It's bonus time, and some teachers don't like it

It's that time of year again where schools are doling out bonuses to teachers and staff members.

Schools receiving recognition funds have until Nov. 1 to set up their plans, or all the money goes to classroom teachers only. Meanwhile, the handful of Florida districts to adopt the Merit Award Program for performance pay have begun distributing the checks.

You might think that the distribution of checks, particularly in these tight economic times, would bring a smile. But the money is wrapped up in politics, so the awards aren't necessarily going down easily.

For example, just check out this Pensacola News-Journal story about how Escambia teachers are practically embarrassed to admit they received the performance bonus while their colleagues did not. Or see this morning's Times story about how top-rated schools can struggle to distribute recognition funds.

Many educators suggest that such extras should not come at the expense of all the dedicated people who work daily for students and schools at too low pay. They have asked lawmakers to put the cash into salaries first, but to no avail.

"We shouldn't punish our high-performing teachers and our high-performing schools in tough economic times," said Rep. John Legg, a member of the House Schools and Learning Council.

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Comments

[John]

Do I get the "bonus" money? My school earned an "A" last year and I retired this year. Was I not a part of the faculty that worked to earn the "A"?

the principle at

...the principal is your "PAL."

Many teachers choose not to take bonus money out of principle.

How about those dedicated teachers who work at special education center who will NEVER qualify for this bonus as they never give the FCAT? Is that fair?

the principle at my high school suggested that the bonus money should be divided up evenly among every one from the educator to the bus driver but would that be fair? to the educator that had to go to college why others just have to graduate from high school to get their job I agree that everybody deserves something but a even amounts to all would not be fair to all and this is the problem with the bonus incentive program it leaves schools divided on how to divide it!

Rep. Legg should realize that some teachers who earned these awards got laid off instead because their annual contracts couldn't be supported by the budget that was protecting bonuses while destroying the base.