No system will succeed if it is imposed on teachers by the district or the state. Any teacher compensation system must be fair and open to all teachers who meet the criteria for additional pay, without quotas or reductions in individual monetary amounts as more teachers qualify. Increased compensation is necessary to attract teachers to difficult assignments and shortage areas if we are to have qualified teachers in every classroom. Such financial incentives are not, however, the only solution. In addition to meaningful pay incentives, districts must be held accountable for making such schools safe and orderly, assuring that high-quality leadership is present and that ongoing professional support is available to all staff.
Teachers working together make a significant difference.
Such programs encourage the collegiality and support that promote student growth. While some districts and local unions have been moving in this direction for several years, others are just beginning to consider these issues. Teachers are the most basic educational resource communities provide to students. Anything less denies students access to the quality education they deserve. All rights reserved.