Teachers in Denver, Colorado, pioneer merit pay system

For decades, the nation’ teachers could count on at least one constant—the longer they served, the more they’d earn. But now, that’s changing, thanks to relentless pressure to improve student achievement. In a growing number of schools, teachers’ future earnings now depend on how well they teach.

Denver has become a pioneer when it comes to performance pay. In 2005, the voters of Denver were asked to approve a $25 million funding boost in teacher pay. They said yes, but they wanted something in return, according to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. “Teachers are underpaid, I don’t think anyone argues that. But given the sentiment of the public, if they want to have taxpayers vote more taxes, they’re going to have to give some dramatic change in the way they go about teaching,” Hickenlooper said. Read more at National Public Radio ’s website.