Opportunity Culture: Wake County Schools Test Performance Pay System
TL/DR –
Wake County schools have been awarded a $13.5 million federal grant for performance pay in 24 high-needs schools, as well as a $3 million state grant to pilot a teacher coaching program in six schools. These efforts aim to make the teaching profession more attractive and tackle the state’s ongoing teacher shortage. However, some teachers have expressed concern that these programs are allowing state lawmakers to avoid addressing the need for broader teacher pay raises.
Wake County Schools to Pilot Different Payment Systems for Teachers
Wake County schools in North Carolina are introducing new methods of paying teachers more in a bid to attract and retain educators. The initiative will be piloted in 24 schools that have high needs as part of a federal grant for $13.5 million over the next three years, and a state grant of $3 million over the same timeframe.
Addressing Teacher Shortages
Amid a widespread teacher shortage, North Carolina’s largest school district hopes these grants will make the profession more appealing. The grants aim to provide a career path that keeps teachers in the classroom, contributing to student learning.
Performance Pay in Wake Schools
Wake County is not new to performance pay. The district used to offer bonuses and performance pay to teachers at five high-poverty schools through the Obama administration’s Race to the Top grant. This time, the federal Teacher and School Leader Incentive grant will be used to implement performance-based compensation systems at 24 schools. Teachers and leaders at these high-need schools will receive bonuses for meeting growth goals.
Advanced Teaching Roles
Advanced teaching roles allow top teachers to earn more by taking up additional leadership roles, without having to leave their classrooms. Some districts have used the Opportunity Culture model for their advanced teaching roles programs. Research suggests that the Opportunity Culture model results in academic gains at participating schools.
Opportunity Culture in Wake County
Wake County is now using the Opportunity Culture model in six of its schools under the state grant. The model will also be used in 62 schools across five districts. It allows excellent teachers to become “multi-classroom leaders”, working with beginning and struggling teachers. The collaboration among districts could result in a Wake science teacher remotely leading teachers in another district.
Compensation for Teachers
Despite ongoing discussions around new compensation models, many educators still feel the state should first provide fair compensation for all teachers. However, in response to growing demands for change from parents and students, schools are exploring creative methods such as Opportunity Culture to better support students and teachers.
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