[summer]

The typical education system pay scheme rewards experience and/or education level with higher pay. How exasperating for the state to think about rewarding teachers for better teaching!

I have often wondered what the impact would be on the teaching profession if ALL teachers, nationwide, were paid $X dollars, regardless of number of years or education level. Then, for every evidenced improved student, or every documented extra task the teacher did, the teacher could earn more money up to $Z dollars. But, if not, then the teacher remains at $X dollars, even if 10 years goes by.

I am guessing this would almost eliminate the need for collective bargaining, but, when you think about it -- this is, in fact, how many other professions operate. You can start and stay at $X dollars, or, you can take it upon yourself to earn more.

Teaching does not really enable that right now for the most part. it almost seems too "masculine" a concept for teaching, which remains a mostly "feminine" profession.

And, it is very frustrating to remain so "low" on the salary scale if you're a very good new teacher bu you don't have 50 years in the system yet. You might as well leave if you can't help but equate a higher pay with your own ability.

[TChris]

... this is, in fact, how many other professions operate. You can start and stay at $X dollars, or, you can take it upon yourself to earn more.

That, plus the fact that you can be fired in most other professions. Tenure is the other demon in our current public education system.