<p>Regarding the teacher shortages in critical locations or fields of study:</p>
<p>I also believe there are problems with the methods of computing teacher salaries. It is true that many starting salaries are poor. But after 20 years, they are quite good with great benefits, compared to other professions (see my previous post). At the same time, I see little incentives for working in tough areas, jobs well done, or methods to compensate teachers who have experience outside of the system. You can teach in a great school district, and you would be paid similar to those in a very tough school district. (no incentive to work at the tougher locations). It is my understanding that local teachers’ salaries are computed based on a strict point system which calculates the number of years experience within the school system and education level achieved. The good: you know exactly where you stand, and how to move “up the ladder”. The bad: There is little incentive to excel. You could be a mediocre teacher with 10 years experience, and will make the same salary as a great teacher with 10 years. The superintendent in our district even once said at a board meeting that they prefer to hire new graduates rather than those with experience, because it is more cost effective. Worse yet, I was surprised to learn that there are tenure type rules in place even at the high school level. I always thought that could only be found at the college level! </p>
<p>There is also no method (of which I am aware) to compensate anyone for life experience outside of the education system. Before I went into college, I seriously considered becoming a math teacher. I loved math. But, I was discouraged and told “there’s no future in education”. So, instead I pursued a professional degree. Now many areas are begging for math teachers, so I looked into switching careers some time ago. I’ve had limited experience in the classroom, but enjoyed many activities outside of school with students (teams, scouts, teaching gifted students in specialty classes, etc.). I also assumed my master’s degree and professional background with architectural and engineering classes could be a benefit to any math curriculum. Instead of being encouraged, I found major obstacles – as in told that I would need to go back to college for 4 years, and once finished, would start at the beginning of the pay scale in any school district. It seemed there was one path only to enter the education system. I decided we needed to save for our own children’s education before I could justify spending it on myself (again). Absolutely no encouragement at all. I bet there are others out there who might also consider teaching as a career if there were some method to encourage mid-level career changes without starting at the bottom. It seems such a wasted opportunity.</p>