Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I've often heard this idea proposed before, with it suggested that teachers be paid based on the subject they teach (either the subject's supposed inherent difficulty or how hard the position is to fill). With all of the talk of reforming teacher compensation, does this idea make sense?
Yes it makes sense. Consider the competition for the services of a STEM teacher - he could make a lot more in industry. Every other occupation in the world works this way.
Yes, I think Math, Science and Technology should pay more to attract higher caliber people.
I also think these subject areas should look for industry people to come in and teach. Having some work history in the industry adds a lot to the teaching.
Yes, I think Math, Science and Technology should pay more to attract higher caliber people.
I also think these subject areas should look for industry people to come in and teach. Having some work history in the industry adds a lot to the teaching.
This a fine theoretical concept, but knowing a lot about a subject does not make you a good teacher. Teaching involves far more than content knowledge. A teacher that has a major in microbiology will never teach high school students the level of biology that they know. A teacher that knows less about biology, but has a knack for connecting with students will be far better for those students than a scientist with a PhD in Biology that doesn't understand the nuances of teaching.
That being said I would say that having a sliding scale based on need is a good thing. It may cause some teachers to go for the harder to get, yet higher paying positions.
As an example I went back to school in my 30's to get my teaching degree. My choice was to become a math teacher because I had very strong math skills. Since I had been out of school for several years when I took my placement test I did not score very high. Because all math classes have a previous math class as a prerequisite, I could only take one at a time. Based on this I changed to social studies because I could finish my degree in 1-1 1/2 years sooner doing that. If on the other hand I had been told that math teachers based on their need make several thousand dollars a year more, I may have gone that route. Having the sliding scale may also even out the need.
Only if you think subject matter expertise makes a difference. I think it does for higher classes but I am finding that what schools really want is not subject matter expertise but classes taught so everyone passes including kids who just don't do the work. For that, anyone could teach any class except maybe english. Seriously, I couldn't grade an english paper to save my life.
Last edited by Ivorytickler; 05-12-2012 at 09:37 AM..
Only if you think subject matter expertise makes a difference. I think it does for higher classes but I am finding that what schools really want is not subject matter expertise but classes taught so everyone passes including kids who just don't do the work. For that, anyone could teach any class except maybe english. Seriously, I couldn't grade an english paper to save my life.
Agree. For all the talk about raising the bar, at the end of the day they just want kids passing so they can get their Federal $$$$.
Agree. For all the talk about raising the bar, at the end of the day they just want kids passing so they can get their Federal $$$$.
I don't think much is going to change in education any time soon. As long as our focus is the bottom of the class, we'll be doing the limbo instead of raising the bar and all you need for that is someone who can manage a classroom.
How do you judge a subject's difficulty? Just because it is math or science?
Writing four part harmonies with proper voice leading can be very difficult. Ever have to reduce a full score including transpositions into a piano version?
Just because a teacher has to teach kindergarten doesn't mean it is easy. In fact, it is extraordinarily difficult. Try teaching a 5 year old to sit nevermind read and do math.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I don't think much is going to change in education any time soon. As long as our focus is the bottom of the class, we'll be doing the limbo instead of raising the bar and all you need for that is someone who can manage a classroom.
