Diversifying Teacher Compensation

Publication Date: December 2005

Publisher: Education Commission of the State

Author(s): Kelsey Campbell; Patrick Byrnett; Jennifer Azordegan; Tricia Coulter; Josh Greenman

Research Area: Education

Keywords: Education commission; teacher standards; educational accountability ; student performance

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Diversifying the way teachers are paid – and in particular, paying teachers on some measure of performance – is gaining support as a possible vehicle to improve the quality of teaching. Some conclude that diversifying pay will promote accountability, increase student achievement, and attract and retain quality teachers where they are needed most.

Schools, districts and states are experimenting more than ever before with individual performance pay based on standards-based teacher evaluation scores, school based awards based on student performance gains, market incentives and pay for more professional development.

This issue paper provides an overview of the research on compensation systems. It presents key findings of recent attempts to diversify teacher pay and contains detailed summaries of leading programs and proposals at the district and school levels.