Teacher merit pay

Teachers are professionals. Yet, they constantly have to prove that they are worthy of a pay raise. Merit pay is a controversial topic at my Miami-Dade County School. While many teachers, especially gifted ones, would benefit from merit pay, those teaching Special Education students might be penalized.

These students are expected to perform on the same level as their fellow students. When the school is given a letter grade, their results are computed, too. If the state insists on merit pay, at least compare SPED students to others with similar disabilities.

I worry that young teachers in Special Education will take their talents where they will be appreciated and respected.

This story was originally published February 12, 2015 at 6:35 PM with the headline "Teacher merit pay."