Alliance has been a longtime leader in educator pay in Los Angeles. We invested early — and significantly — so that compensation would never be the reason a great teacher left the classroom. Since 2022, we’ve added meaningful raises across staff salaries, and step increases remain a reliable part of how we recognize experience year over year. As the broader LA education sector now rises to meet the standard Alliance helped set, we’ll keep benchmarking to stay competitive in the field.

In 2023, Alliance became the first network in Los Angeles to offer a living wage for classified staff, one example of investing in every member of our school community, not only the people in front of a classroom. Starting salaries for first-year teachers begin at $70,000, with experienced educators earning up to $130,000 depending on experience and role.

By investing in competitive compensation and long-term career pathways, Alliance aims to create stable, sustainable careers for educators. Research consistently shows that when educators feel supported and valued, they are more likely to stay in the profession. Strong retention helps build consistent, trusting relationships with scholars and families — creating the stable learning environments that allow students to thrive.

Alliance offers exceptional health benefit options at zero cost to employees and their families, including plans with Kaiser and Blue Shield. We continue to absorb rising healthcare costs to ensure staff have access to high-quality coverage without additional financial burden.

Beginning January 2026, Alliance provides up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave for eligible birthing, non-birthing, and adoptive parents — among the strongest parental leave commitments in LA public education. Through our partnership with Parento and state programs, staff can receive up to 100% of their normal pay during approved family leave, so they can focus on their growing families.

Staff receive up to five weeks of paid time off through holidays and school breaks, in addition to sick leave and personal time depending on role. Alliance also allows unused sick time to be banked toward CalSTRS and CalPERS service credits, supporting long-term retirement benefits.

Alliance provides access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering free, confidential counseling services for staff and their families 24/7. Additional resources are available to support employees’ well-being both inside and outside the workplace.

Alliance provides structured pathways for career growth and leadership development across all levels of staff. Opportunities include programs such as Emerging Leader Cadre, the Aspiring Principal Program, and Principal in Residence. We also support educators through initiatives like the Alliance Teacher Residency Program, which provides a $52,500 scholarship for tuition and living expenses, and scholarships for classified staff pursuing bachelor’s degrees.