Newark teachers have voted to ratify a tentative agreement that education officials have called "groundbreaking."

Should NJ teachers have merit pay?
Flickr User www.audio-luci-store.it
loading...

The contract would make Newark the first district in New Jersey to grant performance pay for teachers and allow educators to review one another.

The American Federation of Teachers said Wednesday night the contract allows teachers to earn more earlier in their careers and earn more for teaching in low-performing schools and hard-to-staff subjects.

Newark Teachers Union President Joseph Del Grosso signed the agreement in October with Newark Schools Superintendent Cami Anderson. The ratification vote was scheduled for Oct. 29 but delayed by Superstorm Sandy.

Both officials have said the groundbreaking contract would implement innovative programs that will enhance student performance.

Newark teachers have been working without a contract since 2010.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM