Among the concerns regarding the recent proposal to give teachers a pay rise based upon performance rather than tenure, are also the financial aspects. While many are concerned about implementing a completely unbiased method for determining a teachers’ rise, there is also concern about the teachers potentially improving students’ grades perhaps as a way to improve their own financial status.
What are the positives of the change, not considering financial status concerns?
- Equitable pay based upon effort and positive results.
- Incentives for teachers to excel in the classroom.
- Incentive to take an active role in each student’s learning progress.
- Recognition for teachers who already strive to put students first
What are the negatives of the change, not including financial status issues?
- Potential for lax grading techniques.
- Possible pandering to students in an effort to gain a favourable review.
- Concern for possible fraudulent changes to student’s grades.
What are the main concerns for those worried about the financial status problems?
- Potential for unfair feedback from students and parents to prevent a teacher from receiving their pay rise.
- Desire to receive, or need for, a pay rise could prompt unethical grading behaviour or less favourable education standards.
- New requirements could cause stress for teachers which could then result in poor performance from students, in addition to an atmosphere which is not conducive to learning.
- Potential to earn more for the teachers who expend more time and effort to prepare their classes for success.
- Could prevent tenured teachers from becoming complacent in their teaching methodologies.
There are many valid concerns regarding a shift of this nature, and while many may be concerned about the results of such a change, most would probably agree that teachers deserve an improvement in their financial status. The solution may be more complex that what is currently being considered, but it is a start to improve and invest in new generations.