Employees and stakeholders discuss teacher pay, development with committee
About 100 engaged stakeholders attended one of three town hall events in December to voice their input and suggestions around how HISD can improve the way it rewards and supports teachers.
The three meetings – two telephone town halls and one in-person event – were hosted by the Professional Educator Compensation and Support (PECAS) Committee.
The 100-member committee has been meeting since September to look at three key areas: teacher base pay, bonuses and incentives, and development and appraisal. Using those discussions, along with the input gathered during the town halls, the committee will provide “advice” to be presented to the district’s Board of Education during its retreat in January.
During the town hall events, Chief Academic Officer Dan Gohl asked participants to “dream big,” and all input would be taken into consideration.
“We want to make sure we hear as many voices on these topics as possible, and so tonight we invite you to share your open and candid reflections with us,” he said. “Share your suggestions for what we absolutely must do to make sure our teachers are getting what they need to help our students grow and develop each day.”
To date, the committee’s discussions have produced the following advice, much of which was confirmed during the town hall events:
- Use experience and effectiveness to determine teacher base pay
- Incentivize teachers who teach in high-needs schools and subjects
- Provide more meaningful professional development and more time to engage in it
- Solicit teacher feedback on how student performance should be measured
For more information about the PECAS Committtee, visit www.hisdeffectiveteachers.org/pecas.
