A revolution underway: teacher performance-related pay

New plans considered by the Government say teachers who have poor performances could be paid less than their more competent colleagues. A cross-party group of MPs has drafted a report recommending performance-related pay schemes for teachers, in order to avoid worst performers to take advantage of the “rigid and unfair” salary scheme.

The group published a report today explaining that performance-related pay would encourage the best graduates to consider teaching careers. The idea behind the report is that teachers should obtain a reward for “offering the greatest value” to pupils’ education.

The cross party group is aware of the practical difficulties in place to apply such a revolutionary system. However, they are convinced that the outcome for pupils of having an outstanding teacher is invaluable and well worth the effort of overcoming such difficulties.

Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, has already contacted the body, which review teachers’ pay, suggesting to link pay and performance in the future.

Nick Gibb, the Schools minister, appeared on the same wavelength yesterday, when he reiterated Mr. Gove’s desire for more flexibility concerning teachers’ pay.

The report suggested also major changes on the way teachers are trained, shifting the emphasis from college-based education in favour of on-the-job training. The idea would be of mirroring the TeachFirst scheme, under which top graduates without education degree are allowed to train to become teachers in inner-city schools.

But the National Union of Teachers, has already attacked the report from the select committee warning that the introduction of performance related salary would end up in staff attempting to over-claim their “effect” on pupils’ grades.

Christine Blower, general secretary of the NUT, deeply attacked the report saying: “Payment by results is total nonsense. Children are not tins of beans and schools are not factory production lines. Successful schools rely on a collegiate approach and team working.”

“Performance-related pay [PRP] is not only inappropriate but also divisive. Children and young people differ and class intakes differ from year to year, making it impossible to measure progress in simplistic terms.”

“PRP will create even more difficulties for schools facing the most challenges because teachers will realise that they will get no thanks for teaching their students but will get more money by going elsewhere.”

Annalisa Ratti