The Peer Review Model for Managing a Career Ladder/Master Teacher/Performance Pay Program for Elementary and Secondary Schools.

To compete with other professions for the most able people, teaching needs a career ladder system for elementary and secondary teachers comparable to the peer review model offered in higher education. Such a system should consist of three levels. Following the initial, probationary position on the career ladder, that of beginning instructor, the majority of teachers would be appointed to the rank of professional teacher. The final step of the career ladder, that of master teacher, should command a significantly higher salary than that of the professional teacher and be accessible to a significant number of teachers. Master teacher positions should be announced like administrative positions; appointments should be made proportionately at the K-3, 4-6, junior high or middle school, and high school levels by a career ladder review panel composed of respected teachers, administrators, and others appointed by the superintendent. State legislators should appropriate funds specifically to the career ladder/master teacher program to help ensure its success. Career ladder review panels should be established as quickly as possible to respond to laws currently being enacted. These panels should involve teachers extensively both in the establishment of criteria for selecting master teachers and in the process of selection itself. (JBM)