All teachers are not created equal

“In teaching, you go as fast as the slowest person,” summed up George Miller, House Education Committee Chairman in this article. He's introduced a new NCLB bill that gives federal grants to exemplary teachers and principals based on performance.

A concept historically unpopular with teacher unions, "merit pay" or "performance pay" has been viewed as unfair or subjective.

Consequently, teacher salaries have primarily been based on years of experience and the amount of education one has. (I know my mom got up to the "level 5" status, which I believe at the time was the highest pay range based on additional teaching "credits" she earned throughout her career)

But these days, bonus pay for teachers has gained some fans and it looks like folks at the federal level are taking notice.

The draft revision of NCLB proposes bonuses of up to $12,500 per year for teachers and up to $15,000 for exemplary principals who work in struggling schools. The highest bonuses would be given to those who teach math and science.

Teachers would be held to student test-score improvement, but also evaluated by principals and master teachers. The bill requires that performance pay plans be developed in collaboration with teachers unions. It also demands that districts first make progress on reducing class size, ensuring adequate supplies and materials, modernizing buildings and enhancing school safety.

It's about time we uneven the playing field. Because, let's face it. All teachers are not created equal.