, §§ 260 et seq. of this title, shall be adjusted according to the following provisions:
Every teacher shall receive a raise equal to the rate scheduled according to his category, over and above the compensation he is receiving.
In addition, a raise for years of service shall be granted to the teachers entitled thereto, pursuant to § 309c of this title.
History —June 13, 1966, No. 34, p. 158, § 3; June 29, 1969, No. 140, p. 459; June 26, 1974, No. 98, Part 1, p. 330; Sept. 25, 1979, No. 10, p. 967, § 3; May 23, 1980, No. 47, p. 130, § 3, eff. July 1, 1980.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 309c - Raises for years of service

The compensation of each teacher shall be raised to the next following intermediate rate in the corresponding schedule at the end of one year of service until it reaches the maximum salary of the schedule. By “year of service” shall be understood any nine (9) -month period within a school year during which a teacher has been serving under contract or appointment, and any cumulative ten (10) -month period of service over different school years; it being understood that, for the purposes of §§ 309—309j of this title, the school year comprises the school months from August to the next July. Raises for years of service shall be effective at the beginning of the fiscal year, and in the case of teachers reentering the service, in the month the teacher begins to work during the fiscal year.
History —June 13, 1966, No. 34, p. 158, § 4; June 29, 1969, No. 140, p. 459, eff. July 1, 1969.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 309d - Raises for years of service—Teachers with bachelor, master or doctor degrees

Every teacher attaining the degree of bachelor, master or doctor in any university whose degrees are recognized by the Department of Education, pursuant to the provisions of §§ 260 et seq. of this title, shall receive as a monthly compensation the entrance salary of the new category, unless such entrance salary is equal or lower than the one he was receiving in his previous category, in which case he shall receive as compensation, in the new category, the rate immediately higher than the salary he was receiving before the change. The raise resulting from this adjustment shall not be less than twenty-five dollars ($25) a month. This raise shall become effective on the first day of the month next following that in which the pertinent accrediting official evidence is submitted from the institution whose degrees are recognized by the Department of Education.
History —June 13, 1966, No. 34, p. 158, § 5; June 29, 1969, No. 140, p. 459, eff. July 1, 1969.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 309e - Raises for years of service—Teachers with pending degree

Every teacher attaining thirty (30) or more university credit hours leading to the degree of master or doctor in any university whose degrees are recognized by the Department of Education, without attaining the degree, shall receive a ten-dollar ($10) raise in his salary; Provided, That the raise received upon attaining the degree shall only be the balance of the compensation he would be entitled to in accordance with § 309d of this title.
History —June 13, 1966, No. 34, p. 158, § 6; June 29, 1969, No. 140, p. 459, eff. July 1, 1969.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 309f - Raises for years of service—Academic training

The raise in salary for academic training shall be in addition to the raise the teacher shall be entitled to for years of service; It being understood, That said raise may in no case exceed the maximum in the corresponding compensation schedule.
History —June 13, 1966, No. 34, p. 158, § 7, eff. July 1, 1966.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 309g - Bonuses

