Teacher Pay Scale Reform Could Help Fill Vacancies, Raise Student Achievement | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Currently, North Carolina's salary schedule for teachers is tied to credentials and years of experience, rather than merit. Teachers who go above and beyond to raise student achievement aren't recognized for their accomplishments, while teachers who fulfill only the minimum requirements aren't financially incentivized to improve results. Reforming the teacher pay scale to reward merit would recognize excellence and encourage outstanding teachers to enter and remain in the profession.

    Reforming the teacher pay scale could also raise student achievement. A recent study examined reforms made to the teacher pay scale in the Dallas Independent School District and found "positive and significant effects of the reforms on math and reading achievement that increase over time." In 2015, the district had moved away from a compensation model tied to longevity and educational attainment and replaced it with one designed to measure effectiveness. The district's new model relies on several metrics, including student test scores, supervisor evaluations, and student feedback. The study's results affirmatively answer the question of "whether outcomes-based accountability including comprehensive educator evaluations and a closer relationship between effectiveness and compensation improves the quality of instruction and raises achievement."


    The Dallas Independent School District's successful reforms could serve as a model for North Carolina to emulate. Against a background of declining academic performance and post-pandemic learning loss, the state should consider reforming its teacher pay scale and allowing local school boards to make decisions about teacher pay. Now more than ever, students deserve the best education possible.