The state’s biggest teachers’ union is speaking out against classroom reforms. Politicians are talking about new ways to pay teachers that put more emphasis on performance than on experience.
The North Carolina Association of Educators is scheduled to speak out against this proposal in Raleigh later on Tuesday morning. In the eyes of these critics, the proposal is both controversial and a dangerous bet for students. This all comes at a time when the United States is dealing with a teacher shortage.
A legislative panel in North Carolina proposed using standardized test results, peer assessments, and student questionnaires as factors in determining whether or not a teacher would be allowed to maintain their license. This was done as part of an effort to address staffing shortages in the state.
Teaching experience is a major factor in teacher compensation and advancement.
It is hoped that these modifications would improve hiring, raise salaries, and keep workers in their jobs longer.
The North Carolina Association of Educators says this approach lowers the criteria for becoming a teacher and does not address the underlying problems of retention and recruiting.
At Halifax Mall at 10:00 a.m., a group of education supporters, teachers, and parents will gather to discuss the potential consequences of this decision on public education. An updated plan will be submitted to the State Board of Education in the coming weeks. The next step would be for the General Assembly to approve the financing for it.
