Working at High Tech High
Prospective Employees
In compliance with CCR Section 570.5 (a(5), the compensation framework and contract information subject to public disclosure are available from the HTH Business Office during business hours by appointment.
Teacher Compensation Framework
How We Hire
At High Tech High, we strive to attract dedicated and highly qualified educators who share our passion for providing exceptional education to our students. Our primary recruitment period runs from December to May, during which we advertise all available positions. This enables us to identify and anticipate any potential hiring needs across our network of 16 schools.
During the recruitment period, we carefully review all applications and conduct informal interviews to gain a better understanding of the applicant pool for the year. Selected candidates are then invited to participate in our Hiring Bonanzas, which are full-day events that involve conducting demo lessons for a panel of High Tech High students, teachers, and administrators, as well as engaging in one-on-one and group interviews.
VOE Explanation:
HTH uses a verification of experience (VOE) system to determine placement on the salary framework for certificated employees based on years of experience and degrees held.
FAQs
Is High Tech High (HTH) just a high school?
The HTH name can be misleading. HTH is a charter organization operating 16 (K-12) schools across San Diego County (5 Elementary, 5 Middle, and 6 High Schools).
As a teacher, will I be receiving pay over 12 months?
HTH pays teachers for 190 days of work over an 11-month period (22 equal pay periods).
When would my benefits go into effect?
Benefits go into effect on the 1st day of the following month from your start date. Ex: Start working in August, benefits go into effect on September 1st.
If I am an hourly employee, do I receive benefits?
Hourly employees who consistently work less than 40 hours per week do not qualify for benefits.
How many days do teachers work per year?
HTH teachers work 190 days per year and contracts go into effect on August 1st.
How often would I be paid?
All staff are paid 2x/month (semi-monthly)- the 15th and the last day of the month.
Does HTH sponsor out-of-country employees?
HTH currently does not sponsor H1-B visas.
What is the difference between a public school and a charter school?
HTH operates 16 public schools whose charter is authorized by two different authorizers: Point Loma schools are authorized by the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) and the Chula Vista, Mesa, and North County schools are authorized by the California Department of Education Statewide Benefit Charter.
Do I need a teaching license/credential to work as a teacher at HTH?
Yes, as a public school entity, licensure/credential is required for any certificated position. See our District Intern Program to learn more about earning a teaching credential while simultaneously teaching.
New Employees
Before You Arrive
- HR will email new hires and their supervisor a “clear to start” email signaling that all onboarding tasks have been completed.
- New hires will be contacted by their supervisor to schedule an official start date. Keys, parking passes, and other necessary items pertaining to the role will be provided upon arrival.
- New Teacher Odyssey is a professional development for incoming new certificated hires. Odyssey takes place in early August and focuses on pedagogy that is aligned to the HTH Design Principles.
- HTH has an internal website called the “HIVE” which is a great resource to access all forms – Go to https://hive.hightechhigh.org/ and enter your HTH email username and password.
Current Employees
Decode your Pay Check
To read your semi-monthly pay stub:
- Earnings – gross pay (multiply by 22 for 11-month employees and by 24 for 12-month employees to arrive at your annual rate)
- Deduction – payroll deductions from your paycheck
- Benefits – the employer portion of the listed item that is paid on your behalf by HTH (not deducted)
- Taxes – applicable payroll taxes (based on the information provided by you on your W4)
- Leave – sick leave accrual and balance
- Totals – the total of each category and the calculated Net pay (listed on the bottom right corner)
- HTH is required by law to withhold contributions from employee pay for Federal Income Tax, State Income Tax, State Disability Insurance and, where applicable, Social Security (FICA).
Pay Check FAQ
What if the 15th falls on a weekend or a holiday?
Paychecks will be issued on the last working day before the weekend or holiday.
When do my benefits go into effect if I started working on August 1st?
For new hires or newly eligible employees, with an August start date, your health benefits go into effect on September 1st.
I am a new teacher who started working in August, when will my benefit deductions be reflected in my paycheck?
The September 15th paycheck will reflect your benefit elections and deductions.
As an hourly employee, what work am I getting paid for?
Hourly Employees are paid according to the timeclock schedule. The pay period ends 7 days before the pay date. For example, the pay period ends on 3/24 and you will get paid on 3/31. The next pay period will begin on 3/25 and end on 4/7 with payday being 4/14 since 4/15/23 falls on a weekend.
I am a new employee and selected direct deposit in my onboarding tasks. Can you tell me why my first paycheck is being mailed to my address?
If you selected direct deposit, only your first paycheck will be issued a paper check and mailed to your address on file. The bank requires a prenote in order to verify that the bank account(s) are correct and will accept our payment. Once the direct deposit has been established, then all subsequent deposits will be made via direct deposit.
Who do I contact if I think there is an error with my pay?
Please go to the HIVE to seek contact information and/or clarification on your pay related question(s).
Time Reporting
- Hourly employees must clock in using the “TimeClock” system which is a device inside each HTH building used to record an employee’s start time, meal breaks, and end time.
- On your 1st day, ask the front desk site manager to set up your biometric thumbprint in the Timeclock system.
- All hours must be recorded and approved by the employee and their supervisor by the payroll deadline in order to be paid timely and correctly.
Calendars -190, 200, and 220
Policies
Non-Discrimination Statement
HTH does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ethnic group identification, immigration status or citizenship, race, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, religious affiliation, creed, mental or physical disability, age, parental, family, marital status, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment, admission, or educational program or activities.
Additional information, including the unlawful harassment policy and complaint procedures for persons alleging discrimination on basis of any of the protected classifications, can be viewed here: https://www.hightechhigh.org/handbook/ Compliance Officer Contact Information: Colleen Green, HTH Title IX Compliance Officer compliance@hightechhigh.org or Human Resources hr@hightechhigh.org
Support
Employee Relations
Contact HTH Human Resources Office: hr@hightechhigh.org
Complaint Procedures
Any HTH staff member with a complaint of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation are strongly encouraged to immediately submit a complaint to their supervisor, any other supervisor within HTH, the School Director, any of the HTH Officers or directly to the HTH Human Resources office (hr@hightechhigh.org). There is no requirement to report your complaint to any designated supervisor within HTH.
Workers comp info
For work-related injuries, have your supervisor contact HTH Business Office.
Title IX
Colleen Green, Interim Compliance Officer
1420 W. San Marcos Blvd.
San Marcos, CA 92078
Email: compliance@hightechhigh.org
Phone Number: 6192435016
Teacher Credentialing
To work as a teacher in one of HTH’s K-12 public schools, one must hold a California Teaching Credential (certificated) and be authorized in each subject matter area that they teach.
- Email Human Resources (hr@hightechhigh.org) for questions related to:
- Teacher assignments
- Earning a 2nd area of authorization
- Earning English Learner (EL) or CLAD authorization
- Request to apply for Sub Permit
- Request to Transfer
- Email Teacher Center (credentialing@hightechhigh.org) for questions related to earning or clearing your credential:
- Enrolling in District Intern Program
- Enrolling in Teacher Induction Program
- Becoming an HTH Mentor Teacher