Lets Show Some Appreciation for Educators!

Economists Call for End to Teachers' Degree Bonuses

After reading the article entitled Economists Call for End to Teacher's Degree Bonuses, I was disturbed- especially since I am currently in a Masters program. Two things that I would like to discuss with the Economists and Mr. Bill Gates are: why not find a way to increase pay for educators versus cutting cost and did the studies include other factors which cause students to fail in school?

In my opinion, Educators are already underpaid. We are one of few occupations where employees are not guaranteed annually raises, but the dedicated workers still show up to work. Teachers do not have much opportunity to make career advancements, because once you are in a classroom the only other career advancement is administration or counseling. Lastly, teachers don't receive annual bonuses, holiday bonuses or make commission but we continue to spend our own money for supplies in the classroom. Incentives such as more money for an Advance Degrees is a positive.

Instead of spending time trying to find a way to cut school funding, how about we raise funds. In the United States, it is a sad fact that we would rather spend billions on sports and entertainment (athletes and actors) gather than invest in teachers. It's time to show some appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to the development of others. This is not an easy profession by any measures. If the Economists or Mr. Gates want to keep good teachers they must offer such incentives.

Although the study showed that teachers with a masters degree are not beneficial, I disagree. I have only been in a Masters program for half a year yet I feel that I have learned more in the last six months than I did during my four years of working on my Bachelors Degree. The problem is not the Masters degree. The problem is that teachers aren't given the chance to apply what they have learned because they are under pressure to make sure all students pass test. Maybe if teachers were allowed to use the things that they learned in their masters program versus teaching to the test they will see better results. Did the study fact in the behavior problems, lack of parent support, or limited amount of positive programs for students?

Those who choose to continue their education should be rewarded. When teachers invest time into learning beyond the basics this will benefit students. As I stated, the things that I learned in my Masters program will help students. I hope that people will decide to keep the bonus program otherwise I believe that people will begin to turn away from the teaching field and go into a career which will pay you for advanced training.