There shall also be paid the following additional bonuses:
(a) Every public school teacher working under contract as a teacher of English shall receive an additional monthly bonus of ten dollars ($10) over and above the salary accruing to him within his category upon establishing, to the satisfaction of the Department of Education, that he has traveled or resided for at least twelve (12) months in any country where English is the official language, or that he has pursued studies in any such country for the equivalent of an academic year.
(b) There shall also be granted a monthly bonus of twenty-five dollars ($25) to every teacher teaching the physically, mentally or emotionally handicapped in any department, instrumentality, agency or institution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or under the auspices of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, to every teacher working as such in the penal or correctional institutions of Puerto Rico, and to every principal of any such school for the physically, mentally or emotionally handicapped, or for inmates in the penal or correctional institutions.
(c) Every public school teacher who works during the months of June and July as classroom teacher, school director, librarian, guide or social worker shall receive during the months of June and July a bonus in addition to his regular salary which shall correspond to one percent (1%) of the monthly compensation for each hour worked in excess of his regular work during the month of activities of June and for each hour worked during the month of July. The teachers who comply with their obligation of the month of activities in accordance with the provisions of Act May 31, 1973, No. 76, shall receive the bonus for all the time worked during June and July. The funds necessary to pay the bonuses hereby authorized shall be allocated annually in the Budget of Operations of the Department of Education.
(d) All teaching personnel working in the School Districts of the island municipalities of Vieques and Culebra, whether residents of either island or not, shall receive a monthly bonus of one hundred dollars ($100) in addition to their regular salary. Said bonus shall not be deemed as a salary for the purposes of §§ 309—309j of this title, nor of §§ 321 et seq. of this title, which establishes the Retirement System for Teachers.
History —June 13, 1966, No. 34, p. 158, § 8; Apr. 26, 1972, No. 25, p. 49; July 23, 1974, No. 194, Part 2, p. 75; Sept. 17, 1992, No. 68, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 309h - Increases for other services

For additional raises for services as principals, assistant superintendents, superintendents, curriculum technicians, zone supervisors and general supervisors, the provisions of § 287 of this title shall govern, which section shall continue in effect as a part of §§ 309—309j of this title.
History —June 13, 1966, No. 34, p. 158, § 9, eff. July 1, 1966.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 309i - Definitions—Public school teacher; excluded personnel

(a) Public school teacher. — Shall apply to any supervisory, technical or teaching personnel of the school system, excluding office personnel. It shall also apply to teachers or principals engaged as such by other departments or agencies of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(b) Evening school teachers and professors of the University of Puerto Rico are excluded from the provisions of §§ 309—309j of this title.
(c) Likewise excluded are the teaching personnel engaged by the Vocational Education Division of the Department of Education and the music teachers of the Free Schools of Music; Provided, however, That the compensation for the teaching personnel of Vocational Education and of the music teachers of the Free Schools of Music shall in no case be lower than that established by §§ 309—309j of this title.
History —June 13, 1966, No. 34, p. 158, § 10, eff. July 1, 1966.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 15 - Teachers’ Salaries (§§ 281 — 309j) › § 309j - Appropriations

There shall annually be included in the Operating Budget of Expenses of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the appropriations of funds necessary for all public school teachers to receive, in subsequent years, salaries in conformity with the compensation schedules established by §§ 309—309j of this title.
History —June 13, 1966, No. 34, p. 158, § 11; June 29, 1969, No. 140, p. 459; June 26, 1974, No. 98, Part 1, p. 330, eff. July 1, 1974.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter I - General Provisions (§§ 310 — 311b) › § 310 - Definitions

For the effects of this chapter, the terms defined below shall have the meaning that is indicated.
(1) Teaching career. — System of levels to promote the professional improvement of the classroom teacher and librarian-teacher, school counselor, school social worker, educational technology specialist teacher, industrial coordinator, and vocational programs coordinator through formal studies, professional activities, practice teaching and classifications and levels that define the functions, and hierarchies in the Public Education System.
(2) Department. — The Department of Education of Puerto Rico.
(3) Director. — The School Director.
(4) Continuing education. — The curriculum of educational activities, with academic credits or contact hours.
(5) Formal studies. — College level studies leading to an academic degree.
(6) Evaluation. — The process to assess the acquired knowledge, professional abilities and skills of the members of the teaching career.
(7) Member of the teaching career. — It refers to classroom teacher, librarian-teacher, school counselor, school social worker, educational technology specialist teacher, vocational programs coordinator and industrial coordinator.
(8) Professional improvement. — The development and perfecting of teaching skills through formal studies, practice teaching and experience in continuing education programs.
(9) Level. — Position that a member of the teaching career holds in his/her profession, between I and IV.
(10) Professional organizations. — All those that arise from the academic program curriculum and all those bona fide organizations that group teaching professionals for professional improvement purposes.
(11) Professional Improvement Plan. — A five (5)-year program designed to expand knowledge and promote the development of professional skills through formal studies, practice teaching and continuing education programs.
(12) Recognition of classification and teaching level. — The process whereby it is recognized that a member of the teaching career has completed his/her Professional Improvement Plan and has achieved a new level.
(13) Secretary. — The Secretary of Education.
(14) System. — The Public Education System of Puerto Rico.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 8.01, renumbered as § 7.01 and amended on Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter I - General Provisions (§§ 310 — 311b) › § 311 - Members of the teaching career

