Some Teachers Say Merit Pay Plan Is a Bitter Apple [FL E-Comp Plan]

The Ledger ^ | March 15, 2006 | Julia Crouse

[summer]

WINTER HAVEN -- The modern reality of teaching in Florida schools makes Bess Lott, a 32-year veteran, wonder whether she'd choose teaching as a career if she had it to do over.

Constant paperwork, comparatively low pay and FCAT pressure are all headaches, said the third-grade teacher at Winter Haven's Snively Elementary School of Choice.

But e-comp, the Department of Education's performance pay proposal, is the final straw, she said.

"They're talking about our salaries," she said....

[summer]

Re your post #117 -- And I agree with you! :)

[summer]

Pay teachers for demonstrated ability not tenure.

Thanks for your post. Speaking of flipping burgers -- I know a pre-K teacher who was so burnt out the mere sight of her actually made her students cry, as these little 4 year olds could just sense the frustration in everything about her. She wanted to quit teaching and work in Burger King (she thought she'd make more money being a manager there), but the principal talked her into staying and just gave her another grade level (K). I think he should have let her go. Another year or two and she is at her full pension. But, when kids are crying just being around this teacher, I think it's time for her to go!

[summer]

We all start low and work our way up.

I think really great teachers are worth far more than they can ever be paid by taxpayers.

[tiki]

Why not a test that covers K through 12 and each year the children take it at the end of the year. If the kids make progress through the year and take it again at the end, it would show whether the teacher is having success. Of course, they'd have to change it up but they would be testing for the same basic knowledge each year.

[GeorgefromGeorgia]

I think you are right about the right to work laws. Northern Va has done well without taxing on the level of DC or Maryland. I lived in MD for 8 years, and hated the taxes there (County income tax!!). I moved to Georgia, too a reduced salary and still did not lose net income.

[GeorgefromGeorgia]

I don't know if the result will be HS graduates in their mid 20s, but social promotion is an admission of failure. Kids need to learn the basics and if they are promoted to higher grades when they don't have the skills, they will not learn or will drop out of school.

[GeorgefromGeorgia]

You are welcome. He is a good man, and I am proud of him.