The Weekly Addresses

Filed in Delaware, National by on October 25, 2014

President Obama:

Governor Markell:

West Wing Week:

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  1. Mike Matthews says:
    October 25, 2014 at 9:34 am

    Interesting video from the governor. Too bad his plan to restructure teacher pay is not very popular — with teachers!

    I posted a comment on Facebook last night on this. Will try and repost here.

  2. Delaware Dem says:
    October 25, 2014 at 9:36 am

    I just about to say you should repost what you wrote on FB. Thanks Mike. If you can’t do it, I will.

  3. Mike Matthews says:
    October 25, 2014 at 9:45 am

    Here it is:

    I’ve been very open with the RCEA membership regarding the state’s plans to reconfigure teacher compensation. Gov. Jack Markell, some in the legislature, and the Department of Education have been pushing for this for over a year. A task force was formed and has met half-a-dozen times in recent months. The final report is due to the governor in less than a month and we are JUST NOW finally starting to get some answers and seeing how this plan would be fleshed out.

    The consensus? The members I’ve heard from are not pleased. And I’ve heard from MANY. Mostly from members with over 10 years of service who feel this new compensation plan — while starting salaries higher — completely devalues their experience in the classroom by capping compensation at year 10. Beyond year 10, if you want to make a higher salary, you have to be rewarded with a new position of Teacher Leader or Senior Teacher Leader, which would only be available to up to 25% of any school’s staff. Let’s not mention that the task force hasn’t even PROPOSED HOW these leadership roles would be filled or what qualifications would be required (hint: test scores), but to say only 25% could achieve a higher salary and that the remaining 75% would see their salaries remain stagnant for the rest of their teaching careers is offensive and completely devalues the profession.

    The plan also removes salary increases for teachers who go out for advanced degrees. Funny. I thought educators should VALUE education. And there’s also no plan to reinstate the National Board Certified Teacher stipends. NBCT is the gold standard of reflective practice for teachers who choose to take the time and complete the tasks needed for certification. NBCT stipends were cut in Gov. Markell’s first term.
    I’m proud to say my membership in RCEA is very engaged on this topic and will be appearing IN DROVES at two town hall meetings in NCC next week on Wednesday, the 29th. The first is at Bear Library from 4-5:30 and the second is on the fourth floor of the Carvel Building in Wilmington from 6:30-8. I will be at both and hope to see lots of familiar faces.

    Did I mention this plan is due to the governor in less than a month? Legislators, please pay attention to this one!

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