The members of the teaching career shall be the classroom teachers and teaching librarians, school counselors, school social workers, educational technology specialist teachers, industrial coordinators, and vocational programs coordinators, who:
(1) Hold regular teaching certificates in the category, in which they perform their duties;
(2) have permanent status, and
(3) are currently working as classroom teachers, teaching librarians, school counselors, school social workers, specialized educational technology teachers, vocational programs and industrial coordinators and performing functions inherent in the categories for which the regular certificate was issued.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 1.03; Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter I - General Provisions (§§ 310 — 311b) › § 311a - Exclusions

Teachers with [probationary], eligible transitory, and provisional status shall be excluded from the teaching career category.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 1.04; Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter I - General Provisions (§§ 310 — 311b) › § 311b - Teaching career regulations

The Secretary shall promulgate the Teaching Career Regulation, which shall be complementary to this chapter, and [harmonize] its provisions to it.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 1.05; Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter II - Teaching Classifications and Salaries (§§ 313 — 313j) › § 313 - Purpose

The classifications and levels establish an order of hierarchy according to their academic training and years of experience.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 3.01, renumbered as § 2.01 and amended on Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter II - Teaching Classifications and Salaries (§§ 313 — 313j) › § 313a - Denomination

Teaching classifications and levels shall be denominated as follows:
(1) Classroom teacher
(2) Teaching librarian
(3) School counselor
(4) School social worker
(5) Educational technology specialist teacher
(6) Industrial coordinator
(7) Vocational programs coordinator
In all the above classifications there shall be levels from I to IV, whose holders shall comply with all requirements established in this chapter and in the act of their specific profession, if any.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 3.02, renumbered as § 2.02 and amended on Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter II - Teaching Classifications and Salaries (§§ 313 — 313j) › § 313b - Level I in each classification

Level I in each classification shall be granted to the member of the teaching career who:
(a) Achieves permanent status in the Public Education System pursuant to §§ 214 et seq. of this title.
(b) Files an Activation Application pursuant to this chapter.
(c) Files his/her Professional Improvement Plan and it is approved.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 3.03, renumbered as § 2.03 and amended on Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter II - Teaching Classifications and Salaries (§§ 313 — 313j) › § 313c - Level II in each classification

Level II in each classification shall be granted to the member of the teaching career who meets the following requirements:
(a) Eighteen (18) academic credits at undergraduate level in study areas related to the categories of the positions included in this chapter, approved in a higher education institution duly-accredited or recognized in Puerto Rico.
(b) Two hundred (200) contact hours in continuing education activities since the Level I classification was recognized.
(c) Ten (10) years of teaching experience in the Public Education System.
(d) Has obtained satisfactory evaluations of their teaching performance, or otherwise meets the following requirements:
(1) Seven (7) years of teaching experience in the Public Education System.
(2) Eighteen (18) academic hours at graduate level in study areas related to the category of the position that he/she performs approved in a higher education institution duly-accredited or recognized in Puerto Rico.
(3) Two hundred (200) contact hours in continuing education activities since Level I was recognized.
(4) Satisfactory evaluations of his/her teaching performance.
The recognition of the classification shall be effective on the date that the member of the teaching career submits evidence of having duly completed his/her Professional Improvement Plan, and has been approved by the corresponding authority.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 3.04, renumbered as § 2.04 and amended on Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter II - Teaching Classifications and Salaries (§§ 313 — 313j) › § 313d - Level III in each classification

