New pay rise concept for teachers prompts concerns

The financial status of teachers needs improvement but there is still concern over proposed changes.

11:22 05 May 2013

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.