COMPENSATION
Gestalt’s compensation philosophy prioritizes a comprehensive total rewards package that supports staff well-being and growth while recognizing the vital impact educators and team members have on student success.
Our Philosophy
At Gestalt, we believe the people who serve our scholars and communities every day are core to our success. Our compensation philosophy reflects our commitment to a comprehensive total rewards package that supports staff wellness, fosters personal and professional development, and recognizes the meaningful impact our team members, especially our teachers, have on student success.
Rewarding
Compensation is one way we live out these commitments and our network rewards the expertise and dedication our staff bring to their roles, while ensuring that decisions are clear, fair, and equitable. Along with salary, our total rewards package includes robust benefits because we know that truly investing in our people means supporting their whole lives, not just their work.
Recognition
We believe the experience, knowledge, and preparation our staff bring to their work are essential to our scholars’ success. In the spirit of investing deeply, we aim for compensation to reflect the expertise that enables our team to lead, teach, and serve with excellence. For educators and school-based roles, this includes recognizing years of relevant experience, levels of relevant education, and professional credentials. For the network team, we consider relevant experience alongside scope of responsibility, leadership expectations, and the impact of the role across the organization.
Communication
Because we seek to love radically and build a community grounded in trust, our compensation practices are designed to be clear and understandable. Every staff member should be able to understand how their compensation is determined, from how starting salaries are set to how compensation may grow over time. By communicating our processes and criteria openly, we aim to create clarity and strengthen trust in our system.
Consistency
Equity is central to our mission and the community we are building together. We are committed to compensation practices that promote fairness and consistency across the organization. This means establishing clear guidelines for how compensation decisions are made, ensuring similar roles are compensated consistently, and regularly reviewing our practices.
At Gestalt, we know that fulfilling our mission and meeting our goals requires extraordinary people. By building a compensation system grounded in recognition, transparency, and equity, and that includes both meaningful compensation and strong benefits, we aim to reward our staff and invest in their continued growth, which allows us to strengthen our ability to serve our scholars and our community.
Teacher Compensation Model
Guaranteed year-over-year
All Teachers
$52,000
Base Salary
All teachers begin with a competitive base salary
Teachers new to Gestalt are capped at Step 10 to honor tenure at Gestalt
Experience
+2-4%
Base Salary
Pay increase to base salary for each additional year of lead teaching experience.
Teachers receive 4% increases at steps 3, 5, 10, and 15
Determined on a yearly basis
Expertise
+$1,500-$3K
Cert & Degree Bonus
Teacher bonus for holding a professional teaching license in Tennessee and/or relevant advanced degree
Performance
+$400-$500
LOE Bonus
Bonus for teachers who achieve a 4 or 5 LOE score
Performance
+$2,000
DAMO Bonus
Bonus for teachers who achieve DAMO (Double Annual Measurable Objectives)
Gestalt Rewards
At Gestalt, we believe supporting our team is the foundation of strong schools. Our benefits are designed to invest in your growth, well-being, and life beyond the classroom.
Professional Growth & Career Support
Early Release Learning Days – Built-in time for meaningful, job-embedded professional development each week
Teacher Licensure Support – Gestalt offers several pathways for aspiring educators who commit to the network to earn certification at little to no cost
Leadership Pathways – Exceptional employees deserve expriences that lead to them next level, so we offer various pathways and cohorts that prepare our staff for the next level of their career
Teacher Sabbatical – Teachers with 5+ years of consecutive classroom teaching experience at Gestalt can receive up to 2 fully paid weeks off to rest and recharge
Employee Health & Wellness
Comprehensive Medical Coverage – Gestalt covers at least 78% of premiums, with up to 100% coverage for employees without dependents
Family-Building Support – Up to $10,000 in IVF benefits
Natural Health Reimbursement – Wellness support for you and your entire household up to $600 each year
PTO Sick Bank – Additional paid time available during unexpected illnesses for employees who have donated to the bank within the academic school year
Financial Benefits
PTO Buyback Program – Employees can convert unused time off into additional earnings at the end of each semester
Work-Life Support
Before & After Care Coverage – Support for extended childcare needs for employees whose scholars attend one of our Gestalt schools
Free Breakfast & Lunch – Free breakfast and lunch for all school-based employees so you can focus on what matters most