Level III shall be granted in each classification to the member of the teaching career who meets the following requirements:
(a) Master’s Degree in the category in which he/she performs.
(b) Seven (7) years of teaching experience in the Public Education System.
(c) Two hundred (200) contact hours in continuing education activities since the level he/she holds at the moment of requesting promotion was recognized.
(d) Satisfactory evaluations of his/her teaching performance, or the following requirements:
(1) Forty-five (45) academic credit hours at graduate level in study areas related to the category he/she performs, approved in a higher education institution duly-accredited or recognized in Puerto Rico.
(2) One hundred (100) contact hours of continuing education activities from the time his/her present level was recognized when requesting promotion.
(3) Seven (7) years of teaching experience in the Public Education System.
(4) Satisfactory evaluations of his/her teaching performance.
The recognition of the level shall be effective on the date that the member of the teaching career submits evidence of having duly completed his/her Professional Improvement Plan, and it has been approved by the corresponding authority.
The incentive corresponding to Level II shall be recognized to those members of the teaching career who are promoted from Level I to Level III and meet all the requirements of this section.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 3.05, renumbered as § 2.05 and amended on Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter II - Teaching Classifications and Salaries (§§ 313 — 313j) › § 313d-1 - Level IV in each classification

(1) Level IV shall be granted to the member of the teaching career who meets the following requirements:
(a) Doctor’s degree in the category he/she performs.
(b) Two hundred (200) contact hours in continuing education activities since his/her Level III was recognized.
(c) One hundred (100) hours of training to the teaching personnel of the schools or system, or invests one hundred (100) hours in a special project in benefit of the Public Education System.
(d) Ten (10) years of teaching experience in the Public Education System.
(e) Satisfactory evaluations of his/her teaching performance.
(2) Or in its place, meet the following requirements:
(a) Forty-five (45) academic credit hours leading to a degree as Doctor in study areas related to the category he/she performs, approved in a higher education institution duly accredited or recognized in Puerto Rico.
(b) Three hundred (300) contact hours in continuing education activities since the Level III was bestowed.
(c) One hundred (100) hours of training to the teaching personnel in the schools where they work or other schools of the System, or one hundred (100) hours to the development of [a] special project for the benefit of the Public Education System.
(d) Ten (10) years of teaching experience in the Public Education System.
(e) Satisfactory evaluations of his/her teaching performance.
(3) The recognition of the classification and level shall be effective on the date that the member of the teaching career submits evidence of having duly completed his/her Professional Improvement Plan, and it has been approved by the corresponding authorities.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, added as § 2.06 on Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter II - Teaching Classifications and Salaries (§§ 313 — 313j) › § 313e - Substitution of continuing education hours with academic credits

The hours of participation in continuing education programs may be substituted by academic credits in courses of the disciplines related to the specialty of the member of the teaching career. To such effects, fourteen (14) hours of participation in continuing education programs shall be equivalent to one (1) academic credit. However, formal studies shall not be substituted by experience in continuing education programs.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 3.06, renumbered as § 2.07 and amended on Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter II - Teaching Classifications and Salaries (§§ 313 — 313j) › § 313f - Promotions—Indispensable requirements

None of the requirements established in this subchapter may be dispensed with nor ignored in procedures related to promotions at levels, except what is provided in § 317g of this title.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 3.07, renumbered as § 2.08 and amended on Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter II - Teaching Classifications and Salaries (§§ 313 — 313j) › § 313g - Members of the teaching career—Incentives by level

