Many people have ideas on possible incentives that will lead to improved teacher performance. One of the most common ideas is financial rewards for the teachers of students who perform well on state and national tests. Here is an article that discusses various incentives.

National Education Policy Center (1/12/2012). Tapping into what makes teachers tick. Retrieved 1/12/2012 from http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=b4ad2ece093459cbf2afb759f&id=fd055b1f4f&e=f5144fcf99.

Brief Summary: Research shows that incentive programs that merely pay teachers for student test scores produce limited results; other incentives are more popular with teachers, produce better outcomes, and can be used to spread expertise to colleagues.

The article lists various incentives that research suggests are effective in improving education.

“In their review of the empirical evidence, Berry and Eckert note that “teacher incentive proposals are rarely grounded on what high-quality research indicates are the kinds of teacher incentives that lead to school excellence and equity.”

For example, the authors note that “empirical evidence, including large-scale studies and an increasing number of teacher testimonies, suggest that working conditions are far more important than bonuses.” Moreover, those important working conditions go well beyond the issues of time, class size, and the length of the workday. Policymakers need to focus on the conditions that allow teachers to teach effectively, including: “(1) principals who cultivate and embrace teacher leadership; (2) time and tools for teachers to learn from each other; (3) specialized preparation and resources for the highest needs schools, subjects, and students; (4) the elimination of out-of-field teaching assignments; (5) teaching loads that are differentiated based on the diversity and mobility of students taught; (6) opportunities to take risks; (7) integration of academic, social, and health support services for students; and (8) safe and well-maintained school buildings.”

I find this to be an interesting and insightful list. Schools and school districts vary widely in how well they embrace and implement these ideas. Good leadership provided by school administrators and by teachers can make substantial difference in a school.

I don’t see a single item in the list that I disagree with. I especially like the ideas of facilitating teachers as leaders and providing an environment in which teachers can learn from each other. I think of every teacher as a leader or potential leader. I encourage every teacher to develop pockets of excellence in area that particularly interest them, and to share their expertise with others.

I like to talk with teachers about what they think will improve education. Seymour Sarason is one of my favorite education authors. He has long argued for empowering teachers and students. As a necessary component in improving education. See http://i-a-e.org/newsletters/IAE-Newsletter-2010-48.html.

Suggestion to teachers: If you are a teacher, explore what can be done in your school to help implement some of the ideas in the list. Talk to your colleagues. Bring up some of the ideas at staff meeting.