Merit Pay for Teachers

In every other industry but education, hard work and achievement are rewarded with increased compensation. Sure the economy and luck always come into the equation of determining salary, but luck is about preparing yourself for opportunities. Opportunities are found by people who search for them. The private tutoring industry is a clear example of how rewarding people for talent can create pool of highly skilled workers in any field. Advantage testing pays tutors six figure salaries. Education must reward great teachers to attract and keep the best talent and give our students the best education. Finally the tide is changing in education and teachers are beginning to come around to merit pay. In 24 states merit pay proposals are under consideration. Why do so many teachers fight merit pay? Are teachers afraid their students will not succeed? How much does a teacher’s preconceived notions impact student achievement?