The incentives by level for the members of the teaching career shall be the following:
(1) For Level I, in each classification, seven percent (7%) of his/her basic salary shall be granted to the person upon acquiring said classification.
(2) For Level II, in each classification, nine percent (9%) of his/her basic salary shall be granted to the person upon acquiring said classification.
(3) For Level III, in each classification, twenty-five percent (25%) of his/her basic salary shall be granted to the person upon acquiring said classification.
(4) For Level IV, in each classification, forty percent (40%) of his/her basic salary shall be granted to the person upon acquiring said classification.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 3.08, renumbered as § 2.09 and amended on Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter II - Teaching Classifications and Salaries (§§ 313 — 313j) › § 313h - Review of levels

In order to stimulate compliance with the Professional Improvement Plans, the Secretary shall authorize one or more advances as incentives for the completion of each stage thereof.
To such effects, a member of the teaching career may receive one or more advances during the effectiveness of his/her Professional Improvement Plan, and may receive the consolidated amount that corresponds to more than one stage, if he/she completes them in the same year, or claims them at the same time. Each of the adjustments per stage will be equivalent, in the case of a member preparing for Level II, to one point eight percent (1.8%) of the basic salary provided. In the case of a member who is preparing for Level III, to five percent (5%) of the basic salary provided. In the case of a member who is preparing for Level IV the advances by stages shall be equal to be [sic] eight percent (8%) of the basic salary.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 3.09, renumbered as § 2.10 and amended on Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter II - Teaching Classifications and Salaries (§§ 313 — 313j) › § 313i - Procedure for the classification level review

The procedure related to classification level reviews under § 313h of this title shall be as follows:
(1) Members of the teaching career shall request the review [of] their classification level on the date indicated by the Secretary in the Teaching Career Regulations issued to such effects. The application shall include a certified copy of the Professional Improvement Plan, which shall be issued by the Director of their school, as well as attesting documents as evidence that the applicant has satisfactorily completed the stage of the Plan on which he/she bases his/her claim. The applications for review shall be filed at the Office of the Director.
(2) The Director, together with a representative of the School Council, a regional facilitator for the specific stage, and the Union Delegate shall constitute an Evaluation Committee of Professional Improvement Plans. This Committee shall analyze the applications disregarding any considerations that are not related to the content of the Professional Improvement Plans of the applicants. Once the analysis is concluded, all files shall be submitted to the Secretary including a report with its recommendations indicating whether the candidate is qualified or not. The Directors shall report such findings to the applicants.
(3) The Secretary shall review the reports of the Directors and the Committee, and shall make the decisions that are in order according to the law. The decision of the Secretary shall be informed to the petitioners through the procedure established in the Teaching Career Regulations.
(4) The decisions of the Secretary may be reviewed through the complaints and grievances arbitration and procedures set forth in §§ 1451 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Puerto Rico Public Service Labor Relations Act”, and in the collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Education and the exclusive representative of the employees concerned.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 3.10, renumbered as § 2.11 and amended on Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter II - Teaching Classifications and Salaries (§§ 313 — 313j) › § 313j - Admission of external teaching personnel

The Secretary may authorize the admission of every person who meets the requirements of this subchapter to the teaching career; Provided, That the persons thus appointed shall be admitted to the System in their corresponding classification and level, according to their academic training, teaching experience, and contact hours in continuing education activities and satisfactory evaluations of their performance.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 3.11, renumbered as § 2.12 and amended on Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART I - Public Schools (§§ 1 — 596d) › Chapter 16 - Teaching Career Act (§§ 310 — 319) › Subchapter III - Promotion Procedure (§§ 314 — 314c) › § 314 - Nature of the promotion

Promotions in levels constitute recognitions of the persevering effort of the members of the teaching career who comply with their Professional Improvement Plan. No official, Council, or Committee of the Department or of a school shall refuse to recognize the classification and level attained by a member of the teaching career upon concluding his/her Professional Improvement Plan if his/her performance has received satisfactory evaluations.
History —July 18, 1999, No. 158, § 4.01, renumbered as § 3.01 and amended on Aug. 28, 2002, No. 208, § 4.