THE first "super teachers" on salaries of almost $100,000 a year have started work in public schools under a landmark performance pay deal aimed at radically lifting classroom quality.

Luisa Bosco, 33, is among an initial intake of 13 superior teachers, known as HATS or highly accomplished teachers, appointed to new-style leadership roles.

After a rigorous selection process they are handed remuneration packages 20 per cent above the highest rate of pay, encouraging them to continue teaching in public schools.

Ms Bosco, based at Macquarie Fields High School in Sydney's south-west, has a two-year mission to boost the learning environment and improve students in one of the city's most disadvantaged communities.

While taking her Year 12 students for English, she will liaise with the local university and other schools, work with Aboriginal students, hold leadership meetings, help colleagues in other classes and communicate with parents.

While she has worked at Macquarie Fields for nine years, Ms Bosco sees her new role as a chance to promote the school's image.

"It is breaking down the stereotypes and generalisations in the community," she said. "I am so proud of this school. When I walk down the street I talk to people and tell them how fantastic it is."

Federal Education Minister Julia Gillard claimed the performance pay scheme would "bring back the spirit to disadvantaged schools".

Education chiefs expect the benefits of the pioneering program to rub off on Macquarie Fields High and on four other local schools with which it has formal ties - Macquarie Fields Public, St Andrews Public, Elizabeth Macarthur High and Leumeah High.

Top teachers are being bankrolled under the Rudd Government's education revolution, part of a $720 million Commonwealth funding package along with $237 million in state money.

More than 100 teachers ultimately will apply for the $98,000 positions.

Originally published as First super teachers in classroom