Unlike the major teachers unions, which have opposed merit-pay plans, Whirry said she could support some proposals that would give successful teachers an edge in salary scales. But many teachers are afraid of it. Sometimes I think teachers are too afraid of change. The message has to be sent out loudly and clearly that teachers need staff development. In recent years, teachers have increasingly vented their frustration with conditions of the profession.
Teachers earn less than other professionals.
A poll of past national and state teachers of the year, released Tuesday, suggests even teachers who are considered the best clamor for more pay, support from parents and administrators and respect for the jobs they do. The first-ever poll of top teachers has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.