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Just because our pay isn't connected to our performance doesn't mean that our performance is not measured. Teachers in my school who are not meeting the expectations of the community end up having regular meetings with a principal and end up on plan of assistance. If that doesn't work out, then they can be terminated. I am held accountable by the community and my supervisor.

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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Outstanding idea, maybe you should start an initiative...

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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As I was listening to the show, I could see how easy it is to think that merit based pay is a solution to teachers whose seniority keeps them in the classroom when they probably should not still be teaching. However, when I heard the caller liken teaching to selling furniture, I had to turn off the radio for a few minutes. I am a middle school teacher who works rarely works 8 hours. Lately I have been putting in 10-12 per day and still feel overwhelmed by the amount of work I am asked to do. When the caller said that we all need an incentive/carrot, it really hit me hard. I see nearly all of the teachers at my school working long hours doing their best to keep up, and without a carrot. Do I really need my paycheck hanging over my head in order to motivate me to do my job to the best of my ability? I do as much as I can to help students learn and I am also trying to grow in my profession. I understand that accountability is important, but by what standards do we judge teachers when students arrive in the class with such a wide variety of backgrounds and economic status? I am charged with teaching every student, and I truly do my best, but there are some things beyond my control. We need to remember that kids are not couches and teachers are not salespeople.

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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