Competitive Teaching: Forward

What does it mean to have real teacher pay for performance.

Forward: I have been working on this story for a while, and though I haven't really put all of this in one place, I need add this forward before I assemble the pieces, and before you read this through to the end. I am a teacher. I have been teaching for sixteen years as has my wife. We have seen many trends come and go in education, but we have not been in the system so long that we are inflexible. At the same time, we are also in a place that we have seen and been a part of good teaching and can describe the conditions of a bad classroom environment.

I have children of my own, and I have seen them through their teachers, both the good and the bad. I have been influenced more by their treatment and how their classes affect my family than my professional training.

Lastly, I am a real teacher. I did not come to teaching from another profession (I am not suggesting that good teachers aren't coming to teaching from the business world, but I will touch on the difference in my text). I was trained in a discipline and then when through a collegiate educators program that included classroom observations and student teaching. This cannot be stressed enough. I was required to observe teaching, look at the good and bad, discuss the differences and go back to watch again. I was required to teach, under the tutelage of a professional in the field so that my skills could be watched and dissected.

I want you to know that I take my job seriously and like other teachers who I respect, have integrity to my profession, genuine care for my students, and desire to be good at what I do. So when you read this, know that my view isn't arbitrary nor is it jaded by poor performance. I have been at the top of my career for many years and have received awards for my performance. I am a Nationally Board Certified Teacher who has been recognized for excellence from several outside organizations. I have supervised new teachers and have worked with colleges and universities on shaping the nature of teacher instruction. Ultimately, I like my job and intend to continue being a teacher. Now on with the show.

Part 1 Politicization of Teaching... Coming next