Most teachers exchange security for salary increases

When offered raises of up to $20,000 in exchange for giving up some collective bargaining rights, four out of five “highly effective” teachers in D.C. took the cash. More of the top-rated teachers eligible for bonuses took them this year than in 2010, when 40 percent declined the awards to keep some job guarantees.

“People realize this is actually happening, we’re really going to pay them and follow through,” said Jason Kamras, chief of human capital for D.C. Public Schools. “They’ve realized the changes in terms of job security are not really significant, and the economy’s down and times are tight — families may need the money.”